Search Results (14)

Husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) is a crop of major economic, cultural, and nutritional importance in Mexico and exhibits substantial genetic and morphological diversity. Characterizing this variability is essential for both germplasm conservation and breeding programs. During the spring–summer 2024 growing season, 28 husk tomato populations were evaluated at the Bajío Experimental Station (INIFAP), Guanajuato, Mexico, using a completely randomized design with 12 replications. Forty-one traits were assessed following UPOV and IPGRI descriptors. Cluster analysis, canonical discriminant analysis, and the ESIM selection index were applied. A total of 77 morphotypes were identified, exhibiting variation in 33 of the 41 evaluated traits, mainly related to growth habit, leaf morphology, fruit traits, and calyx attributes. Correspondence analysis revealed a close relationship between vegetative growth and fruit size. Cluster analysis clustered the morphotypes into six clusters with no clear geographic structure, suggesting extensive gene flow. Canonical discriminant analysis explained 94.65% of the total variation, identifying seed size, leaf dimensions, and number of anthers as key discriminant traits. The ESIM index highlighted six morphotypes with favorable agronomic and morphological combinations. These results provide a practical basis for the selection of parental materials in husk tomato breeding programs under diverse agroecological conditions. Full article

Pulque is a traditional Mexican beverage produced through the fermentation of agave sap (aguamiel). Its primary sensory properties are attributed to the fermentative activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Zymomonas mobilis. However, the overproliferation of these microorganisms results in an extremely short shelf life, which hinders its commercialization. Tomatillo accrescent calyx extract (TACE) shows potential as a food preservative due to its high physalin content. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding microencapsulated TACE on the shelf life and organoleptic properties of pulque. The extract demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against L. mesenteroides, Z. mobilis, and S. cerevisiae, successfully delaying further fermentation. Additionally, the addition of TACE prevented an excessive increase in acidity, maintaining values suitable for consumption for up to 15 days, in accordance with regulatory standards, while the viscosity and alcohol content were not negatively affected. These findings suggest that TACE has significant potential for preserving both the microbiological and sensory quality of pulque. Full article

Salt stress severely constrains agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated exogenous proline as an osmoprotector in Physalis ixocarpa Brot. (Mexican husk tomato) under salinity. Germination screening identified 75 mM NaCl as a threshold stress level, reducing germination by 38.9% while maintaining seedling viability. Proline pretreatment (30-min imbibition) at 8 mM restored germination to 78% and fresh weight to control levels under salt stress. In vitro experiments revealed that 8 mM proline enhanced chlorophyll content above salt-stressed controls while reducing root length from 9.72 to 5.08 cm, indicating resource reallocation toward photosynthetic protection. Infrared spectroscopy showed characteristic polysaccharide shifts and bands potentially associated with proline incorporation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry metabolomics of stem–leaf extracts revealed salt-induced synthesis of nitrogenous osmolytes (such as long-chain amines) and carbohydrate reorganization from α-D-glucopyranoside to β-D-riboside. Proline treatment restored the original carbohydrate profile while generating pyrrolidine derivatives (2.83%), evidence of active proline metabolism. Phenolic antioxidants (e.g., catechol) present in controls were absent under both salt stress and proline treatment, suggesting that proline’s protective mechanism may operate through metabolic regulation of osmolyte pathways and membrane stabilization rather than inducing phenolic antioxidant synthesis. These findings demonstrate proline’s multifaceted protective mechanisms and support its potential application for enhancing salt tolerance in this crop. Full article

Husk tomatoes are used in salsa and traditional medicine to alleviate illnesses. Market demand requires husk tomato varieties with improved agronomic and physicochemical health benefits. Mutagen application alters plant genomes, creating new traits and genetic diversity. The efficacy of EMS (ethyl methanesulfonate) was examined for morphology, bioactive compounds, and phytochemical improvement. Three husk tomato genotypes representing Physalis philadelphica and Physalis ixocarpa underwent two hours of 1.4% EMS. In addition to yield and yield-related properties, total phenol, antioxidant activity, chlorophyll a and b levels in leaves and fruits, and phytochemical concentrations of Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and K in fruits were measured. Genotype-dependent morphological changes were found. The mutants C1T6 (85 cm) and C1T7 (87.60 cm) were shorter than Control C1 (102 cm). The highest yield was 5.80 g for C1T5; Control C1 produced 3.08. The mutant C2T6 produced the most (5.99 g) compared to its control (2.85 g). Mutants had higher total phenol, antioxidant activity, and leaf/fruit chlorophyll. C1T2 had the highest antioxidant activity (1.19 ng/µL). C2T1 outperformed Control C2 at 1.54 ng/µL phenolic content. C3T2 had the highest Ca content (1822 µg/g), while Control C3 had 861.20 µg/g. Mutations altered phytochemical composition, which can be used to generate nutritionally superior husk tomato varieties. Additionally, scientists will be able to study mutants with advantageous morphological and biochemical traits, enabling extensive research. Furthermore, the mutants will serve as a genetic repository for the progression of breeding procedures. Full article

This study investigated the chemical and sensory distinctions in tomato fruits from three Physalis species (P. ixocarpa, P. angulata, and P. philadelphica) found in Michoacán, Mexico, using metabolomic fingerprinting through GC-MS analysis. The objective was to identify organoleptic differences that could influence consumer preferences, highlighting the significance of these species’ unique traits. These species represented a valuable genetic reservoir for potential hybridization or selection aimed at enhancing commercial varieties by focusing on organoleptic properties rather than traditional selection criteria like fruit size or yield. This research emphasizes the importance of preserving Mexican biodiversity and providing insights into domestication processes that prioritize flavor and sensory qualities. By analyzing metabolite profiles and their correlation with taste preferences, this study contributes to understanding how these differences could be leveraged in breeding programs to develop new tomato varieties with preferred flavors. It was suggested that variations in taste among the species are mainly due to differences in metabolite expression. This knowledge underscores the importance of organoleptic properties in the selection and domestication of edible fruits, offering a pathway toward the conservation and enhancement of tomato varieties through the exploitation of genetic diversity for organoleptic improvement. Full article

Green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa) is a specie native to Mexico, and it is known as “tomatillo” or “husk tomato”. The fruit contains vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and steroidal lactones, presenting antimicrobial activity and antinarcotic effects. Therefore, it is not only used in traditional Mexican cuisine, but also in traditional medicine to relieve some discomforts such as fever, cough, and amygdalitis. However, it is a perishable fruit whose shelf life is very short. As a part of the peel, cuticle, and epicuticular waxes represent the most important part in plant protection, and the specific composition and structural characterization are significant to know how this protective biopolymer keeps quality characteristics in fresh fruits. P. ixocarpa cutin was obtained by enzymatic treatments (cellulase, hemicellulose, and pectinase) and different concentrations of TFA, and studied through Cross Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CPMAS ¹³C NMR), Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), and was morphologically characterized by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The main constituents identified under the basis of UHPLC-MS analysis were 9,10,18-trihydroxy-octadecanoic acid and 9,10-epoxy-18-hydroxy-octadecanoic acid with 44.7 and 37.5%, respectively. The C16 absence and low occurrence of phenolic compounds, besides the presence of glandular trichomes, which do not allow a continuous layer on the surface of the fruit, could be related to a lower shelf life compared with other common fruits such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Full article

An Acinetobacter calcoaceticus UTMR2 strain was evaluated in tomatillo plants (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) using a factorial design with different potassium doses (100, 75, 50 and 0% of the recommended dose). In addition to the agronomic parameters, an analysis of the physicochemical, antioxidant, and metabolomic properties of the fruit was performed. The application of the inoculant affected several parameters of the plant (chlorophyll, weight, and contents of several mineral elements) as well as of the fruit (yield, maturity index, FRAP antioxidant capacity, and contents of protein, fiber, and fat). A multivariate analysis was performed by means of a PCA and a heatmap, indicating that the inoculant induced a strong modulating activity in tomatillo plants for the evaluated parameters, with a remarkable effect at low K doses (0 and 50%). The inoculated treatment at 75% of the K dose resulted in similar plant and fruit characteristics to the fully fertilized control. On the other hand, the biofertilized treatment with no K addition resulted in the highest values in the plant and fruit parameters. In addition, from the metabolomics analysis of the fruits at 75% of the K dose, the up-regulation of 4,4″-bis(N-feruloyl)serotonin, salvianolic acid K, and chlorogenic acid was observed, which may have a role in anti-senescence and resistance mechanisms. In conclusion, the rhizobacterial strain had a positive effect on plant growth, nutritional quality, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of tomatillo fruits at reduced doses of K fertilizer, which gives support for its consideration as an effective biofertilizer strain. Full article

Physalis macrophysa (PMA) and Physalis ixocarpa (PIX) have significant economic, medicinal, and ornamental value and are often used in the fields of edible fruits, medicinal herbs, and ornamental plants. In the present study, we obtained the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences of PMA and PIX, compared to the cp genome sequences of 10 Physalis species, and constructed the phylogenetic tree among the tribe Physaleae. The results showed that the cp genomes of PMA and PIX consisted of a large single copy (LSC) region (87,115 bp and 87,103 bp, respectively), a small single copy (SSC) region (18,412 bp and 18,420 bp, respectively), and a pair of same-length inverted-repeat (IRa and IRb) regions (25,604 bp and 25,674 bp, respectively). The two species contained 132 genes, including 87 encoding proteins, eight encoding ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and 37 encoding transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which indicated that the two species have strong similarities with respect to genome structure and gene content. PMA and PIX contained repeat sequences (35 and 40, respectively) and simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) (61 and 60, respectively). Nine regions with considerable nucleotide divergence were found, most of which were located in the LSC and SSC regions. The gene selective pressure analysis indicated that eight genes were affected by positive selection, the Ka/Ks values of which were greater than one. Our phylogenetic results indicated that PMA and PIX had the closest genetic relationship and are closely adjacent to Physalis philadelphica (PPH) in the subtribe Physalinae. Our analysis of the cp genomes in both Physalis species will be beneficial for further research into species identification, phylogeny, evolution, and the potential for germplasm resource exploitation in Physalis. Full article

Michoacan state has a long history in plant domestication’s. Physalis ixocarpa is a native plant that growth associated to maize crops from this region. Due to the domestication process includes the adaptation to environmental factors, we ask if (1) Does P. ixocarpa has the capacity of association with bacterial communities of the zone where it was domesticated? and (2) Does the rhizobiome of this plant can increase the potential functions in the soil? An experiment was established in a traditional milpa system. Samples of rhizobiome from corn, P. ixocarpa, P. philadelphica, and soil were sequenced using Next Generation Sequencing in the region 16S. The potential function, metabolic pathway reconstruction and participation of each bacteria genus was inferred using iVikodak platform. A total of 34 Phyla and 795 genera were identified. Purine metabolism’s was the principal function, where all rhizobiomes showed similar metabolic pathways. However, the difference among plant species is the participation of the distinct genera in the Purine metabolism. We conclude that the rhizobiome of P. ixocarpa maintains the capacity of bacterial association in the region and shows complementarity for the soil functions. Therefore, their utilization can be helpful in zones where the agricultural practices have degraded microbiological soil conditions. Full article

The aim of this study, which involved a field experiment conducted in north-eastern Poland, is to evaluate the phytometric parameters, yield, and biological value of fruit of three tomatillo cultivars grown in soil mulched with black PE (polyethylene) film and covered with PE film and non-woven PP (polypropylene) fabric. A two-factor field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2017–2018 in the Agricultural Experiment Station owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. In the control treatment, tomatillo plants were grown without protective covers or mulch. Tomatillo fruits were harvested gradually, upon physiological maturity, which was determined based on changes in the color of the peel and calyx, and the aroma. The growth and development of tomatillos were evaluated based on plant measurements performed in the field. The chemical composition of tomatillo fruits was analyzed at the stage of full fruiting. During the three-year study, the weight, vertical diameter, and horizonal diameter of fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The combined use of mulch and plant covers accelerated fruit ripening. The total and marketable yields of tomatillo fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The fruit of cv. ‘Purple’ had the highest content of dry matter, total sugars, extract, β-carotene, and total polyphenols. Full article

Alkaline soils with low buffering capacity are susceptible to amendments such as biochar or biofertilizers, which could drastically alter their pH. For that, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a low biochar and biofertilizer addition to improve soil characteristics and the use of nutrients to reduce the doses of chemical fertilizer. For that, we measured the initial effect of biochar addition on the soil characteristics. Then, to evaluate the changes produced by biochar and biofertilizer on cultivated soil, we carried out a greenhouse experiment with Physalis ixocarpa for two crop cycles. We also studied the nutrient use efficiency, comparing chemical fertilization at 100% (without biochar) against 50% and 20% with biochar on crop yield, plant height, fruit weight, and root length. Finally, we compared the combination of biochar and biofertilizer with the treatments mentioned earlier. The results showed that after adding 0.2% of bamboo biochar, bulk density (BD) decreased while CEC, as well as OM, P_av, Fe, and Cu contents, increased in the soil. The combination of biochar and biofertilizer improved WHC, P_av, and OM comparing to the soil added with biochar. We found that the bamboo biochar and nopal-based fertilizer are suitable improvers for the studied soil. Full article

Tricolorin A acts as pre- and post-emergence plant growth inhibitor. In pre-emergence it displays broad-spectrum weed control, inhibiting germination of both monocotyledonous (Lolium mutliflorum and Triticum vulgare) and dicotyledonous (Physalis ixocarpa and Trifolium alexandrinum) seeds, being the dicotyledonous seeds the most inhibited. Tricolorin A also inhibited seedling growth, and seed respiration, and since the concentrations required for inhibiting both germination and respiration were similar, we suggest that respiration is one of its targets. Tricolorin A at 60 µM acts as a post- emergence plant growth inhibitor by reducing dry plant biomass by 62%, 37%, 33%, and 22% for L. multiflorum, T. alexandrinum, T. vulgare, and P. ixocarpa, respectively, 18 days after its application. In order to determine the potency of tricolorin A as a plant growth inhibitor, paraquat was used as control; the results indicate that tricolorin A acts as a non-selective post-emergence plant growth inhibitor similar to paraquat, since both reduced the biomass production in P. ixocarpa and T. alexandrinum. Therefore, we suggest that tricolorin A will be a good biodegradable herbicide for weeds. Full article

The n-hexane extract of S. salignus plants inhibited ATP synthesis and two sesquiterpenes, the b-caryophyllene (1) and caryophyllene oxide (2) were isolated from this nonpolar fraction. Compound 1 inhibited by 42% the root elongation of Physalis ixocarpa seedlings at 50 µg/mL and by 53% at 150 µg/mL, whereas at 150 µg/mL this compound only inhibited root elongation of Echinochloa crus-galli by 30%. On the other hand, compound 2 had no effect on either germination or root and stem growth of E. cruss galli and P. ixocarpa. However, 1 and 2 inhibited the dry biomass of P. ixocarpa plants grown for 18 days previous to treatment and it was found that 1 was the most active biomass inhibitor. The Chl a fluorescence transient in vivo experiment indicates that 1 (100 µg/mL) has a major effect at 72 h after treatment on leaves of P. ixocarpa plants by inhibiting photosystem II (PS II) transforming active reaction centers to “heat sinks” or the formation of silent reaction centers unable to reduce Q_A. b-Caryophyllene also induces chlorosis on treated leaves. Full article

Calculation of the HPLC chromatographic retention times of different carotenoids supported our improved chromatographic separation of β-carotene and lutein in four tomatoes and two tomatillo varieties in fresh form and after three different cooking procedures: pot boiling, cooking in a pressure cooker and microwaving. A good separation was achieved experimentally using an Ultrasphere ODS column and gradient elution with an acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran-water mobile phase. It was shown that diverse tomato species contained different amounts of β-carotene (6-400 μg/100 mg) and lutein (2-30 μg/100 mg). The concentration in fresh samples was higher than in cooked tomatoes. The β–carotene content in fresh tomatillo varied between 2 and 20 μg/100 mg. Microwaving caused partial destruction of the β-carotene and lutein in tomatillos. Full article