Production and development of culture of Physalis L. subjected to different levels of electrical conductivity of nutrient solution

Physalis peruviana L. well known in Colombia and originate in the South American Andes, has attracted some producers in Brazil for producing a fruit with high market value. Since this is a culture adapted to some Brazilian regions, the supply of nutrients is an important aspect that needs to be developed to increase productivity. The study aimed to establish the optimal ranges of concentration of nutrients, using the electrical conductivity of nutrient solution for Physalis. Looking for alternatives to successive cultivations in soil, which cause phytosanitary, environmental and nutritional problems, the experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of the Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Parana State in pots containing coarse sand, trickle fertigated. Were analyzed fresh fruit weight, dry weight of leaves, stems and fruit, productivity, soluble solids and total levels of nutrients in the vegetative organs of Physalis. Four treatments were constituted by the electrical conductivity of nutrient solution of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0dS m(-1) with five replicates. Significant increases were observed in fruit production and the total contents of N, P, K in some of the evaluated organs (leaves, fruits and stems) when using the higher concentration of nutrients (electrical conductivity) in the nutrient solution.