The development and cultivation of tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) under the climatic conditions of Poland. I. Local cultivars, growth of aboveground vegetative parts, probable resistance to Phytophthora infestans

Abstract

Tomatillo (<i>Physalis ixocarpa</i> Brot.) grows in Poland much like in Mexico although its development cycle is much longer and lasts 6 months. It was sown at the beginning of April in a heated greenhouse, and transferred later on to a heated plastic tunnel. It was transplanted to a field about May 20 when danger of frosts had passed. Three local cultivars of Mexican origin were used and are briefly described. Their vegetative growth characteristics in Poland were similar to that of cv. Rendidora, which was described earlier in Mexico. The tomatillo internodes and leaves became progressively smaller with age. Tomatillo leaves and fruits were not attacked by <i>Phytophthora infestans</i> in the field and laboratory. Inoculation with tomato strains of this disease was without effect.