GOOSEBERRY PRODUCTION
1. Introduction
Rwanda Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), is a small fruit that has an attractive yellowish-orange color. The marble-like fruit also features a smooth but waxy exterior. It has a feathery husk that serves as an inedible covering. The berry, which falls under Rwanda’s minor crops horticultural directorate, has the same aspects of a cherry tomato, including a soft, rounded exterior only that its flesh is yellow-colored. As its botanical name suggests, it is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Peru. It has a tart but sweet taste. Growing under similar conditions as cactus, it has the distinction of falling to the ground at the height of its ripeness. It is a straggling, upright bushy shrub, up to 1.8m tall that bears yellow fruit inside a brown papery envelope, resembling a Chinese lantern, called a husk. After the flower falls, the calyx expands, ultimately forming a beige husk fully enclosing the fruit. The fruit is a round smooth berry, resembling a miniature yellow tomato 1.25–2 centimeters (0.49–0.79 in) wide.Eating cape gooseberries is a ticket into health especially for combating heart ailments. This is because the miniature fruit has little fat, no cholesterol, and zero sodium. It is also lush in vitamins A as well as C. Its fiber content is high while the potassium level is too high.Cape gooseberries, unlike most other berries, have high levels of fat, making them carriers of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. Besides this, the berries are rich in minerals, protein, fibre, and antioxidants. Cape gooseberries may be enjoyed fresh, used in baked goods, frozen or processed to be used in desserts, juices, yoghurts and jams. The berries and or leaves are claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties, ease digestion, promote weight loss and help to control diabetes as well as high blood pressure.
Cape gooseberry variety grown in Rwanda Source:https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/9-marvelous-health-benefits-of-cape-gooseberries-rasbharies-1670679
2. Varieties of Gooseberry
|
Variety |
Description |
|
Cape gooseberry Source: Https://www.gardeningchannel.com/grow-cape-gooseberry/ |
Cape gooseberries have leaves that look like hearts and flowers that look like bells, which form a “bladder” over the fruit as it develops. Once matured, the fruit forms a straw-like husk.The cape gooseberry goes by many names, ground cherry and golden berry being the most common. It is part of the family called Physalis, a nightshade relative of the tomato and some other ground-growing berries. |
|
Red gooseberry Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stachelbeere_(Ribes_uva-crispa).jpg
|
These varieties of gooseberry are red in color. The gooseberry is a straggling bush growing to 1.5 metres (5 feet) in height and width,[11] the branches being thickly set with sharp spines, standing out singly or in diverging tufts of two or three from the bases of the short spurs or lateral leaf shoots. The bell-shaped flowers are produced, singly or in pairs, from the groups of rounded, deeply crenate 3 or 5 lobed leaves.
|
|
Eurasian gooseberry Source |
This variety of gooseberry are green in color. It is native to Europe, the Caucasus and Northern Africa. The gooseberry is a straggling bush growing to 1.5 metres (5 feet) in height and width,[11] the branches being thickly set with sharp spines, standing out singly or in diverging tufts of two or three from the bases of the short spurs or lateral leaf shoots. The bell-shaped flowers are produced, singly or in pairs, from the groups of rounded, deeply crenated 3 or 5 lobed leaves. |
3. Agro-ecological requirements
|
Cape berry grown in the tropics Source http://www.lubera.co.uk/plants/soft-fruit/cape-gooseberries/cape-gooseberry-peters-best |
The Cape gooseberry is an annual in temperate regions and a perennial in the tropic. Plants enjoy full sun, warm (but not hot) temperatures, and protection from frost. In areas wherefrost or freezes occur, plants are easily grown as annuals. Provide lots of water throughout the growing year, except towards fruit ripening time. Grow in most soil types and will do very well in poor soils and in pots. Plants are susceptible to many of the same diseases and pests as the tomato.
The Cape gooseberry will grow in any well-drained soil but does best on sandy to gravelly loam. On highly fertile alluvial soil, there is much vegetative growth and the fruits fail to color properly. Very good crops are obtained on rather poor sandy ground. Where drainage is a problem, the plantings should be on gentle slopes or the rows should be mounded. The plants become dormant in drought. The plant likes a sunny, frost-free location, sheltered from strong winds. Provide lots of water throughout the growing year, except towards fruit ripening time. Grow in most soil types and will do very well in poor soils and in pots. Plants are susceptible to many of the same diseases and pests as the tomato.
4. Seedling and nursery establishment
Cape gooseberry seeds are usually fairly easy to germinate, though germination time can be a bit longer than other vegetable seeds.
|
Cape gooseberry seed http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/content/cape-gooseberry.htm |
1) Prepare for planting. Cape gooseberry seeds should be sprouted in small containers, preferably 4" or smaller. In-ground germination is not recommended because conditions are not as easily controlled. Use a standard potting mix that is well drained. Make sure potting mix is damp prior to planting the seeds. With very small seeds such as Cape gooseberry, watering overly dry soil can cause the seeds to dislodge from their position and sink deep into cracks in the soil. Seeds that sink deeply into soil will not be able to reach the soil surface once germinated.
2) Plant seeds. Plant seeds 1/4" deep in the soil. Cover with soil and water carefully. Over watering can cause fungal growth, which leads to seed, rot. Excess water can also bury seeds deep in the soil where they will not be able break the surface. Water when the soil surface just begins to dry. Multiple seeds can be planted in a single starter container, but should be thinned once seedlings appear so only a single plant remains.
3) Germination. Soil should be kept consistently warm, from 70-85F. Cool soils, below about 60-65F, even just at night, will significantly delay or inhibit germination. Hot soils above 95F will also inhibit germination.
4) Care of seedlings. Once a few true leaves have developed, seedlings should be slowly moved outside (if sprouted indoors) to ambient light. Care should be taken not to expose seedlings to direct, scorching sun so plants may need to be hardened off via slow sun exposure. Hardening off can be done using a shaded or filtered light location, as well as protection from strong winds, rain or low humidity. Hardening off time varies, but can take 5-10 days.
5. Seed multiplication and certification requirement
|
Cape gooseberry seedlings during germination Source: https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit/grow-ground-cherries/#Propagation |
The plant is widely grown from seed. Germination time: 2-6 weeks under ideal conditions.There are 5,000 to 8,000 seeds to the ounce (28 g) and, since germination rate is low, this amount is needed to raise enough plants for an acre–2 1/2 oz (70 g) for a hectare. The seeds can be mixed with wood ash or pulverized soil for uniform sowing. Place your seeds on top of the soil and then cover lightly with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch. Pat soil gently. Water after planting seeds, and then daily with a gentle spray from your watering wand until the seeds are established.Sometimes propagation is done by means of 1-year-old stem cuttings treated with hormones to promote rooting, and 37.7% success has been achieved. The plants thus grown flower early and yield well but are less vigorous than seedlings. Air layering is also successful but not often practiced.
6. Integrated soil fertility management for gooseberry
Gooseberries are not complicated when it comes to soil type, but they do prefer it to be well drained and contain plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost. Full sun is best, especially for dessert types, but they are very tolerant of shade.Spring or autumn is the best time to plant bare-root gooseberries. Space them 1.5m apart with a gap of 1.5m between the rows. Gooseberries grow well in large containers of soil-based compost. Mulch the surface to keep weeds at bay. Feed gooseberry bushes in early spring with sulphate of potash (follow packet instructions) and a generous mulch of well-rotted manure or compost. Water well during dry spells.
7. Regenerative agriculture of gooseberry
|
Mulching of Gooseberry Source https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit/grow-ground-cherries/ |
Gooseberries are ideally suited to cool, damp conditions however where a sunny environment is available it will help them to produce plenty of luscious berries. In hotter climates, they need some afternoon shade if they are to do well. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist because, just like tomatoes, if gooseberries are heavily watered following a dry spell the fruits will swell too quickly and split. Mulching helps to retain moisture, and if you use garden compost or well-rotted manure this will feed your plants at the same time.Sprinkling wood ash around your bushes provides a useful source of potassium that will help the plants to flower and fruit well. They also need some nitrogen, but not too much as this can exacerbate problems with mildew and aphids. Mulch regularly with thin layers of grass clippings to supply both nitrogen and potassium.The perfect soil for gooseberries is rich, moist and slightly acidic. They grow well alongside their close relatives the currants, which enjoy similar conditions.
8. Land preparation for gooseberry
Prepare for planting. Cape gooseberry seeds should be sprouted in small containers, preferably 4" or smaller. In-ground germination is not recommended because conditions are not as easily controlled. Use a standard potting mix that is well drained. Make sure potting mix is damp prior to planting the seeds. With very small seeds such as Cape gooseberry, watering overly dry soil can cause the seeds to dislodge from their position and sink deep into cracks in the soil. Seeds that sink deeply into soil will not be able to reach the soil surface once germinated.
9. Planting of gooseberry
|
Seedlings of cape gooseberry Source http://www.gardenposts.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/potten-on-cape-gooseberry.jpg |
Plant seeds. Plant seeds 1/4" deep in the soil. Cover with soil and water carefully. Over watering can cause fungal growth, which leads to seed, rot. Excess water can also bury seeds deep in the soil where they will not be able break the surface. Water when the soil surface just begins to dry. Multiple seeds can be planted in a single starter container, but should be thinned once seedlings appear so only a single plant remains.
Dig a generous planting hole then add some well-rotted compost or manure to the excavated soil. Place the gooseberry into the hole so that the previous soil level is flush with the new soil level. Feedback the enriched soil around the roots or rootball, taking plenty of time to firm in the soil as you fill to anchor the roots. Water copiously to settle the soil further then finish off with a mulch of organic material to help suppress weeds and feed your new plant. If you are planting more than one gooseberry, space bushes at least 4ft (120cm) apart. In moisture-retentive soils established bushes need very little additional watering, but regular watering in hot, dry weather is a must for young plants and essential for container-grown gooseberries.
To grow these shrubs, proper soil preparation and fertilization are essential, because currants and gooseberries are heavy feeders, and when not provided with the needed nutrients, the berries may end up poorly formed and soft. Perform a soil test to determine the pH of the native soil. Use a commercial soil test kit or have a soil-testing laboratory analyze a soil sample for you. Test the soil about six months to one year before planting the currants and gooseberries, because it may take a while before any amendments trigger a reaction. Add limestone to the native soil to raise the pH, or add sulfur to lower it. Use a shovel to work the amendment into the top 7 inches of soil. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8, which is ideal for currants and gooseberries. If the test results indicate that the soil's potassium and phosphorus levels are low, work in 1 1/2 cups of potassium phosphate and 2 1/2 cups super-phosphate in a similar manner. Scatter 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10 fertilizer evenly on the soil around eachgooseberry shrub, as soon as the plant starts growing or about 3 weeks after planting. Apply the fertilizer in an 18-inch diameter around the shrubs and do not allow it to touch the stems of the shrubs. Use a watering can or garden hose to water the soil immediately after fertilizing so the nutrients can reach the roots of the shrubs.Wait about six weeks before fertilizing the gooseberry shrubs again. Use a similar application method as described in the previous step. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of 10-10-10 fertilizer on the soil around each gooseberry shrub in early spring during the second year. Apply the fertilizer in a 2-foot diameter around the shrubs and generously water it in. Fertilize the shrubs again about six weeks thereafter. Fertilize each gooseberry shrub with a 1/3 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer, in early spring of the third year and every year thereafter. Distribute the fertilizer over the soil and water it in.
Irrigation: The plant needs consistent watering to set a good fruit crop, but cannot take "wet feet". Where drainage is a problem, the plantings should be on a gentle slope or the rows should be mounded. Irrigation can be cut back when the fruits are maturing. The plants become dormant during drought.
Fertilization: The Cape gooseberry seems to thrive on neglect. Even moderate fertilizer tends to encourage excessive vegetative growth and to depress flowering. High yields are attained with little or no fertilizer.
Pruning: Very little pruning is needed unless the plant is being trained to a trellis. Pinching back of the growing shoots will induce more compact and shorter plants.
|
Pruning of gooseberry bush kugabanya amashami ya gaperi Source Isokohttps://www.quickcrop.co.uk/blog/how-to-prune-gooseberries-and-red-white-or-black-currants/ |
Frost Protection: In areas where frost may be a problem, providing the plant with some overhead protection or planting them next to a wall or a building may be sufficient protection. Individual plants are small enough to be easily covered during cold snaps by placing plastic sheeting, etc. over a frame around them. Plastic row covers will also provide some frost protection for larger plantings. Potted specimens can be moved to a frost-secure area.
Propagation: The plant is widely grown from seed. There are 5,000 to 8,000 seeds per ounce, which are sometimes mixed with pulverized soil or ashes for uniform sowing. High humidity is required for good germination. The plants can also be propagated from 1-year-old stem cuttings treated with a rooting hormone. Plants grown this way flower early and yield well but are less vigorous than seedlings.
|
Disease |
Symptoms |
Management |
|
cape gooseberry beetle Source https://www.edenseeds.com.au/?name=Gardening-Article&blogposturl=the-cape-gooseberry-bettle |
-Leaf of cape gooseberries are eaten -slimy black blobs are the larvae of the striped beetle. -small yellowish eggs cover the underside of leaves.
|
-Manually squashing the beetles and larvae. -Flicking them into a bucket of soapy water. -Dusting plant with derris dust.
|
|
https://plant.daleysfruit.com.au/l/cape-goose-berry-disease-and-pests-15558.jpeg |
Leaf curl. They are not smooth but bumpy like blisters they are a deep green. Before the fruit could fully form the dropped. There is no sign of aphids or any other obvious insect problem.
|
Spraying of the goose berry bushes with appropriate pesticides will keep this problem away.
|
|
HERBIVORES Indyabyatsi
squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, possums, and even goats
|
Ground cherries may attract the same types of animals as your other tasty garden goodies. |
Fencing will certainly help keep the bigger critters out, and floating row covers will offer even more protection.
|
|
|
Cutworms can be a problem for young seedlings. |
Protect seedlings with plant collars or by sprinkling eggshells or coffee grounds around the base of young plants.
|
|
Tomato hornworm
|
Tomato hornworms will munch on any nightshade plant, so ground cherries are definitely on the menu.
. |
Inspect your ground cherry plants (and other nightshades) for these big, juicy caterpillars and remove them. They make excellent treats for your chickens, or can be squashed under your heel. |
.jpg){kind=link}
Harvest and Post-Harvest Management of Gooseberry
a)Harvesting maturity
There are several methods to define the most appropriated period to make Capegooseberry harvest, however, calyx (leathery enclosing skins)coloration is the most used characteristic by farm producers and traders it changes color from green to light golden or beige. Meantime, this parameter generates doubts, besides it does not make possible the knowledge of the physical fruit characteristics. The fruit calyx, besides being an indicator to harvest determination, it extends the postharvest life of the fruit until 2/3 (ÁVILA et al., 2006). Calyx still has the role of protecting the fruit naturally, so, it is necessary to avoid its detachment in order to increase the possibilities of storage during longer periods (RUFATO et al., 2008). On ripe fruit, husks will be straw-colored and papery while the fruit inside will be somewhere in the yellow to orange range. Leave green-husked fruit on the plant to ripen.
|
A Cape goose berry beginning to ripen 1https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit/grow-ground-cherries/#Growing-Tip |
In rainy or dewy weather, the fruit is not picked until the plants are dry. Berries that are already wet need to be lightly dried in the sun. The fruits are usually picked from the plants by hand every 2 to 3 weeks, although some growers prefer to shake the plants and gather the fallen fruits from the ground in order to obtain those of more uniform maturity.
A single plant may yield 300 fruits. Seedlings set 1,800 to 2,150 to the acre (228-900/ha) yield approximately 1360kg of fruit per acre. The fruits are usually dehusked before delivery to markets or processors. Manualworkers can produce only 4.5-5.5 kg of husked fruits per hour.
b)Post-harvest handling
|
Sample of Cape gooseberry packaging after harvesting |
Cape gooseberries have a long keeping shelf life. Gooseberry should be harvested using plastic crates that are clean and dry. The fruit should be stored under shade in a fully aerated room. It is recommended not to remove the calyx until ready for use. The fresh fruits can be stored in a scaled container and kept in a dry atmosphere. They will still be in good condition Fruits with intact calyx have a shelf life of 4 to 6 weeks at room temperature in a well aerated room. For prolonged storage, gooseberry fruits can be stored at 2-4°C for 4 to 5 months.
If the fresh fruits are to be shipped, it is best to leave the husk on for protection.In postharvest handling, it is important to pay attention on the aspects like color, firmness and organoleptic characteristics. Each stage of postharvest handling involves time and inflicts stress to horticultural products. Main stresses are mechanical injuries like wounds, cracks, compressions and impacts, so reducing drastically the quality of the fruit, influencing its chemical and physical characteristics, besides propitiating contamination by fungi and bacteria.
Sorting and grading– at harvest ensure the gooseberries harvested are ripe and the husk has turned brown papery and not green as the berriesmay not be ripe.Another thing to love about these members of your garden is that a single plant can produce hundreds of berries. These berries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins A, and C, but also vitamins B-1, B-2, and B-3. Consider preserving your harvest if you grow a bumper crop. Before preserving, remove husks, and rinse berries. You can preserve them by making jam, dehydrating, freezing, or fermenting.
Gooseberries have a high potential for fresh market sales for a few different reasons: gooseberries are said to be the most shelf-stable berry handled commercially (McKay, 2006); and they are also very aesthetically pleasing and therefore lend themselves well to farmers’ markets and grocery store displays. Some customers might be reluctant to purchase a fruit they are not familiar with, so having free literature describing the fruit and its uses can be helpful (Ames & Greer, 2010).Another way to add value to gooseberries is to process them. Gooseberries keep well if frozen, and they have been processed into many different products including, but not limited to jams and jellies; fresh juice products; wine; and even yogurt (Bratsch & Williams, 2009) (Dinstel, 2013).
Packaging for gooseberry in supermarket shelve display
Source : https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit/grow-ground-cherries/#Cultivars-to-Select
References:
https://www.selinawamucii.com/produce/fruits-and-vegetables/rwanda-cape-gooseberries/
http://southafrica.co.za/cape-gooseberries.html
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/9-marvelous-health-benefits-of-cape-gooseberries-rasbharies-167067
https://www.edenseeds.com.au/?name=Gardening-Article&blogposturl=the-cape-gooseberry-bettle
http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/content/cape-gooseberry.htm
https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/cape_gooseberry.html#Culture
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-84782014000600002
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/fertilize-currants-gooseberries-28893.htm
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/fruit/grow-ground-cherries/
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-gooseberries/