Cultivation Of Passion Fruit Research Articles

Production of Passion fruit in a semi-hydroponic system under protected cultivation

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the production of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) cultivars in different nutrient solutions, using commercial Bioplant® substrate in slabs system in protected cultivation. A randomized complete block design in a factorial scheme was used with 2 passion fruit cultivars (Araguari and Yellow Master) x 4 nutrient solutions (solution 1, solution 2, solution 3 and solution 4), each plot consisting of 6 plants with 6 replications. Electrical conductivity evaluations in the slabs drained solution started at 15 days after seedling transplantation and the nutrient contents were quantified at the end of the research. In passion fruit, ether extract, crude fiber and crude protein were evaluated. Fruit number, pulp mass, peel thickness and gas exchange were evaluated. It was concluded that the use of nutrient solution 2 in cultivar Yellow Master, with 2.72 dS m-1 electrical conductivity and the use of nutrient solution 4 in cultivar Araguari, with 2.95 dS m-1 electrical conductivity, yielded the largest number of fruits, pulp mass, fruit mass and gas exchange, in slabs system in the protected cultivation of passion fruit.

Characterization of Orange Passion Fruit Peel Flour and Its Use as an Ingredient in Bakery Products

ABSTRACTThe cultivation of passion fruit, has presented a great expansion, providing great popularization among the different segments of consumption. This research studied the effect of drying temperature in the content of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of orange passion fruit peel flour; as well as the application of this flour as an ingredient in the formulation of bakery products (bread and cake). In methodology it was evaluated in flours: water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, color parameters, proximate composition, minerals, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity; for the formulations of cakes and breads we evaluated the colr parameters, proximate composition and sensorial analysis. As noted, the drying at 80°C retained higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and all carotenoids tested and provitamin A. However regarding quercetin, it was observed that temperature at 60°C showed higher levels and the drying at 70°C had a greater effect on the radical sequester ABTS. Independent of temperature employed, the flours evaluated can be used as ingredients for the enrichment of bakery products with constituents as dietary fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds. In the sensorial analysis, the attributes of appearance, color, flavor, texture, taste and global acceptance showed that the bread and cakes formulations had a minimum acceptable rate of 70%.

Caracterización de la población que cultiva maracuyá en el municipio de Suaza- Huila

Objetivo: Este trabajo tiene por objeto el análisis de la cadena productiva del maracuyá (Passiflora Edulis) y los factores que inciden el deterioro de la fruta que llegas hasta el consumidor final. Por tal motivo este análisis inicia con la caracterización de la población cultivadora de maracuyá en el municipio de Suaza – Huila, siendo este el mayor productor de la fruta en el departamento y el cual será protagonista de la investigación.
 Metodología: El agricultor de Suaza es un campesino de edad promedio entre los 43 – 48 años de esas, con un nivel básico de escolaridad, quien posee un núcleo familiar de alrededor cinco personas; los cuales sustenta con sus ganancias de aproximadamente 1 – 2 smmlv. Sus predios cuentan con una expansión promedio de tierra de 1,5 a 3 ha, en donde aproximadamente el 50\% del área lo disponen para el cultivo de maracuyá.
 Resultado: Semanalmente en época de cosecha de maracuyá, se recolecta en promedio 200Kg; para lo cual se hace necesaria la contratación de jornales, que complementen las jornadas de fumigación, poda, recolección y clasificación. Sin embargo el agricultor no atribuye las pérdidas de fruta al sistema de transporte, sino al proceso de cosecha y poscosecha. Asegurando así que; 3 de cada 10 frutas se pierden en la cosecha y 1 de cada 10 al sistema de empaque.
 Conclusión: Dejando esta información preocupación por la pérdida de alrededor del 40\% de una fruta que es promesa de exportación y de la cual el consumidor final no alcanza gozar de las cualidades de esta en su máxima calidad. Abriendo así la puerta para múltiples investigaciones que contribuyan al mejoramiento de técnicas y procesos en la cadena productiva de la Passiflora.

Selection in the First Year of Passion Fruit Production: A Potential Strategy for Breeding

The objective was to compare the results obtained in the first and second year of production, with the aggregate production at the end of the two years of cultivation to determine the stage of the crop cycle most suitable for selection processes. We evaluated the fruits of 26 German-sib progenies of passion fruit during the peak production of the 1st year (December/2004) and the 2nd year (April/2006). There was little or no difference between the means of selected families in the two production years in terms of the evaluated traits. Selection should therefore be performed in the fist production year to reduce cultivation costs, making passion fruit cultivation more economically feasible.

Fractions oxidizable of organic carbon in agroecological base systems in production of Bahia semiarid

The objective of this study was to quantify the total contents and the organic carbon variation of soil with different degrees of lability in areas under organic fruit production system in the semi-arid Bahia. The study was conducted at Organic Bocaiuva Chacara located in Humble district, Feira de Santana, Bahia. The selected areas under different uses were: (CIT) Cultivation of citrus, (MAR) passion fruit cultivation and (ABA) area under pineapple cultivation. For comparison it was also evaluated an area under native forest system (MN). For each use system soil samples were collected at 0-10 and 10-20 cm in four replications. To obtain the different fractions was used doses of 2.5 and 5 ml of concentrated H 2 SO 4 , which corresponded to concentrations of 3 and 6 mol L -1 , respectively, while keeping constant the concentration of K 2 Cr 2 O 7 in 0.167 mol L -1 . Total organic carbon was obtained by wet oxidation with an external source of heat. The results show that the organic production systems studied non labile C is the highest percentage in the formation of COT. The SEA area presented organic carbon values in the various fractions and the COT like reference system (MN), which indicates that the system is being handled properly, causing no decrease in the levels of organic matter in the soil.

Identification of Passiflora spp. genotypes resistant to Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus and leaf anatomical response under controlled conditions

Abstract Passion fruit woodiness caused by the Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is one of the main problems associated with the cultivation of passion fruit in Brazil. Identifying sources of resistance in Passiflora collections is the first step to develop resistant varieties. The objective of this study was to screen some Passiflora genotypes for CABMV resistance, as well as to evaluate foliar anatomical aspects associated with this viral infection. Eighty genotypes belonging to 12 Passiflora species were evaluated in a completely randomized block design with treatment in a factorial scheme (80 genotypes × 7 evaluations). Artificial inoculation with CABMV was performed twice every four days. At 55 days after inoculation (DAI), the symptoms were evaluated through a scale of scores, which was then used to estimate the severity based on the disease index (DI%). The DI values for the different genotypes were grouped using the Scott-Knott test (p ≤ .05) and multivariate analysis. The viral infections were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. The genotypes BGP014, BGP112, BGP134, BGP143, BGP152, BGP170, BGP238, BGP077 and BGP413, belonging to the species Passiflora suberosa, P. malacophylla, P. setacea, and P. cincinnata, were considered resistant (0.00% DI). The disease caused by CABMV was more drastic in P. edulis, resulting in changes in the constitution and organization of vascular bundles of the leaf blade, with irregular arrangement of xylem and phloem elements, as well as spongy parenchyma cell hypertrophy. The wild species presented minor anatomical foliar alterations after inoculation with CABMV, particularly P. suberosa, P. setacea, and P. malacophylla, which did not present any changes after inoculation. The difference in the severity of CABMV among genotypes for resistance to the CABMV opens new perspectives for crossing these genotypes as parents in order to incorporate resistance to CABMV in passion fruit.

Activity of rhizobacteria antagonistic to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae in soils cultivated with monocotyledonous plants1

ABSTRACT In spite of the importance of passion fruit cultivation in Brazil, this activity has been forced to be itinerant, due to the occurrence of diseases in producing regions, in particular fusariosis. The use of rhizobacteria is a potential control alternative, but other improvements are necessary to guarantee the activity of these bacteria in the field. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of three monocotyledonous groups on the activity of rhizobacteria antagonistic to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae (Fop). Rhizobacteria were isolated from passion fruit plants and tested for the production of diffusible and volatile compounds, as well as chitinases that inhibit Fop. From a total of 167 isolates, two produced volatile compounds, 21 diffusible compounds and 32 chitinases. Three compatible combinations of isolates that had at least two action mechanisms against Fop and could grow in a wide pH range were applied in pots with sorghum, millet or maize, in addition to pots left fallow (control), in a greenhouse. The microbial biomass carbon, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient and activity of the acid phosphatase enzyme were evaluated. The interaction between the cultivated species and rhizobacterial combinations was significant only for the metabolic quotient, whose values tended to be higher under millet cultivation in combination 3 (R77/R95/R104/R120), the most metabolically diversified one. The highest activity of acid phosphatase was also obtained with millet. The results for enzymatic activity and metabolic quotient indicate that millet provides a greater activity of the antagonists in the soil.

YIELD AND QUALITY OF YELLOW PASSION FRUITS ACCORDING TO ORGANIC FERTILIZATION AND ALTERNATIVE PHYTOSANITARY MANAGEMENT

Growing yellow passion fruit is a profitable activity, with a high demand for labor, and it is practiced especially by family-based farmers. However, the production cost is rather high and a significant part of this cost is associated with the expenses related to fertilization and phytosanitary treatments necessary for obtaining satisfactory yields and high commercial quality fruit. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using organic compound in fertilization of plants and alternative products in phytosanitary treatments on the yield and quality of fruits. Yellow passion fruits were submitted to three types of fertilization (mineral, organic and organic-mineral) and two types of phytosanitary treatment (‘conventional’ and ‘alternative’). This experiment evaluated fruit yield (kg/plant) and fruit quality by using the following evaluations: seedless pulp yield, soluble solids content (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio and vitamin C content. The different types of fertilization did not interfere in fruit yield, however, plants under conventional phytosanitary treatment displayed higher yields. The SS content and TA of the fruits were influenced only by fertilization, where plants that received mineral and organic-mineral fertilization produced fruit with higher contents of SS and TA. Pulp yield, SS/TA ratio and vitamin C content were not influenced by any of the evaluated factors. Regarding cultivation of passion fruit, it is possible to substitute some mineral fertilizers for organic fertilizers with no negative effects on the fruit yield or quality. However, the substitution of pesticides for alternative products compromises fruit yield.

Report on the development of putative functional SSR and SNP markers in passion fruits

BackgroundPassionflowers Passiflora edulis and Passiflora alata are diploid, outcrossing and understudied fruit bearing species. In Brazil, passion fruit cultivation began relatively recently and has earned the country an outstanding position as the world’s top producer of passion fruit. The fruit’s main economic value lies in the production of juice, an essential exotic ingredient in juice blends. Currently, crop improvement strategies, including those for underexploited tropical species, tend to incorporate molecular genetic approaches. In this study, we examined a set of P. edulis transcripts expressed in response to infection by Xanthomonas axonopodis, (the passion fruit’s main bacterial pathogen that attacks the vines), aiming at the development of putative functional markers, i.e. SSRs (simple sequence repeats) and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms).ResultsA total of 210 microsatellites were found in 998 sequences, and trinucleotide repeats were found to be the most frequent (31.4%). Of the sequences selected for designing primers, 80.9% could be used to develop SSR markers, and 60.6% SNP markers for P. alata. SNPs were all biallelic and found within 15 gene fragments of P. alata. Overall, gene fragments generated 10,003 bp. SNP frequency was estimated as one SNP every 294 bp. Polymorphism rates revealed by SSR and SNP loci were 29.4 and 53.6%, respectively.ConclusionsPassiflora edulis transcripts were useful for the development of putative functional markers for P. alata, suggesting a certain level of sequence conservation between these cultivated species. The markers developed herein could be used for genetic mapping purposes and also in diversity studies.

Resistance to root-knot nematodes on passion fruit genotypes in Brazil

With the expansion of passion fruit cultivation in Brazil, phytosanitary problems have increased, among them, the occurrence of root-knot nematodes. This research aimed to study the response of passion fruit genotypes to Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. enterolobii in addition to evaluating the life cycle of M. enterolobii in the passion fruit genotype ‘FB 200’. The genotype response was carried out in a greenhouse. Each pot’s soil was inoculated with 5000 eggs. Gall index, egg mass index and nematode reproduction factors were evaluated at 120 days after inoculation. All genotypes studied were resistant to M. incognita, M. javanica and M. enterolobii, except ‘Roxinho do Kenia’, which was susceptible to the three nematode species. The life cycle of M. enterolobii in “FB 200” passion fruit was studied in a growth chamber at 26 °C with a photoperiod of 12 h. Seven days after transplantation, each plant was inoculated with approximately 400 second-stage juveniles. Evaluations were done at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days post inoculation. The nematode did not complete its life cycle.

Produção e qualidade de frutos de maracujazeiro-amarelo provenientes do cultivo com mudas em diferentes idades

The factors influencing the final quality of the passion fruit are many, among them the quality of seedlings and the adequate management and farming practices stand out. So, the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of yellow passion fruit cultivated with seedlings at different ages. For the establishment of the seedlings seeds of the yellow passion fruit cv were utilized. Redondo Amarelo, substrate composed of soil+sand+manure in the ratio of 3:1:1 and plastic bags for up to 8 kg of weight. The experimental design utilized was in randomized blocks (DBC) with five treatments made up of different ages (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 days, after emergence) with four replications of twelve plants. The variables surveyed were: fresh mass of the fruit (g) longitudinal and transversal diameter of the fruit (mm), fruit shape index, skin thickness (mm), percentage of skin, juice and seed (%), total soluble solids, total titrable acidity and (pH). The use of seedlings aged 100 and 125 days after emergence in yellow passion fruit cultivation showed satisfactory results for all characteristics, deducing feasible to use. The cultivation of yellow passion fruit formed with younger seedlings, compared to other ages obtained a low productivity, lower fruit and less juice yield.

English

In regions where rainfall is limited and irregular, irrigation technique is important for optimizing fruit plants production and profitability, such as yellow passion fruit. Therefore, this study investigates the economic viability of irrigations depth applied on passion fruit cultivation in the semiarid region of Paraiba State. The treatments were arranged on a factorial scheme that comprises four levels of ETo replacement (33, 66, 100 and 133%) and two yellow passion fruit hybrids (BRS Sol do Cerrado and BRS Gigante Amarelo), in a randomized block design, with five replications. Effective operational cost, administrative cost, total water cost, total production cost, gross income, net income, benefit/cost relation, balance of price and profitability index were evaluated. The best economic results were achieved with ‘BRS Sol do Cerrado’ hybrid under irrigation with 133% of ETo. Key words: Passiflora edulis, hybrids, economic viability, drip irrigation.

Volatile Coumponds in Passion Fruit Seed Oil (Passiflora setacea BRS Pérola do Cerrado and Passiflora alata BRS Doce Mel)

The use of seed byproducts from fruit processes has contributed to increase the supply of vegetable oils rich in bioactive compounds regarding consolidated cosmetics and functional foods. The aim of this study was to identify the volatile compounds present in the species P. setacea BRS Perola do Cerrado and P. alata BRS Doce Mel passion fruit seed oil. Both species come from research studies of Embrapa Cerrado (Brazil), where genetic modification were conducted in order to select species that meets the standard requirements regarding size, skin color, flesh color, number of seeds and a more sweet pulp flavor. In addition the species selected is more resistant to pests typical of passion fruit cultivation in Brazil. To evaluate the oil content in seeds, the lipid determination was carried out by Soxhlet method. The seeds were dried at 50 °C in aconvective dryer until the equilibrium moisture was achieved. The crude oil was obtained by crushing in continuous press expeller-type. The pressing processes were made at room temperature at 26 ± 2 oC (cold pressing) or above 50 °C (hot pressing). For the heating an electric resistance was coupled to the pressoutput. For comparative purposes, passion fruit oil was also obtained using anhydrous ethanol (PA) as solvent. The volatile compounds analysis of passion fruit seed oil was performed by gas chromatography using Solid-Phase Microextraction technique (SPME) in Dynamic Headspace (HS) mode. The chromatograph was attached to mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Identification of the peaks was performed by comparing the mass spectra obtained with those of the device library (Wiley 6th edition) by comparison of the retention index calculated (Kovatz Index) with values reported in the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Discrimination among samples was performed by Principal Components Analysis (PCA) of the absolute chromatographic areas of identified individual compounds obtained by Dynamic Headspace/Solid-Phase Microextraction/Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (HS-SPME-GC-FID) using gray fiber Divinylbenzene/Carboxen/Polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CA/PDMS). The Unscrambler software version 10.3 (CAMO CORP) was used for PCA. The PCA shows separation among samples obtained applying different pressing temperatures (hot and cold) and by ethanol extraction. The most abundant volatile compounds from P.setacea oils were terpens (23 %), esters (23 %), alcohols (19 %), aldehydes and ketons (8 %). Regarding P. alata oils, the volatile compounds were in majority esters (35 %), aldehydes (30 %), alcohols (23 %), terpenes and carboxylic acids (9 %). Therefore the volatile profile depends not only on the species, but also on the process used for oil extraction.

English

Collar rot is a disease difficult to control that has hindered passion fruit cultivation in many regions of Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to find genetic resistance to the fungus Fusarium solani in Passiflora species using the multivariate analysis methodology to discriminate the most resistant species. The following fourteen Passiflora species were assessed: P. quadrangularis, P. nitida, P. foetida, P. tenuifila, P. alata, P. setacea, P. cincinnata, P. mucronata, P. micropetala, P. suberosa, P. morifolia, P. eichleriana , P. edulis and P. coccinea. These plants were arranged in a casualized block design with 14 treatments (species), three replications and three plants per plot. The reactions of the inoculated species of Passiflora were evaluated with the use of 12 resistance traits. The generalized Mahalanobis distance was used to form groupings by the UPGMA method. 3D projection with the canonical variables and quantification of the relative contribution of characters were also conducted. The UPGMA method revealed the formation of three distinct groups of species, which composed the susceptible, moderately resistant and resistant groups. The groups formed by three-dimensional dispersion were similar to those formed by the dendrogram. The following traits contributed most to genetic diversity: inoculation time until the lesion reached more than 50% of the circumference of the injured stem and area under the curve of the expansion of the lesion width. The use of the set of traits and their joint assessment through multivariate analysis allowed greater accuracy in the inference of the most resistant species, mainly P. nitida and P. cincinnata .

ENHANCEMENT OF PASSION FRUIT YIELD THROUGH IMPROVED CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES IN DISTRICT KELARA REGENCY OF JENEPONTO

Opportunities for passion fruit business are still wide open due to expansion of growing areas in the lowlands and opportunities for export market. However, one factor that limiting the development of this commodity is poor cultivation technique applied at the farmer level result in low production and fruit quality that does not meet market requirement. This community service program aimed at increasing the production of passion fruit through improved cultivation techniques. The benefit obtained is to increase the knowledge and skills of farmers in improved techniques of cultivation of passion fruit. The methods used in these activities are workshops and participatory learning in the form of counseling, mentoring, and demonstration plots. Partners for the activity are Kampung Berua farmer group and Mataere farmer group in District Kelara, Regency Jeneponto Province of South Sulawesi. Counseling material given is related to passion fruit cultivation techniques and standard operating procedures. The assistance is conducted in the form of selection process of fruit and seeds that will be used as seed, plant propagation from seed and stem cuttings, and plant maintenance techniques. In the implementation of these activities, the farmers' groups participated actively so that the expected knowledge and skills of farmers groups increased and will ultimately result in increased production of passion fruit.

Enxertia de diferentes combinações de copas e porta-enxertos em maracujazeiros

The use of rootstock in the cultivation of passion fruit aims to solve problems related to diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens. The seedling production by this method may provide greater longevity for plants and smaller losses for the producer of passion fruit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the grafting of different canopy / rootstock, using Passiflora alata and Passiflora cincinnata as rootstocks for yellow, sweet and purple passion fruit plants. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 3 scheme (two rootstocks and three types of scions), with four replications and ten plants per plot. The Passiflora cincinnata when used as rootstock for yellow, purple, and sweet passion fruit showed lower grafting success rate and seedling development. The formation of seedlings by grafting of yellow and purple passion fruit on Passiflora alata proved to be feasible for the majority of those characteristics.

A history of passion fruit woodiness disease with emphasis on the current situation in Brazil and prospects for Brazilian passion fruit cultivation

Plants of the Passiflora genus are widely cultivated for the production of fruit, cosmetics and pharmacological products and for floriculture. Here, we review the history of the identification of viral pathogens involved in passion fruit woodiness disease, which can affect different species of Passiflora. Additionally, we discuss prospects for research and development related to this pathosystem and applications to plant breeding. We discuss the different potyviruses identified as potential causal agents of passion fruit woodiness in Africa, Asia, Australia and Brazil. We focus on the status of the cultivation of different Passiflora species in Brazil and place this problem in a global context. Both classical and molecular strategies for obtaining virus-resistant Passiflora plants are discussed in this work, thus providing insight into this pathosystem and useful information for breeders of Passiflora species.

Study of the stability of passion fruit powder (Passiflora edullis f. flavicarpa) from organic farming

O maracujá é um fruto originário da América Tropical, sendo cultivado em países de climas tropical e subtropical, pertencente à família Passifloraceae, gênero Passiflora. Dentre os métodos de cultivo do maracujá, tem-se a produção pelo sistema orgânico, uma prática cada vez mais comum, visando aliar qualidade de produtos alimentícios com a preservação ambiental. Considerando as tendências atuais por alimentos nutritivos e de rápido preparo, o uso do maracujá sob a forma desidratada, consiste em uma interessante alternativa para a redução de perdas, agregar valor ao produto e proporcionar outras maneiras de consumo da fruta. Com base nessas informações, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a estabilidade do pó de maracujá amarelo, proveniente de cultivo orgânico, obtido por spray drying, durante armazenamento por 360 dias, sob temperatura ambiente (25 ± 2°C). Os pós de maracujá foram avaliados a cada 30 dias, durante 360 dias de armazenamento, quanto aos seguintes parâmetros: químicos, físicoquímicos e microbiológicos. O pó de maracujá orgânico manteve-se praticamente estável durante os 360 dias de armazenamento, sob temperatura ambiente, oferecendo um grande potencial de utilização, por apresentar adequada retenção de ácido ascórbico 15,86 mg/100g, higroscopicidade desejada, 22,48 g de água absorvida/100 g; baixa atividade de água com teores médios de 0,46; pH ácido estável de 4,1, altos teores de cinzas, 4,7%; açúcares totais com valores médios de 36,93%; polifenóis extraíveis totais de 196,18 mg EAG/ 100 g de pó de maracujá e resultados microbiológicos satisfatórios com ausência de coliformes a 35° C e 45ºC, Salmonella sp/25g, mesófilos e contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, foram encontrados valores menores que 10 UFC/g.

Development and bloom in hybrids of wild passion fruit cultivated in different types of pots and shading levels

Ornamental hybrids of passion flowers are thoroughly diffused in many countries and used in the decoration of houses and gardens. However, the cultivation of ornamental passion fruits practically unexploited in Brazil. This study aimed at evaluating the growth and blooming of F1 hybrids of Passiflora L. (P. sublanceolata J.M. MacDougal [ex P. palmeri var. sublanceolata Killip] vs. P. foetida var. foetida L.) cultivated in ceramic and concrete pots under different shading levels. The vegetative and flower evaluations were carried out weekly, in clonal cuttings 60 days after rooting. The height, leaf length and width, the number of internodes and leaves and stem diameter were evaluated using a randomized complete design in a factorial scheme which corresponded to two genotypes, two types of pot, three shading levels (25 %, 50 %, 75 %) and seven weeks of evaluation, with four replications. For the variable number of flowers, the same experimental design was adopted. However, the number of evaluations was modified for three periods, but this was not considered for the flower diameter and leaf area. The shading levels of 25 % and 50 % were the most favorable to the growth in height, whereas hybrid genotypes under 25 % shade had greater increase in the number of leaves, internodes and stem diameter, showing tolerance to moderate shade. The higher values for length, width and leaf area were observed at 75 % shade. The greatest number of flowers was verified at 25 % shadow in concrete pots. As for the types of pot, the ceramic ones were more favorable to the growth of hybrid plants during the first weeks of acclimatization to the treatments, and the concrete ones were more propitious to blooming. Thus, the use of hybrid plants in concrete pots for the ornamentation of internal environments is recommended, if they are well illuminated.

In vitro selection of yellow passion fruit genotypes for resistance to Fusarium vascular wilt

Fusarium vascular wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae) is a limiting factor in the cultivation of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis). Since there is no effective and economically viable control available, development of resistant or at least tolerant cultivars are in demand. A number of procedures have been used for the initial selection of plant genotypes resistant to various fungal pathogens by means of a fungal culture filtrate or purified toxin. In this study, seeds and in vitro-grown plantlets of passion fruit were screened with different concentrations of either Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae (FOP) culture filtrate (0, 20, 30, 40 or 50%, v/v) or fusaric acid (0.10, 0.20, 0.30 or 0.40 mM) supplemented in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media. Subsequently, selected plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension of FOP to assess correlation between in vivo and in vitro responses. In vitro sensitivity to the selective agents and the resistance response to the pathogen were also compared. Root growth was markedly influenced by FA, culture filtrate, and conidial suspension culture treatments. Observations indicated that roots were primary targets for attack by F. oxysporum. Successful in vitro selection of resistant genotypes by both FA and culture filtrate treatments suggested that this strategy was viable for accelerating breeding of passion fruit for resistance to the Fusarium vascular wilt.