Response of physalis (Physalis peruviana l.) to liming in acidic soils

Abstract

Physalis is an herbaceous plant that produces edible fruits with a bittersweet flavor. This species has a high cropping potential attracting attention of farmers, traders and consumers. The effects of soil acidity indices on nutrient uptake, optimal growth, yield and fruit quality of physalis in acidic soils were evaluated. The study was conducted in a greenhouse with four lime requirements in completely randomized design and five replications. Dolomitic limestone was applied to the soils at rates of 0, 0.6, 1.4, and 2.3 t ha-1 (Typic Quartzipsamment) and 0, 0.8, 1.8, and 2.8 t ha-1 (Rhodic Hapludox). Plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry weight, longitudinal and transverse diameters of the fruits, macro and micronutrient concentrations in leaves, and soil chemical properties were evaluated. Liming is an essential practice for the cultivation of Physalis peruviana L. in the acidic soils, where it is aimed to achieve higher yields and quality fruit. The results highlighted the high demands of physalis for Ca, Mg, and base saturation, and low tolerance to aluminum in the soil. Maximum growth, yield and fruit quality was obtained with the application of 1.8 t lime ha-1 for both soils. The determined standards for pH in water, tolerated aluminum saturation, desired base saturation and calcium and magnesium requirements were 6.4, 5.0 %, 67 % and 25,8 mmolc dm-3, respectively.