Screening of Different Genotypes as Potential Rootstocks or Parents Against Vascular Wilt Using Physiological Markers.

Cape gooseberry ( L.) is one of the most exported Andean fruits in Colombia. Vascular wilt caused by f. sp. (FOph) has led to a reduction in crop areas in recent years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to select genotypes with resistance to vascular wilt that can be useful as rootstocks from a group of six genotypes (, , and genotypes Colombia, Sudafrica, Peru, and Accession 62) using physiological variables such as maximum quantum efficiency of Photosystem II (Fv/Fm), leaf gas exchange properties [net photosynthesis rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (g )], and leaf water potential. An experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions in which plants of the different materials were inoculated with the f. sp. strain Map5 at a concentration of 1 × 10 conidia mL. Physiological and disease development variables were measured at 15, 23, and 31 days after inoculation (DAI). The results obtained showed that genotypes Colombia and Sudafrica showed greater susceptibility to the disease (disease severity index 3.8 and 3.6, respectively). Net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance ( ), water potential (Ψ ), and Fv/Fm ratio were lower compared to non-inoculated plants. and plants inoculated with showed similar behavior to non-inoculated plants for the evaluated variables. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that these two genotypes can be considered in breeding programs or as rootstock for the establishment of cape gooseberry crops in soils with the presence of the pathogen.