Reproductive system and agronomic potential of wild husk tomato Physalis gracilis (Solanaceae)

Wild plants are fundamental to human nutrition. Characterizing species with food value is essential to promote agro-food diversity. The genus Physalis produces acidic and sweet edible fruits that are traditionally consumed in local diets. Physalis gracilis is a perennial herb, with sweet, orange-colored fruits harvested for householdconsumption, distributed throughout Mexico and Central America. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive system of P. gracilis and its agronomic potential. Floral longevity and development stages were determined in 30 flower buds until floral senescence, using individuals grown under greenhouse and open-field conditions. Stigma receptivity was assessed using hydrogen peroxide. Six artificial cross treatments were conducted to characterize the reproductive system, and indices of self-incompatibility and pollen limitation were calculated. To assess agronomic potential, an open-field crop was established with 144 plants (three accessions × 48 individuals), and six descriptors were evaluated from five fruits per plant. Results showed that P. gracilis is a completely self-incompatible species, however, it does not exhibit pollen limitation. P. gracilis responded positively to agricultural management (93.8% plant survival) and showed an average yield of 8.178 t·ha ^− 1 . Fruit size ranged from 11–22 mm. The average sweetness was 11.29° Brix and pH was 4.18. This study demonstrates that P. gracilis is a strong candidate for domestication as a new open-field crop, with desirable fruit traits, such as weight, size, and sweetness, that are superior to those of other wild Physalis species and comparable to the cultivated P. peruviana , a species highly valued for its fruit flavor.