Physicochemical properties of Colombian cape gooseberry hybrids in the selection of high-quality materials

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Colombian cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) hybrids and to select those with the highest fruit quality based on a selection index. A total of 36 cape gooseberry hybrids obtained from crossings between nine double haploid lines from the Tibaitatá Research Center of Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research were evaluated. The trials were conducted in a randomized complete block design, in four locations (environments), corresponding to the municipalities of Ipiales, Gualmatán, Puerres, and Pasto, in the department of Nariño, Colombia. The following variables were evaluated: cracking percentage (CP), fruit weight with calyx (FWC), juice content (JC), total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS), maturity index (MI), firmness (F), ascorbic acid (AA), and respiration rate (RR). CP was affected by the environment, showing lower values in Ipiales, Gualmatán, and Puerres. The hybrid factor significantly affected all assessed variables, except RR. The selected hybrids showed higher values for TSS, MI, FWC, and AA, besides lower values for CP and RR. The 3x9 hybrid stands out for presenting averages that are high for AA (42.59 mg 100 g-1) and MI (7.91) and low for RR (49.2 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1).