Abstract
The aim of this study, which involved a field experiment conducted in north-eastern Poland, is to evaluate the phytometric parameters, yield, and biological value of fruit of three tomatillo cultivars grown in soil mulched with black PE (polyethylene) film and covered with PE film and non-woven PP (polypropylene) fabric. A two-factor field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2017–2018 in the Agricultural Experiment Station owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. In the control treatment, tomatillo plants were grown without protective covers or mulch. Tomatillo fruits were harvested gradually, upon physiological maturity, which was determined based on changes in the color of the peel and calyx, and the aroma. The growth and development of tomatillos were evaluated based on plant measurements performed in the field. The chemical composition of tomatillo fruits was analyzed at the stage of full fruiting. During the three-year study, the weight, vertical diameter, and horizonal diameter of fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The combined use of mulch and plant covers accelerated fruit ripening. The total and marketable yields of tomatillo fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The fruit of cv. ‘Purple’ had the highest content of dry matter, total sugars, extract, β-carotene, and total polyphenols.
Highlights
According to Engels et al [1], Robledo-Torres et al [2], Ramírez-Godina et al [3], Ramos-López et al [4], and Ramos-López et al [5], the tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem.), known as the Mexican husk tomato, is native to Mesoamerica where it was grown by the indigenous peoples before the arrival of Europeans
The chemical composition of tomatillo fruits was analyzed at the stage of full fruiting in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn to determine the content of: dry matter (DM) by drying to constant weight at 105 ◦ C (Dry matter determination by the gravimetric method, PN-90/A-75101/03); total sugars by the Luff-Schoorl method (Determination of the content of sugars and reducing sugars, PN-90/A-75101/07); extract by the refractometric method (PN-90A-75101/02) with the use of the Conbest Abbe Kern ORT 1RS refractometer (Kern Optics, Germany); βcarotene by column chromatography (Processed fruits and vegetables, PN-90/A-75101/12); total polyphenols by the spectrometric method
The weather conditions during the field experiments differed from the long-term average of 1981–2010, but they were conducive to the growth and development of tomatillo plants
Summary
According to Engels et al [1], Robledo-Torres et al [2], Ramírez-Godina et al [3], Ramos-López et al [4], and Ramos-López et al [5], the tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem.), known as the Mexican husk tomato, is native to Mesoamerica where it was grown by the indigenous peoples before the arrival of Europeans. Protective covers (perforated PE film non-woven PP fabric) and soil mulching can effectively protect thermophilous vegetable species grown in the field against adverse environmental conditions [10,11]. Majkowska-Gadomska [11], Kaniszewski et al [12], and Krzysztofik [13] found that plant covers had a beneficial influence on the productivity and quality of thermophilous vegetables Both PE film and PP fabric help control the microclimate around plants, accelerating their growth and increasing yields. Mulching provides a physical barrier to evaporation, contributes to weed control and protects plants against soil contaminants. It promotes more efficient nutrient utilization by plants and improves soil structure [16]
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