ISHS Acta Horticulturae 158: X African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
NARANJILLA: A POTENTIAL CASH CROP FOR THE SMALL FARMER IN LATIN AMERICA* |
| Authors: | F.G. Dennis Jr, R.C. Herner, S. Camacho |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1985.158.55 |
| Abstract:
Naranjilla or lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.), a solanaceous species native to Ecuador and Colombia, is an important cash crop for small farmers in these two countries. The plant has also been grown in Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica and Africa, and has considerable economic potential as a labor intensive, high value crop in other regions of the world where ecological conditions permit its cultivation, provided markets can be developed. An international ad hoc panel selected naranjilla as one of 35 "under-exploited tropical plants with promising economic value in developing countries". Availability of fruit in South American markets is decreasing rapidly as sites become unusable because of nematode infestation and other problems. Factors that limit the exploitation of naranjilla include its exacting climatic requirements, susceptibility to pathogens and parasites and apparent high requirements for nutrients, and limited markets. Attempts to study these factors and to develop methods of overcoming them have been limited and uncoordinated. These problems were discussed at a conference in Quito, Ecuador in July 1982, and tentative plans made for a cooperative research program to seek solutions. Solanum quitoense Lam., known as "naranjilla" in Ecuador and as "lulo" in Colombia, is presumed to have originated in one of these two countries. Although it has not been found in a truly wild state, closely related wild species do occur. No cultivars are known, all plants being propagated from seed collected from previous crops. However, two varieties occur, one the spineless form widely grown in Ecuador, and the other spiny form grown in Colombia that some authorities call S. quitoense Lamarck var. septentrionale. Spines occur on both leaves and fruits of these plants. The plant is a perennial which attains a height of 1 to 2m within 3 to 4 years from seeding (Figure 1), bears pubescent purplish leaves up to 60cm. in length, and yields bright orange tomato-like berries approximately 5cm. in diameter (Figure 2). The fruit are also pubescent, but the stiff hairs are easily brushed off. The name "naranjilla" (Spanish for "little orange") apparently arose because of the appearance of the fruit, but the juice is green and sour. Delicious cold drinks (refrescos) and desserts can be prepared by adding sugar, water, and ice to the sour juice. Much of the flavor is lost in canning, however, and this has limited demand for the processed product. The fruit contain considerable vitamin A (600 units per 100 g) and ascorbic acid (25 mg/100 g fresh wt.). | |
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