Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Fruit Quality Attributes of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Abstract

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), an underutilised fruit crop belonging to the family Solanaceae, is valued for its nutraceutical properties and its composition of vitamins, antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Fruit quality and post-harvest performance in cape gooseberry are strongly influenced by nutrient management practices. The present investigation was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the quality attributes of cape gooseberry under the agro-climatic conditions of Andhra Pradesh during the winter seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25 at the College of Horticulture, Dr Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with nine treatments comprising different combinations of inorganic fertilisers, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and biofertilisers (Azotobacter, PSB and KRB). Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed among the treatments for fruit firmness, physiological loss in weight (PLW), juice content and total soluble solids (TSS). Among the treatments, T₅ (50% RDN through inorganic fertilisers + 50% organic N through FYM and vermicompost, along with biofertilisers) recorded the highest fruit firmness (5.84 kg cm⁻²) and the lowest PLW (1.67%), whereas T₉ (100% RDN through organic sources, along with biofertilisers) recorded the maximum juice content (77.83%) and the highest TSS (16.48 °Brix). The findings indicate that the integrated application of organic, inorganic and biofertiliser sources improved fruit quality and post-harvest attributes of cape gooseberry under the conditions of the study.