Physalis (goldenberry): native fruit species of the sub-Andean Yungas with high cultivation potential in Argentina
ADVANCES IN HORTICULTURE - REVIEW | Quiroga, R.J. - Kirschbaum, D.S.
Tags: berries, native germplasm, innovation, productive diversification, functional foods
The objective of this review is to highlight the potential and feasibility of the cultivation of native species of the sub-Andean Yungas, Physalis peruviana and P. pubescens, in Argentina. Both species produce fruits with similar characteristics, being almost indistinguishable. Some names of the fruit are Physalis, cape gooseberry, capulí, aguaymanto, Cape goosberry or goldenberry. It is an exotic fruit of worldwide growing interest, mainly for its nutraceutical properties and excellent prices in Europe and the US, where it is considered a "speciality" fruit. It grows in environments with thermal ranges from 5 to 35°C, with a base temperature of 6.29°C and an optimal temperature of 21°C, requiring a constant supply of water, with demands in the range of 1000 to 1800 mm of precipitation, well distributed throughout the year. The main pests are Epitrix cucumeris (Coleoptera), Chloridea (Heliothis) subflexa (Lepidoptera) and Liriomyza sp. (Diptera). The most important pathogen is Fusarium oxysporum, followed by Phoma sp., Pythium sp., Cercospora physalidis and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fruit can be affected by postharvest pathogens such as Botrytis sp., Cladosporium, Pestalotia and Phomopsis. In Tucumán, INTA-Famaillá carried out adaptation tests with both Physalis species, verifying their agronomic viability. Argentina’s northwestern region has developed as an agro-export hub for fresh berries to the northern hemisphere, where the main consumer markets for goldenberry are located, constituting an opportunity. The processing of goldenberry allows the production of stable, sensory-pleasant products, broadening the possibilities of commercialization, and allowing the addition of value (pulp, nectars, juices, jams, dehydrated products, energy bars, sauces, ice cream, etc.).