Production and postharvest quality of <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims under brackish water and potassium doses

Abstract

<abstract> <p>The aim of this research was to assess the yield and postharvest characteristics of 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' sour passion fruits based on irrigation with varying levels of saline water and potassium fertilization. The study was conducted under field conditions at an experimental farm in São Domingos, Paraíba, Brazil. A randomized block design was implemented in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of water (ECw): 0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup>, and four potassium doses (KD): 60, 80,100, and 120% of the recommended amount, with 3 replications. The potassium dose equivalent to 120% of the recommended dose in combination with low-salinity water resulted in the highest fresh mass accumulation in the sour passion fruit. Water electrical conductivity up to 2.7 dS m<sup>−1</sup>, along with the lowest recommended KD, led to increased levels of soluble solids and ascorbic acid in the sour passion fruit. Irrigation with water of 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup> and using 80 to 100% of the recommended KD enhanced the total sugar content in the sour passion fruit. On the other hand, irrigation with water of 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup> combined with 60% of the recommended KD resulted in a higher pulp yield in the 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' sour passion fruit 160 days post-transplantation. Adjustments in potassium fertilization management at different irrigation water salinity levels played a crucial role in maintaining both the production and quality of the sour passion fruit.</p> </abstract>