Yield and Quality of Passion Fruit in Relation to Training Systems

Abstract

Four different training systems, viz., Kniffin, High trellis, Tatura and Bower were evaluated in passion fruit cv. Kaveri. Kniffin system with 4 arms recorded highest cumulative yield of 67.22 t/ha with a cost:benefit ratio of 1:4.25, followed by Kniffin 2 arm and 6 arm, respectively. Kniffin system was also the most ideal system of training for passion fruit, facilitating easy cultural operations. Although Tatura system recorded highest cumulative yield/vine (43.57kg), it registered lowest yield/ha, largely due to lower plant population/ha (1250 vines/ha). Fruit quality parameters like TSS, Vit. C, carotene content and titrable acidity were not significantly influenced by different training systems. Similarly, interception of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) by the canopy did not differ significantly among training systems. Though photosynthetic rate did not differ significantly, shaded leaves in the canopy did not contribute photosynthates and were parasitic on the vine.