Husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. Ex Hornem.): -technical practices and agroecological indicators Physalis ixocarpasocio-technical practices and agroecological indicators in Vicente Guerrero, Tlaxcala.

Husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem.) is a crop with strong sociocultural and gastronomic roots in central Mexico. The state of Tlaxcala ranks sixth in rainfed conditions for husk tomato production, and there is limited documentation on the cultivation practices of this crop. This study aimed to characterize the socio- technical practices and identify opportunities for agroecological and sustainable management. The research used mixed methods, integrating interviews, field visits, non-participant observation, a questionnaire applied to 15 husk tomato producers in Vicente Guerrero, and an instrument to determine agroecological indicators in plots. Husk tomato cultivation is part of complex agroforestry systems. Producers have 3.8 ha for the production of this crop. The cultivation of husk tomatoes is based on traditional peasant practices, the use of native varieties, and the widespread use of external inputs such as mineral fertilizers and pesticides, resulting in low-to-medium productivity. A baseline for socio-technical practices in husk tomato cultivation in Vicente Guerrero was established, and there are opportunities to promote agroecological management practices to allow for sustainable management of the husk tomato cultivation system.