Response of Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) to nitrogen application under sandy soil conditions

The effect of different nitrogen (N) levels on growth and productivity of Cape gooseberry, cultivated in new reclaimed lands (sandy soil) at Nubaria region in Egypt, was investigated. Nitrogen levels were applied at rates of 50, 100, 150 and 200aEuro-kgaEuro-NaEuro-ha(-1) as ammonium sulfate. The amount ofaEuro-aEuro-N for each treatment was divided into five applications (after transplanting, seven days later, at the beginning of flowering, during fruit set and after the first harvest). Several growth parameters and yield were recorded in addition to nitrogen content in leaves. The results revealed that Cape gooseberry plants responded positively to nitrogen levels in sandy soils. Yield, number of fruits, and diameter of fruits increased significantly by increasing the nitrogen level up to 200aEuro-kgaEuro-NaEuro-ha(-1). Moreover, plant height, number of leaves, N-content in leaves and N-uptake shows a positive reaction to increased nitrogen supply. The quantitative effects of nitrogen on Cape gooseberry plants and the possible explanations of plant responses are discussed.