BRS Gigante Amarelo Research Articles

Morpho-physiological response to micronutrient deficiencies and nickel addition of passion fruit plants

Ultrastructural changes and visual symptoms resulting from nutritional disorders involving boron, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and nickel depend on the species of the plant, and are unknown in passion fruit plants (Passiflora edulis Sims). A hydroponic experiment evaluated the symptoms of nickel addition and micronutrient deficiency in passion fruit seedlings “BRS Gigante Amarelo” and determined the micronutrient contents in leaf and root tissue, root development, ultrastructural changes (leaf tissue deformations) and dry matter accumulation when visual symptoms were observed. Results showed that the order of manifestation of deficiencies was Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Mo > B. Nickel toxicity appeared 40 days after the experiment was started, presenting chlorosis in the new leaves followed by general yellowing and some white parts. Boron omission of resulted in deformations in the leaf limbus and loss of apical dominance, showing deformation of the growth points. Mn omission caused reduction of growth and generalized chlorosis of young leaves with a thick reticulum. Iron omission of resulted in internerval chlorosis with a fine lattice appearance. Omission of zinc and copper resulted in deformation and elongation of the leaves, reducing height and root development. Molybdenum omission caused chlorosis in the older leaves, which was observed to spread over time. Iron was the nutrient that most reflected symptoms of deficiency by the formation of root hairs. The findings of this research suggest that the knowledgement of plant micronutrients status permits an understanding of the physiological responses of passion fruit plants to crop fertilization.

Mitigação do estresse salino em mudas de maracujá com aplicação de H2O2

ABSTRACT Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be indicated as a strategy to mitigate salt stress in plants, so the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations and methods of application of H2O2 as a mitigator of salt stress on the growth, physiology, and quality of seedlings of yellow passion fruit. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment (screened) belonging to UFERSA, in Caraúbas - RN, Brazil, in a randomized block design and analyzed in a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with four replications and one plant per plot. The treatments consisted of levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.5 and 3.2 dS m-1), H2O2 concentrations (0, 12, 24, and 36 μM), and H2O2 application methods (M1 = seed soaking, M2 = foliar spraying, and M3 = seed soaking + foliar spraying). Increased levels of salinity in irrigation water negatively affect seedling quality. Hydrogen peroxide at an average concentration of 24 µM mitigates salt stress in passion fruit seedlings cv. BRS Gigante Amarelo. H2O2 application to seeds associated with foliar spraying mitigates the effects of salt stress on the absolute growth rate of the leaf area of passion fruit seedlings irrigated with an ECw of 3.2 dS m-1.

Productivity and juice quality of different passion fruit cultivars grown in northwest region of Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is the major world producer of passion fruits. This culture is an alternative for small farms due to the fast economic gain and monetary income distributed throughout the year. The intense occurrence of plant diseases in commercial orchards forced the development of new cultivars. The objective of this work was to characterize the fruit productivity, the pulp yield and the juice quality of improved passion fruit cultivars: BRS Gigante amarelo (GA), BRS Ouro vermelho (OV) and BRS Sol do Cerrado (SC), comparing to the Common Yellow (CY) passion fruit normally grown in the orchards. Juice quality was evaluated by titratable acidity (TA), pH, total soluble solids (TSS), ratio TSS/TA, total soluble sugars (SS), reducing sugars (RS) and ascorbic acid (AA) contents. BRS GA presented the higher fruit productivity and juice yield, but the lower rind thickness. Its content of TA was similar to the CY passion fruit. The three cultivars presented higher contents of RS and TSS than CY passion fruit, with higher value of SS for the BRS GA. The content of AA was similar among the different cultivars. BRS GA was considered as more productive and with better juice quality

The Effects of Irrigation Water Salinity on the Synthesis of Photosynthetic Pigments, Gas Exchange, and Photochemical Efficiency of Sour Passion Fruit Genotypes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, and photochemical efficiency of sour passion fruit genotypes irrigated with saline water under the conditions of the semi-arid region of Paraíba state, Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm in São Domingos, PB. A randomized block design was adopted, in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water-ECw (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m-1)-and three genotypes of sour passion fruit (Gigante Amarelo-'BRS GA1'; Sol do Cerrado-'BRS SC1'; and Catarina-'SCS 437'. The increase in the electrical conductivity of irrigation water negatively affected most of the physiological characteristics of the sour passion fruit at 154 days after transplanting. Significant differences were observed between sour passion fruit genotypes when its tolerance was subjected to the salinity of irrigation water. There was an increase in the percentage of damage to the cell membrane with the increase in the electrical conductivity of irrigation water, with maximum values of 70.63, 60.86, and 80.35% for the genotypes 'BRS GA1', 'BRS SC1', and SCS 437', respectively, when irrigated with water of 3.5 dS m-1. The genotype 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' showed an increase in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments when irrigated with water of 3.5 dS m-1, with maximum values estimated at 1439.23 μg mL-1 (Chl a); 290.96 μg mL-1 (Chl b); 1730.19 μg mL-1 (Chl t); and 365.84 μg mL-1 (carotenoids). An increase in photosynthetic efficiency parameters (F0, Fm, and Fv) of the genotype 'BRS Gigante Amarelo' was observed when cultivated with water with high electrical conductivity (3.5 dS m-1).

Physiological quality of ‘BRS’ passion fruit seeds grown at different altitudes and storage environments

The aim of this work was to study the physiological quality of ‘BRS’ passion fruit seeds grown at different altitudes stored in cold chamber and in natural environment for six months. Hybrid passion fruit seeds (BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Sol do Cerrado and BRS Rubi do Cerrado) grown at three altitudes (104; 711; 1016 meters) in the southern region of the state of Espírito Santo were used. Germination was carried out in germitest paper rolls, placed in BOD-type germination chambers at temperature of 20-30 ºC. The following parameters were analyzed: germination, germination speed index, shoot and root length and dry mass of seedlings. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a factorial scheme with split plot in time 4x(3x3) (four bimonthly analyses x three hybrids x three altitudes), with two independent storage environments and three replicates of 100 seeds. Hybrid Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa seeds can be stored in natural environment or cold chamber. Hybrid yellow passion fruit seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters show higher germination and vigor percentages. Hybrid ‘Gigante Amarelo’ seeds had lower averages for variables under study, regardless of altitude. Hybrid ‘Rubi do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitude of 1016 meters and hybrid ‘Sol do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters have higher germination and vigor percentages and can be stored for 180 days in natural environment or cold chamber without viability loss. Flavicarpa can be stored in natural environment or cold chamber. Hybrid yellow passion fruit seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters show higher germination and vigor percentages. Hybrid ‘Gigante Amarelo’ seeds had lower averages for variables under study, regardless of altitude. Hybrid ‘Rubi do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitude of 1016 meters and hybrid ‘Sol do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters have higher germination and vigor percentages and can be stored for 180 days in natural environment or cold chamber without viability loss. Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa can be stored in natural environment or cold chamber. Hybrid yellow passion fruit seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters show higher germination and vigor percentages. Hybrid ‘Gigante Amarelo’ seeds had lower averages for variables under study, regardless of altitude. Hybrid ‘Rubi do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitude of 1016 meters and hybrid ‘Sol do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters have higher germination and vigor percentages and can be stored for 180 days in natural environment or cold chamber without viability loss. Hybrid ‘Gigante Amarelo’ seeds had lower averages for variables under study, regardless of altitude. Hybrid ‘Rubi do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitude of 1016 meters and hybrid ‘Sol do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters have higher germination and vigor percentages and can be stored for 180 days in natural environment or cold chamber without viability loss. Hybrid ‘Gigante Amarelo’ seeds had lower averages for variables under study, regardless of altitude. Hybrid ‘Rubi do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitude of 1016 meters and hybrid ‘Sol do Cerrado’ seeds grown at altitudes of 104 and 711 meters have higher germination and vigor percentages and can be stored for 180 days in natural environment or cold chamber without viability loss.

Pollinators or pillagers? What is the impact of flower visitors on the production of yellow passion fruit?

The passionfruit flower is known for its self-incompatibility and dependence on pollinators; however, the decline of pollinating insects and the greater dependence on artificial pollination in commercial cultivation are evident. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the pollination deficit and the impact of floral visitors on the fruit set of the yellow passion fruit. The study was carried out in the commercial cultivation of yellow passion fruit, variety BRS Gigante Amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa), located in the municipality of Barra do Choça—BA, from January to June 2021. The bee species were identified at the flowering phase and the pollination deficit was estimated during planting. To assess the influence of floral visitors on fruit formation, two conditions of flower visitation were monitored: free visitation and free visitation without pillagers. Nine species of bees were collected visiting the yellow passion fruit flowers, the most frequent being Trigonisca sp. (70.96%), Xylocopa frontalis (14.53%), Trigona spinipes (8.10%), and Apis mellifera (5.50%). Regarding fruit set, there was no significant difference between manual cross-pollination and free pollination. However, the crop showed a pollination deficit of 16.67% in the fruit set and 28.25% in seed production. For floral visitors considered pillagers, no interference (or negative impact) on the rate of fruit formation was detected.

Quality Index of Passion Fruit Seedlings by Using Physically Parameters

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) has aroused interest from producers, leading to an intense demand for technical information, especially for obtaining quality seedlings. The objective of this study was to evaluate passion fruit seedlings according to age and morphological characteristics. The experiment was carried out at the seedling nursery of the State University of Montes Claros, Campus Janaúba-MG, Brazil, from March to June 2017. The cultivars BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Rubi do Cerrado, BRS Pérola do Cerrado and Redondo Amarelo were evaluated, distributed in randomized blocks with five replications, in a split-plot scheme (4 × 4). There was an adjustment of the model (IQM = 6.3857 − 0.3892 NL + 3.3512 SD − 0.2063 SPAD + 0.0730 LA), which proposes a quality parameter of passion fruit seedlings, high level of significance and coefficient of determination, necessary for the reliability and accuracy of the results obtained. Considering the proposed model (IQM), there is no need for destructive analysis, and evaluations can be performed in the nursery itself as soon as a seedling lot reaches the recommended height of 30 cm. The evaluated characteristics contribute significantly to the quality of the seedling, and it is recommended, besides the height measurement, to evaluate the number of leaves, the stem diameter, the leaf area and the SPAD index, because the combination of these parameters will guarantee the necessary quality of the seedlings to be transplanted in the field.

Agronomic assessment of 32 sour passionfruit genotypes in federal district

The production of passion fruit is important in Brazil. In order to contribute to the development of the most promising cultivars of passion fruit, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of 32 genotypes of passion fruit in Federal District of Brazil, and to estimate genetic parameters for use in breeding programs. Thirty-two genotypes were used in a randomized block design, with eight plants per plot and four replications. The experiment was conducted in field. Twenty-eight harvests were performed, and the variables analyzed were: productivity estimated, total number of fruits per hectare, average fruit weight and these characteristics following classification of fruits in five categories. The genotypes that presented the highest total yield estimated were MAR20 # 23, AR 01 and PLANTA 7. For industrial purposes, genotypes MAR 20 # 21 and BRS Gigante Amarelo were superior. For fresh consumption, the genotypes with the best performance were PLANT 7, AR 01 and MSC. Total productivity estimated and total number of fruits per hectare in the first-class classification showed high values of heritability and CVg/CVe ratio. These results indicate a favorable condition for selection.

Reação de espécies de maracujazeiro a Rotylenchulus reniformis e Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract Passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) yield is limited by several factors, including soil pathogens, such as Rotylenchulus reniformis (the reniform nematode) and Meloidogyne incognita (the Southern root-knot nematode). Understanding the behavior of different cultivars, within different species of passion fruit could be important asset to the search for sources of resistance, and therefore for the effective management of phytonematodes. Three trials were carried out in greenhouse to evaluate the resistance/susceptibility of different passion fruit species to R. reniformis and M. incognita. For R. reniformis, cultivars from two species were tested: Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (‘BRS Sol do Cerrado’, ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’ and ‘BRS Gigante Amarelo’) and Passiflora cincinnata (‘BRS Sertão Forte’). Regarding M. incognita, all the cultivars above were evaluated, with the addition of Passiflora setacea (‘BRS Pérola do Cerrado’). The results showed that all tested cultivars were susceptible to the reniform nematode. Conversely, all tested cultivars were immune to root-knot nematode, although exhibiting root galling. Therefore, it is emphasizes the relevance of reniform nematode to passion fruit crops.

Bioactive content of six passion fruit genotypes cultivated in southern Brazil

Passion fruit production in Brazil is concentrated in tropical regions, however, recently production has expanded to regions with temperate climate. Cultivar performance in different climate and soil can lead to variation in the contents of bioactive compounds in the juice and rind of the fruit. This study characterized the bioactive content of passion fruit rind and juice of six passion fruit genotypes (‘Catarina Roxo’, ‘Catarina’, ‘Urussanga’, ‘BRS Gigante Amarelo’, ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’, and ‘BRS Sol do Cerrado’) cultivated in southern Brazil. Phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and ascorbic acid contents and the antioxidant potential of each fruit portion from each genotype were evaluated. Fruit composition varied with genotype and evaluated tissue. Bioactive compound contents were greatest in the rind of ‘Urussanga’ and ‘Catarina’, whereas the juice of ‘BRS Sol do Cerrado’ and ‘Catarina Roxo’ had the greatest bioactive content. Given cultivar and tissue variability for bioactive content, postharvest use of passion fruit will determine the choice of cultivar to obtain a product with maximum bioactive compounds. Passion fruit genotypes evaluated in this study have shown to be potential sources of bioactive compounds. Fruit rind has the potential to be explored in the scientific and technological scope, due to its high amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.

Genotypic selection of multispecific hybrids obtained through crosses between commercial Passiflora edulis and wild passiflora species

Abstract The interspecific introgression of resistance genes to diseases in commercial varieties through interspecific crosses has been adopted as a strategy in breeding programs of sour passion fruit. This work aimed to evaluate 11 progenies of multispecific hybrids obtained from crosses involving seven Passiflora species, in addition to four commercial cultivars, using the REML/BLUP method. The experiment was carried out as a randomized block design with six repetitions and three plants per plot. Ten fruit traits were evaluated. The additive, multiplicative, and sum of ranks indexes were applied to determine the most appropriate selective strategy in the simultaneous increase of fruit weight, number of fruits, and yield. Plants from the 325 x VAO progeny showed a lower bacterial defoliation index and better means predicted for the traits number of fruits and productivity. The progenies 325 x LD4, PL3 x LD4, and the controls CSB-Marília and BRS-Gigante Amarelo showed plants with better-predicted means for traits related to fruit quality. The genetic gains demonstrated good prospects for the use of wild species in sour passion fruit genetic breeding.

Soil salinity, micronutrients and passion fruit production irrigated with saline water and using organomineral fertilization

The experiment was conducted in the city of Remigio, Paraiba State, Brazil, from July/2013 to May/2014. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of the saline water, bovine biofertilizer and potassium source on soil salinity, micronutrients and sodium contents in the leaf dry matter, and on the production of yellow passion fruit plants cv BRS Gigante Amarelo. The treatments were distributed in randomized blocks subdivided into plots using the factorial scheme 2 × (2 × 2). It refers to the main plot as two different irrigation waters with electrical conductivities of 0.35 and 4.00 dS m-1, and the subplots as the combination between the biofertilizer application and exemption with different potassium sources: the conventional potassium chloride (KCl) and the polymer-coated one. The increase in the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water increased the initial soil salinity from 0.36 to 3.43 and after to 5.43 dS m-1. It also increased the leaf contents of Fe2+ and Na+. The biofertilizer increased the Zn2+ content in the leaf dry matter of the passion fruit plants, while the fertilization with polymer-coated KCl increased the B content and reduced the Mn2+ one as compared to the conventional KCl. The plants, at the beginning of the flowering phase, although their deficiencies of all micronutrients, presented satisfactory productivity levels whether the national average numbers are considered.

Physical characteristics of passionfruit cv. BRS gigante amarelo produced by flowers with three and four carpels

The carpel is the female reproductive structure composed of a set of stigma, style and ovary. Normally passionflower have three carpels, however, some cultivars have this structure in greater quantity. The objective of this work was to identify relationships between the number of carpels and the physical characteristics of BRS Gigante Amarelo fruits. The flowers with three and four carpels were marked, pollinated and the fruits harvested from these flowers analyzed for transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, pericarp thickness, fruit mass, pulp mass, pulp ratio, number and weight of seeds. A completely randomized design with 10 replicates per treatment was used and each plot had the average of 3 fruits. The data were submitted to variance analysis and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% of probability. The fruits generated by flowers with 4 carpels were 18,30% heavier, their pulp were on average 20.75% heavier, presented transverse diameter 7,53% superior to that of fruits generated by flowers with 3 carpels. Similar increments were identified regarding the number of seeds and the weight of seeds per fruit that increased 18,85% and 52.42%, respectively. This result indicates that cv. BRS Yellow Giant with 4 carpels generates heavier fruits, pulp and seeds with a more spherical shape.

Vegetative and reproductive performance of species of the genus Passiflora

As passion fruit gains market share, it becomes important to evaluate the agronomic and phenological traits of cultivated and wild genotypes for genetic improvement and understand the influence of time of cultivation on plant behavior. This study aimed to investigate agronomic and phenological parameters of Passiflora suberosa, P. alata, P. maliformis, P. quadrangularis, P. foetida, P. mucronata, P. cincinnata and hybrids BRS Rubi do Cerrado, BRS Gigante Amarelo, and BRS Pérola do Cerrado. Key traits for genetic improvement were also assessed. Two experiments were carried out for 12 months, the first starting in December 2015 and the second in May 2016. Plots were organized in a randomized block design, and analyses were performed monthly. The following vegetative characteristics were evaluated: length and diameter of orthotropic and plagiotropic branches, internode length, leaf length and width of orthotropic and plagiotropic branches, and number of plagiotropic branches. Flowering and fruiting were dichotomized as presence or absence. Ten microsatellite markers were used to estimate genetic diversity. The wild species P. suberosa differed markedly from cultivated genotypes and had the lowest values for all vegetative parameters. The hybrid BRS Gigante Amarelo differed from other plants in orthotropic branch diameter. In Experiment II, plants differed in plagiotropic branch diameter and leaf length of plagiotropic branches. Most plants had similar cumulative growth curves as well as flowering and fruiting patterns. Clustering of genotypes based on microsatellite data revealed similarities in growth parameters, flowering time, and fruiting time. Some genotypes showed similar phenological patterns and are potential candidates for developing novel hybrids, and some wild species may find application as resistant and tolerant rootstocks.

Optimized cutting of yellow passion fruit and its potential for unstaked or trellised cultivation

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate types of cuttings, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations, and potting media on the rooting of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) cultivars, and to compare the initial performance of flowering-competent cuttings cultivated in a trellising system or in a nonstaking method on ground covered with plastic mulch. The passion fruit cultivars evaluated were BRS Gigante Amarelo, Isla Redondo Amarelo, and FB 200 Yellow Master were evaluated. The assessed treatments were: softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings; five concentrations of IBA (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg L-1); and the pine bark or phenolic foam potting media. Initial growth, fruit yield, and bacteriosis severity were evaluated in the field in flowering-competent cuttings and seedlings, both in the trellising system and in the nonstaking method on mulched ground. For the evaluated cultivars, a high rooting rate (>90%) was observed for both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings grown in phenolic foam or decomposed pine bark for potting media, regardless of the IBA concentration. In the espalier system, 14 months after transplanting, fruit yield was 45% higher for cuttings than for seedlings. Unstaked plants had a low number of flowers and fruit set, and a great damage by bacteriosis according to the used cultivar. The evaluated cultivars can be propagated either by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, in phenolic foam or decomposed pine bark, without IBA application. Flowering-competent cuttings have the potential to anticipate the production in the trellised cultivation of yellow passion fruit.

MAGNETIC FIELD AND GIBBERELIC ACID AS PRE-GERMINATION TREATMENTS OF PASSION FRUIT SEEDS

<p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-germination treatments (magneto-priming and immersion of seeds in gibberellic acid solution) on variables associated with germination, emergence and vigor of Passiflora edulis seeds ‘BRS Gigante Amarelo’ cultivar. Seeds were extracted from fruits, washed, immersed for 6 hours in solutions with different GA3 concentrations and later arranged in a circular form in Petri dishes at temperature of 25°C, with and without exposure to magnetic field. Subsequently, analyses associated with the germination and emergency test were carried out. The experimental design was completely randomized design, with 3x2 factorial, three GA3 concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mg L-1) and presence/absence of magnetic field (MF), with four replicates of 20 seeds each. Variables germination percentage, germination speed index, mean germination time, percentage of emerged seedlings, emergence speed index, shoot length and root length and seedling dry weight were evaluated. Results indicate that the exposure of passion fruit seeds to MF in an isolated way stimulates seed germination, emergence and vigor, being an alternative to conventional treatments based on chemical substances.</p>

Saline Water, Pit Coating and Calcium Fertilization on Chlorophyll, Fluorescence, Gas Exchange and Production in Passion Fruit

In plants sensitive to salinity, such as passion fruit, irrigation with saline water can cause physiological disturbances and reduce fruit production, necessitating the use of cultural practices that mitigate saline stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of water salinity, pit coating with high-strength polyethylene film, and calcium fertilization on the physiological and productive aspects of passion fruit ‘BRS Gigante Amarelo’. The treatments were arranged in split plot in the scheme 2WS × (2LP × 5DC), corresponding to water salinity (0.3 and 4.0 dS m-1) as the main plot, side coating of pits (without and with) doses of calcium (0; 30; 60; 90 and 120 kg ha-1). During the flowering phase, we evaluated leaf chlorophyll indices, fluorescence kinetics, and gas exchange. The increase in calcium doses up to 60 kg ha-1 increased leaf chlorophyll and quantum efficiency. The stomata did not restrict gas exchange, but salinity resulted in reduced net photosynthesis and plant production. The lateral coating of the pits intensified the reduction in salinity-promoted production, while calcium mitigated the effects of the salts. Entisol cultivated with passion fruit should not be irrigated with saline water of 4.0 dS m-1; lateral pit coating is not advised. In an Entisol with an initial calcium level of 1.92 cmolc dm-3, the recommended application dose is 60 kg ha-1 for passion fruit cultivation.

Qualidade pós-colheita de frutos de maracujazeiro-amarelo colhidos em diferentes estádios de maturação

Yellow passion fruit cultivars developed or adapted regionally can contribute to the productivity and production increase of quality fruit taking care of the needs of the market and the remuneration to the producers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of yellow passion fruits harvested at different maturation stages. Yellow passion fruits, cultivar BRS Gigante Amarelo, were produced in Terra Nova do Norte city, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, in 4 × 4 factorial scheme (maturation stages and evaluation periods), with four blocks. Physical (mass, length and diameter fruit and peel color) and chemical (total soluble solids, total titrable acidity and ratio) fruit characteristics were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis of variances and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The fruits of yellow passion fruit cultivar BRS Gigante Amarelo harvested at different stages of maturation present an increase in the color indexes (chroma and Hue), total soluble solids content and ratio, and reduction of the titratable total acidity, as fruit maturation occurs. In addition, fruits harvested at all maturation stages present a condition of industrialization immediately or after 3 days of storage while fruits harvested at maturation stage 4 present more interesting color characteristics for in natura trade, regardless of the storage period.

PHOTOCHEMICAL AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF YELLOW PASSION FRUIT IRRIGATED IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMIARID

Drought stress is one of the greatest problems facing agriculture in the semiarid regions and affects immediately the physiological processes and plant production. For that, irrigation is an essential practice to minimize effects of water deficit. Its appropriate management can to increase the farm income. This study aimed to evaluate to analyze the photochemical and productive performance of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) hybrid ‘BRS Gigante Amarelo’ irrigated in a Brazilian semiarid region. It was studied four water replacement rates (33, 66, 100 and 133% of ETo) at the field conditions. A randomized blocks experimental design it was used with five replications. The fluorescence of chlorophyll a, yield and fruit quality it were studied. The photochemical efficiency of photosystem II have been changed along the day at high temperatures. Occurred vidential damage in PHS II. Water replacement between 100 and 133% of ETo (1032 mm year-1) promotes the best production rates and quality of the fruit, but the fruit size and productivity are reduced in replacements over 100% of ETo.

Yellow passion fruit reaction to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae and to Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus

Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) yield and longevity have been drastically reduced by bacterial spot (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae - Xap) and passion fruit woodiness disease (PWD) (Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus - CABMV). This study was aimed at evaluating the reaction of 11 genotypes of yellow passion fruit, based on the reaction of their progenies, to both mechanically inoculated Xap and CABMV, under greenhouse conditions. There was a progressive increase in bacterial spot and PWD severity with time. BRS Gigante Amarelo, MAR20#12, and MAR20#34 were selected as the progenies with lowest bacterial spot severity and disease progress over time. MAR20#2005, EC-L-7, UnB2015-1, and EC-3-0 presented the lowest PWD severity and disease progress over time. These progenies, along with individual plants from other progenies in which disease severity was significantly low until the last evaluation, will be cloned and tested again for Xap and CABMV, including other isolates.