Production, seeds and carbohydrate contents of cape gooseberry (<em>Physalis peruviana</em> L.) fruits grown at two contrasting Colombian altitudes

Abstract

In the Boyacá region (5ºN 73ºW) of Colombia, cape gooseberry ecotypes ‘Kenya’, ‘South Africa’ and ‘Colombia’ were grown at 2,300 and 2,690 m altitude above sea level during 10 months. With increasing altitude a reduction in fruit production was observed, principally through the smaller fruit number, whereas fruit weight units were not affected. The two African ecotypes developed heavier fruits but with a smaller fruit number per plant compared to those of the Colombian origin. The greatest harvest peak at 2,300 m was obtained five months after planting (128 fruits/plant) and decreased continuously during the following pickings. At 2,690 m highest harvest peak was obtained 10 months after planting (78 fruits/plant). Elevation also influenced fruit development, which lasted 75 days at 2,690 m and 66 days at 2,300 m. Percentage of dry matter and sucrose accumulation in fruits increased with decreasing altitude. Fruit glucose and fructose contents remained unaffected by the altitudinal factor. At the high location, fruits produced a smaller number and weight of seeds.