ISHS Acta Horticulturae 662: VII International Symposium on Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and Subtropics
BREEDING ANDEAN SOLANACEAE FRUIT CROPS FOR ADAPTATION TO SUBTROPICAL CLIMATES |
| Authors: | J. Prohens, A. Rodríguez-Burruezo, F. Nuez |
| Keywords: | pepino, tamarillo, cape gooseberry, naranjilla, new crops |
| Abstract:
The Andean region know as the “Sierra” is home to several Solanaceae fruit crops that can be of interest for introduction in subtropical regions. Here we study the problems of adaptation to a Mediterranean subtropical climate of four crops cultivated for their juicy and aromatic fruits: pepino (Solanum muricatum), tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea), cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) and naranjilla (Solanum quitoense). For pepino, the main problem is that the fruit set and quality are highly sensitive to temperatures above 30°C. Screening of germplasm allowed identification of strongly parthenocarpic accessions that have a good fruit set in a wide range of temperatures. Breeding programmes consisting in crossings between parthenocarpic and good quality clones have allowed the development of high yielding cultivars adapted to subtropical conditions. In the case of tamarillo, it adapts well to frost free areas, but is sensitive to wind gusts, especially when the plant is laden with fruits. Selection of varieties that respond to post-harvest applications of ethephon and that have a greater fruit quality has resulted in the identification of varieties adapted to our conditions. Cape gooseberry performs well during the summer season in the open air, but has excessive vegetative growth when grown in greenhouse. Selection of accessions with good performance and development of hybrids heterotic for yield and fruit size has contributed to a better adaptation of this crop. Regarding naranjilla, despite testing different varieties, no success has been obtained in the adaptation of this crop, as it seems to require cloudy and high humidity environments and has many fruit set and pathogenic problems. However, the introduction of this crop in humid environments seems possible. Results show that exploitation of genetic variation of Andean Solanaceae fruit crops increases the opportunity to succeed in achieving adaptation to subtropical climates. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
