Reproductive system and agronomic performance of the wild husk tomatillo Physalis gracilis

Abstract Physalis gracilis is a wild perennial herb with sweet, orange-colored fruits harvested for household consumption in Mexico. For species with potential for cultivation and nutritional value, a basic information is known their reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive system of P. gracilis and its agronomic performance. Floral longevity and development stages were determined in 30 flower buds until floral senescence, using individuals grown under greenhouse and open-field conditions. Six artificial cross treatments were conducted to characterize the reproductive system, and self-incompatibility and pollen limitation indices were calculated. Stigma receptivity was assessed using hydrogen peroxide. To assess agronomic performance, an open-field crop was established within three accessions, each with 48 individuals (in total 144 plants); six descriptors were evaluated from five fruits per plant per descriptor. Artificial crossing showed that the three accessions exhibited a completely self-incompatible reproductive system; however, it was not pollen limitated. P. gracilis responded positively to agricultural management (93.8% plant survival) and showed a potential average yield of 8.178 t·ha − 1 . Equatorial diameter of the fruit ranged from 11 to 22 mm. The average sweetness was 11.29° Brix, and the pH was 4.18. This study demonstrates that P. gracilis could be a candidate as a new open-field crop with desirable fruit traits, such as weight, size, and sweetness.