Yield and physical characterization of Passiflora cincinnata in the Brazilian Savanna

Abstract

For the Caatinga passion fruit (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.), there are no indications of varieties specific for the Brazilian Savanna conditions, as well as conduction techniques that make it possible to express a greater yield potential. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality of CPEF2220 and CBAF2334 populations in espalier and trellis conduction systems. A completely randomized design was used, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with three replications of four plants per plot. The fruit yield and physical characteristics were evaluated throughout the production cycle. The average yield was 8.0 kg plant-1 (3.5-14.9 kg plant-1) and the average number of fruits per plant was 139.1 (55.8-283.5), with average pulp yield of 29 %. There was a tendency to increase the number and yield of fruits for the CPEF2220 population conducted in the espalier system. The plant survival rate was 41 % (CPEF2220) and 87.5 % (CBAF2334), with a higher adaptation to the Brazilian Savanna conditions, while the CPEF2220 population presented a higher yield potential. Reductions in mass, longitudinal and equatorial diameter and fruit shape were observed throughout the harvest, with some exceptions for the espalier system, which showed more elongated fruits. The trellis system showed a greater yield potential for the parent populations of the passion fruit BRS Sertão Forte, for the study conditions.

KEYWORDS: Caatinga passion fruit, tropical fruit, espalier and trellis conduction systems.