Nitrogen fertilization affects Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FTIR) in Physalis L. species

[Display omitted] •FTIR-ATR was utilized to characterize two species of the genus Physalis.•FTIR analyzes are able to evaluate changes as a function of nitrogen fertilization.•FTIR spectra are useful to identify functional groups with pharmacological use. Assessing the influence of fertilization on medicinal plants in conjunction with spectral analysis may indicate alterations in the chemical profile of the species in response to nitrogen fertilization. The objective consisted in characterizing by fractions of plants of Physalis peruviana and Physalis angulata, known by cape gooseberry and camapú, respectively, in different nitrogen doses, by means of analysis of Attenuated Total Reflectance in the Infrared with Fourier Transform (ATR-FTIR). The experiment was carried out in individual pots with completely randomized substrate design with 5 repetitions, using four doses of N (0, 200, 400 and 600 Kg ha−1). The fractions of leaves, stems and roots of both species were characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The specific compounds related to the functional groups present in the fractions of the analyzed species, such as cellulose, pectin and phenolic compounds, are induced as a function of nitrogen fertilization, altering the common absorption peaks. The study offers a precise means to identify functional groups present in the species of the genus and with possible pharmacological use.