Abstract
The development and characteristics of UFV-M7, a mutant with photoperiod insensitivity to beginning of flowering, are described. This genotype was fortuitously obtained by regeneration of nodal segments, exposed to gamma radiation. The possibility of incorporating photoperiod insensitivity into cultivars for producing regions is discussed for latitudes where the photoperiod determines the seasonality of harvest.
Highlights
Yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis Sims., Passifloraceae) is a species typical of tropical climates
The plant needs a minimum of 11 h light day-1 and monthly average temperatures around 20 °C, to ensure floral induction and fruit development (Junqueira et al 1999, Borges and Lima 2009)
The climatic conditions for year-round production of yellow passionfruit are ideal in low-latitude regions near the equator (Cavichioli et al 2006)
Summary
Yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis Sims., Passifloraceae) is a species typical of tropical climates. It belongs to a group of plants requiring long days, demanding in photoperiod and temperature (Nave et al 2010). Major passionfruit-producing regions are located at latitudes above 15° South. In these regions, the reduction in photoperiod and temperature in the winter adversely affects the passionfruit harvest, which is seasonal. Mutant plants that can flower when days are short were identified in the yellow passionfruit breeding program of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Minas Gerais, Brazil. Genotypes with photoperiod insensitivity to flowering can be used to develop cultivars recommendable for higher-latitude regions, increasing the harvest period
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