Potentials of Cape Gooseberry (physalis Peruviana L): an Under-exploited Small Fruit in India

The genus Physalis, of the family Solanaceae bearing globular fruits, each enclosed in inflated calyx. A species, which bears superior fruit and has become widely known is cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) native to Peru and Chile and has been widely introduced into cultivation of other tropical, sub-tropical and even in temperate areas. It is a nutritive and high value small fruit; the food value is almost at par with other major fruit crops of India. In India, cape gooseberry has been in cultivation on very limited scale and considered as minor crop, mostly as annual crop in plains of north India. It is commonly cultivated as backyard crop and in peri-urban areas and sold in cities at very high prices. Cape gooseberry is a warm season crop and requires a relatively long season to produce profitable yields. Being a minor crop in India, scientific information on improved production technology like varieties, nutrition, water management etc. of this crop for different agro-climatic conditions are lacking. Although, crop has potential production of 10 tonnes ha-1. This noble crop deserves special attention particularly due to its availability in lean period, wide adoptability, quick growing in nature, high productivity, non-perennial occupation of land and delicious fruit.