Variability and correlations between agronomic characters in mutant populations of Physalis

The physalis populations cultivated in Brazil have a restricted genetic base, hampering the genetic progress of the species. The mutation and correlation studies are tools that boost the development of new cultivars. The study aimed to characterize the phenotypic variability of produced and mutant physalis and obtain estimates of phenotypic correlations between agronomic relevant features. The treatments were the seeds of three Physalis populations (Colombia, Lages, and Fraiburgo), submitted to gamma-irradiation (Co60) for three exposure times (0, 250, and 500 Grays). The experimental design used randomized blocks with three replications. The study assessed the pH, the titratable total acidity (TTA), the total soluble solids (TSS), maturation index (MI, TSS/TTA), the number of flowers (NOF) and fruits (NFR), the weight of fruits without boll (FWB, in g) and total productivity (PROD as kg ha-1). The results prove variation in mutant populations when compared to their recognized populations (cultured populations) for the qualitative components (acidity and total solids) but not for quantitative components (number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight without boll and the estimated total productivity throughout the cycle). There is a positive correlation between acidity and total solids. Cross breedings between contrasting populations can produce genotypes with more equilibrated taste.