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Use of multivariate statistics to determine fertilization practices that affect fruit quality of naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.)

Abstract:

Introduction - Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is a native fruit of the Andes and is cultivated in several provinces of the Ecuadorian Amazon. It constitutes a crop of economic importance for the small farmers of this region of Ecuador. There is a lack of information on the nutrients required by this crop species in Amazonian soil conditions, as well as the effect on nutrition and fruit quality. Materials and methods - This study assessed a complete fertilization regime (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S + lime), as well as the omission of nutrients to determine effects on fruit quality. Data was analyzed using multivariate statistics (main component analysis) by R 3.2.4 statistical software and the responses were examined using a statistical model run in SAS 9.3 software. Results and discussion - We found the highest flavor relation with the full treatment (all macronutrients) followed by the full treatment minus potassium (-K), this occurred because the effect of combined macronutrients increased soluble solid content. It was observed that the complete treatment produced lower acidity and higher soluble solids content in the naranjilla fruit, thus improving its quality. Conclusion - The quality of naranjilla fruit improved when the plant was provided with all the nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) plus lime because fruit acidity was reduced and there was increased soluble solid content and, consequently, enhanced flavor. Lime contributed to improve nutrient availability, especially in acid soils, which are characteristic of the Amazon region.