Introduction, Characterisation and Evaluation of Husk Tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) Genotypes under Temperate Climate

The performance of 10 husk tomato genotypes under temperate conditions was observed during 2010–12. The result revealed significant variation for all the morphological, growth, fruiting and yield attributes in various genotypes. Maximum number of basal shoots was recorded in genotype EC467440 (7.0), whereas, number of prickles/shoot were recorded maximum (8.33) in EC467449. Maximum size of fully developed leaf (147.00 mm), plant height (168.33 cm) and maximum time taken for bud burst (29.33 days) was recorded in EC467459, whereas, maximum time taken from bud burst to flowering was found in EC467449 (37.67 days). Duration of fruit bloom was recorded maximum in EC467459 and EC467440 (66.0 days in each). Maximum days taken for maturity (75.0 days), maximum number of fruit/plant (260.67), maximum fruit weight (37.67 g), highest fruit husk ratio (1.21), maximum yield/plant (9.69 g) and maximum fruit firmness (RI) (44.10) were recorded in EC467459. Total soluble solid content ranged from 6.50–11.50°B and highest value was recorded in EC467440 (11.50° B). The value of juice percentage of fruits ranged was recorded maximum (3.49%) in EC467459. The titrable acid content in fruits was estimated the lowest (0.36%) in EC467445. Ascorbic acid content was estimated maximum in EC467459 (24.27mg/100g). The maximum ‘L’ value indicating brightness was found in EC467439 (64.15), whereas ‘a’ value indicating redness was recorded highest in EC467435 (−2.44) and ‘b’ value indicating yellowness was observed maximum in EC467440 (35.50). Study reveals that genotypes EC467459, 467455, 467440, 467435, 467439, 467446 and 467450 can be used as elite selections for the temperate regions. However, further studies are required for development of complete package of practices for further commercial cultivation.