Agromorphological characterization of wild and weedy populations of Physalis angulata in Mexico

Abstract

Some species of Physalis develop fruits that are appreciated as fruit and as culinary ingredients. Only Physalis peruviana and Physalis philadelphica are grown on a larger scale in America. Physalis angulata is grown on a small scale in Jalisco, Mexico. It is a wild species with extensive cultivation potential in tropical areas and a model of wide interest due to its phytochemical, pharmacological, and nutraceutical properties. The objectives of this study were to carry out the agromorphological characterization of wild and weedy populations of P. angulata, to determine if differences exist between both conditions, and to identify populations with outstanding agronomic attributes. Eleven populations were selected that represent the area of Mexico where this species is traditionally cultivated and consumed. A cultivated population was also used for comparison. The characterization was done with 13 descriptors and multivariate methods. A nested PERMANOVA indicated that no significant differences exist between the wild and weedy condition. The classification and ordination analyses confirmed that the condition does not determine the patterns of variation, nor does it explain the formation of the two groups identified. These analyses also demonstrated the variability in the vegetative attributes and fruit in both conditions. In addition, these analyses showed that four populations exhibit similar agronomic characteristics —a greater number of fruits per plant, of larger size (>14 mm) and more weight (>1.5 g), greater precocity (germination 4–7 days), and higher germination percentage (>95%)— to the cultivated populations. The production per hectare estimated for these populations (11–14 and up to 28 t ha−1) is similar to that recorded for other wild tomato species and slightly lower than that of P. philadelphica. Due to their agronomic attributes, these populations can be part of a core collection for a breeding program. The genetic basis of P. angulata is wide and allows the agronomic evaluation and response to nutrition trials of outstanding genotypes, which will favor greater production.