Passion Fruit Species Research Articles

Relações entre variáveis do maracujá amarelo e roxo

ABSTRACT Brazil is the world’s largest producer of passion fruit, with the species Passiflora edulis Sims (yellow and purple passion fruit) being the most popular commercially. Due to the great economic importance of this culture, seeking high productivity, phytotechnical quality, and maintenance of existing germplasms, among others, it is necessary to carry out studies of the most diverse types of this culture. In this crop, the use of multivariate techniques has increasingly driven studies on genetic differences between passion fruit species. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the variables that deserve greater emphasis in experiments with two commercial species of Passiflora: Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis (purple passion fruit) and Passiflora edulis Sims (yellow passion fruit), verifying if the species differ from each other. For this purpose, principal component analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and Hotelling’s T2 test were performed. The principal component analysis proved to be effective, allowing the removal of five variables for yellow passion fruit and six variables for purple passion fruit and yellow passion fruit present contrasting differences between them, being the explanatory variables for the purple passion fruit the external and internal color and for the yellow passion fruit length, diameter, and citric acid.

Karyotype characterization of endosperm-derived plants of Passiflora cristalina Vanderplank and Zappi, a wild amazonian passionfruit species

Karyotype characterization of endosperm-derived plants of Passiflora cristalina Vanderplank and Zappi, a wild amazonian passionfruit species

Crescimento de porta-enxerto de maracujazeiro silvestre (Passiflora foetida L.) sob salinidades da água de irrigação

ABSTRACT Wild passion fruit species, due to the greater tolerance to environmental stresses, reveal potential as interspecific rootstocks. Passiflora foetida is a wild species potentially tolerant to salinity. Therefore, the objective with the study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation water salinity on the growth of wild passion fruit (P. foetida L.) rootstocks. The experiment was carried out in a protected environment. The treatments consisted of the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.3; 1.0; 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0 dS m-1), distributed in randomized blocks. The assessments were performed at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after transplanting and consisted of: stem height and diameter, number of leaves, average leaf size, leaf area, and dry matter of shoots, roots and total. In younger rootstocks, the deleterious effects of salinity on height growth and leaf components were observed under lower electrical conductivities, with tolerance increasing with age. However, dry biomass accumulation was more severely restricted by salinity with increasing rootstock age. P. foetida rootstocks are salinity tolerant and can be irrigated with water of up to 4.0 dS m-1.

Development and physiological aspects of three species of passion fruit submitted to water stress

The aim of this work was to evaluate the development and physiological aspects of three species of passion fruit submitted to water stress. The work was carried out at the Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Tecnológicas of Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp, Brazil). The experimental design was completely randomized (DIC), in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, in which three passion fruit species were used: Passiflora gibertii; Passiflora foetida, and Passiflora edulis interacting with three irrigation intervals, namely: 4, 8 and 12 days, with four replications. The suspension of irrigations for twelve days reduces the transpiration of passion fruit seedlings, while the suspension of irrigations every eight days reduces stomatal conductance. Passiflora gibertii plants have higher photosynthetic efficiency than P. edulis and P. foetida. Passiflora gibertii seedlings show greater growth than P. foetida and P. edulis, while P. foetida seedlings have the highest number of leaves. In plants irrigated at twelve-day intervals, fruit growth was affected.

Cryopreservation and germinative behavior of Passiflora spp. seeds.

Cryopreservation is an interesting strategy for the long-term conservation of the seeds of the majority of cultivated plants as well as many of the corresponding wild parents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of the seeds of different passion fruit species to cryopreservation, as well as to apply multivariate tools to better understand the germinative behavior after thawing, to support the application and repeatability of these methods with other Passiflora species. Seeds of P. coccinea, P. edulis, P. gibertii, P. maliformis, P. morifolia, P. setacea, P. suberosa and P. tenuifila were submitted to cryopreservation, and after thawing the following variables were analyzed: emergence percentage (%); mean emergence time (days); mean emergence speed (plantlets.day-1); uncertainty (bit); and synchrony (bit). We applied multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) to the data. The seeds of all the species withstood the freezing well, indicating that cryopreservation is a viable alternative for long-term conservation of Passiflora genetic material. The emergence percentage, average emergence speed and average emergence time were the variables that contributed the most to separation of the species in the first canonical discriminant function (Can1). The seeds of the species studied were found to be tolerant to desiccation because they remained viable even with low water content. The results showed that seeds could be cryopreserved successfully both with and without prior desiccation.

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Yellow and Purple Passion Fruit Genotypes Cultivated in Ecuador

Seed is a fundamental tool to carry out breeding processes and for the propagation of the crops; however, seed propagation generally has low and irregular germination. Passion fruit (Passiflora) species are economically important for Ecuador, which is the main exporter of passion fruit concentrate in Latin America. Ecuadorian farmers propagate new plants by seeds to establish new passion fruit orchards or to extend their cultivated area. The objective of this research was to determine the differences in germination and seedling development with the application of priming methods in five genotypes of passion fruit belonging to three different taxa that are of commercial use in Ecuador. The genotypes used were: INIAP 2009 and P10 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa), Gulupa (P. edulis f. edulis), and local germplasms POR1 (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) and PICH1 (P. maliformis). The priming methods were: water (control), hydrogen peroxide at 15%, potassium nitrate at 1%, PEG 6000 at −1.2 MPa, and gibberellic acid at 500 ppm. The results showed that there was a genotype-response depending on the priming method. Nevertheless, Polietilenoglicol (PEG 6000) could be considered as a promising method to encourage seed germination and promote seedling growth in the Passiflora species. More research regarding the use of this compound has to be carried out in order to determine in depth the physiological processes related to its functions to improve seed germination as well as production of vigorous seedlings.

Passiflora guayaquilensis (Passifloraceae): a new species of wild passion fruit from coastal Ecuador

Passiflora guayaquilensis (Passifloraceae), a new species of wild passion fruit in subg. Decaloba from the seasonally deciduous dry forests of coastal Ecuador is here formally described and illustrated. The new species is similar to Passiflora morifolia, but differs notably in the morphology of the flower and fruit. The conservation status of P. guayaquilensis is assigned here as Vulnerable.

Pulp Mineral Content of Passion Fruit Germplasm Grown in Ecuador and Its Relationship with Fruit Quality Traits.

There are several species of passion fruit grown in South America. However, there is a lack of information about the mineral content in their pulp. Thus, the objective of the present research was to determine the mineral content in the pulp of different germplasms of passion fruit [Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (INIAP 2009 and P10), P. alata (Sweet passion fruit), P. edulis f. edulis (Gulupa) and Passiflora sp. (Criollo POR1 and Criollo PICH1)] grown in Ecuador and to determine their relationship with relevant fruit quality traits. The results showed that high Mg content was associated with less peel thickness, soluble solids was negatively related to K and B content, and vitamin C was negatively related to S content. INIAP 2009 had high titratable acidity and fruit weight but low N and Na; P10 showed the highest contents of N, K, Na, Mn and fruit weight but less P, Mg, and Fe; sweet passion fruit showed high S, Zn, Cu, soluble solids, and peel thickness but low K, Ca, B, and titratable acidity; Gulupa had high Mg, B, and Zn but low S, Fe, and Mn; Criollo POR1 showed high N and Fe but low Zn; and Criollo PICH1 showed high P, Ca, Mg, and Cu but low soluble solids and peel thickness. These results provide additional information on passion fruit germplasm grown in Ecuador and constitutes a reference for further breeding programs.

Spatio-temporal distribution and influence of distance of diseased passion fruit plants in the dissemination of the Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in semi-arid tropical region

The Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), of the genus Potyvirus (Potyviridae), causes the most prominent passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) disease in Brazil. The virus is transmitted in a non-circulating manner by many species of aphids. Chemical control of the vector insect is inefficient, due to the non-circulating nature of the virus-vector aphid relationship, and commercial species of passion fruit are susceptible to the virus. As such, comprehending the disease’s spatio-temporal dissemination dynamic may assist in outlining cultural control strategies, as chemical and genetic control are not used in this situation. The experiments were carried out in commercial fields in the cities of Petrolina-PE and Juazeiro-BA, where the mapping of diseased and healthy plants was carried out over time. The data regarding the incidence of the disease was submitted for analysis with Gompertz, Logistic, Monomolecular and Exponential growth models, in order to determine the best model and the progress rate for the disease’s growth curve. The spatial patterns of the disease along the planting lines and over time were determined using the doublets test and through logistic regression, applied to determine the influence of distance between diseased and healthy plants closer to the disease’s dissemination pattern. The growth model which best adjusted to the CABMV epidemics in passion fruit plants was the Logistic model, and no difference was observed between the ‘r’ rates of disease progress. The diseased passion fruit plants exhibited, in both fields, an aggregate pattern along the planting line with similar incidence values (4.16% and 6.74%). The fast development of the disease and the tendency toward aggregation between diseased plants were also confirmed with the analysis of distance through logistic regression. Thus, the production of seedlings in environments that are protected from aphids, systematic inspections for eradication of diseased plants (roguing) and the elimination of host weeds around the orchard may be used as management practices do eliminate inoculum sources and reduce the CABMV’s rate of progress

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.

Effect of Passiflora setacea juice and its phenolic metabolites on insulin resistance markers in overweight individuals and on microglial cell activity.

Passiflora setacea (PS) is a species of wild Brazilian passion fruit, rich in bioactive compounds. Scientific evidence suggests that food rich in polyphenols can modulate inflammation, thereby playing an important role in preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (DT2) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of PS consumption on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight male volunteers and to identify the underlying mechanism of action using an in vitro study using phenolic metabolites isolated from the plasma of volunteers at physiologically relevant concentrations. Volunteers participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled (PB) study with two phases: phase I (acute study) and phase II (chronic study). In phase I, 15 volunteers ingested a single dose of 50 g, 150 g of PS pulp and PB in three different interventions. In phase II, nine volunteers ingested 50 g of PS or PB for 14 days. Blood samples were collected before (T0 h) and 3 h (T3 h) (phase I) or 15 days after (phase II) ingestion of PS or PB. Blood biochemical markers, HOMA IR, and inflammatory markers were analyzed and data on BMI, waist circumference, and consumption of polyphenol-rich foods were collected. Phenolic metabolites were extracted from plasma by solid-phase separation and were used to treat BV-2 cells stimulated by LPS or anacardic acid to assess p50, p65 and PPAR-γ activation. It was observed that the consumption of a single dose of PS juice significantly reduced basal insulin levels and HOMA IR. After prolonged consumption for two weeks, PS contributed to the reduction of circulating levels of IL-6. BV-2 cells treated with PS phenolic metabolites showed increased PPAR-γ activity, which resulted in an anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effect of PS metabolites. In conclusion, PS juice consumption exerts beneficial effects on inflammatory markers in overweight individuals, being a possible and important tool in the prevention of T2D and CVD in risk groups.

Water stress in passion fruit cropping: an approach to its development

In places with water restrictions, there is the occurrence of water stress, which compromises the entire cycle of passion fruit crop, causing damage to the vegetative and reproductive phase of the plant. Therefore, the objective of this work was to assess water stress in the passion fruit crop through an approach to its development. An experiment was carried out in May 2019 at São Paulo State University (Unesp), College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences located in the municipality of Dracena, State of São Paulo. The experimental design was completely randomized (DIC), in a 3x3 factorial arrangement, in which three passion fruit species were used: Passiflora gibertii; Passiflora foetida, and Passiflora edulis, interacting with three irrigation intervals, namely: 4, 8, and 12 days, with four replications, totaling 36 plots. It was found that the a 12-day interruption in the irrigation affects the growth of seedlings of different species of passion fruit, and the species P. gibertii has a growth rate higher than P. edulis and P. foetida. The species P. edulis showed lower contents of chlorophylls A, B, and total in relation to P. gibertii and P. foetida.

A genome sequence resource for the genus Passiflora, the genome of the wild diploid species Passiflora organensis.

The genus Passiflora comprises a large group of plants popularly known as passionfruit, much appreciated for their exotic flowers and edible fruits. The species (∼500) are morphologically variable (e.g., growth habit, size, and color of flowers) and are adapted to distinct tropical ecosystems. In this study, we generated the genome of the wild diploid species Passiflora organensis Gardner by adopting a hybrid assembly approach. Passiflora organensis has a small genome of 259 Mbp and a heterozygosity rate of 81%, consistent with its reproductive system. Most of the genome sequences could be integrated into its chromosomes with cytogenomic markers (satellite DNA) as references. The repeated sequences accounted for 58.55% of the total DNA analyzed, and the Tekay lineage was the prevalent retrotransposon. In total, 25,327 coding genes were predicted. Passiflora organensis retains 5,609 singletons and 15,671 gene families. We focused on the genes potentially involved in the locus determining self-incompatibility and the MADS-box gene family, allowing us to infer expansions and contractions within specific subfamilies. Finally, we recovered the organellar DNA. Structural rearrangements and two mitoviruses, besides relics of other mobile elements, were found in the chloroplast and mt-DNA molecules, respectively. This study presents the first draft genome assembly of a wild Passiflora species, providing a valuable sequence resource for genomic and evolutionary studies on the genus, and support for breeding cropped passionfruit species.

Nutrient suppression in passion fruit species: an approach to leaf development and morphology

The production of passion fruit in commercial areas requires a good correction of nutrients in the soil, however, with nutritional restrictions it can cause symptoms of deficiency expressed mainly in the leaves and stems, which may appear spots, reduced growth, changes in the architecture of these organs mainly in the its size and shape. This work aimed to know the effects caused by the suppression of nutrients in passion fruit species with an approach on their development and leaf morphology. The experimental design was completely randomized (DIC) in a 2x6 factorial scheme where the first factor was composed of two passion fruit species: P. gibertiiand P. edulis, interacting with the availability of nutrients, that is, a control group with the supply of all nutrients, with nitrogen suppression (N); phosphorus (P); potassium (K); magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), totaling 12 treatments with four replications totaling 48 plots or plastic vessels per experiment. The species P. edulisshowed better responses to the variables of development andleaf morphology. The species P. gibertiiis more susceptible to nutrient deficiency and showed changes in the color and shape of its leaves with the restriction of nutrients. The nutrients Fe and Mg caused greater restrictions on the development and leaf morphology of passion fruit species. It is necessary to carry out a new study with the species P. gibertiiregarding the appropriate concentrations of N, P and K provided in planting and cover, as this species is used as a rootstock in commercial areas

Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds, in vitro antioxidant activity, sensory profile and consumer acceptability of fermented alcoholic beverage obtained from Caatinga passion fruit (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.)

The aim of this research was to evaluate the quality of fermented alcoholic beverage from passion fruit produced using passion fruit species obtained from the Brazilian Caatinga biome (Passiflora cincinnata Mast.). Four treatments were elaborated using fruit pulp in two different ripening stages (unripe and ripe), with and without dilution of the pulp. The following analyses were conducted to characterize the passion fruit wines: pH, density, soluble solids, titratable and volatile acidity, sulfur dioxide, dry extract, alcohol content, total sugar, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C* and h) and bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds). The antioxidant potential as determined in vitro by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC assays. The overall acceptance and purchase intention of the beverages were evaluated using a consumer test. The physiochemical compositions of the samples were different, except for volatile acidity and ascorbic acid. The total phenolic compounds content was considered relevant, >700 mg GAE L1. Twenty-one phenolic compounds, among phenolic acids, flavonols, flavanols and stilbenes were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-FD. The sensory score obtained was considered satisfactory. This study showed the feasibility of using the Caatinga passion fruit to produce fermented alcoholic beverage, which could be inserted on the market as a new product.

English

The genus Passiflora L. is the most representative of the Passifloraceae family and includes about 500 species. The aim of this work was to analyze three different passion fruit species in relation to vitexin-2´´-O-rhamnoside content by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode-array ultaviolet detector. Samples were prepared by water infusion (10% w/v), dried by lyophilization, and stored in amber vials at -20°C. The method for quantification of vitexin-2´´-O-rhamnoside was developed and validated using a Shimadzu Class-VP liquid phase chromatograph. Quantification of vitexin-2´´-O-rhamnoside was done with an Ascentis-phenyl supelco column (250 mm x 4.6 mm i.d. x 5 µm), mobile phase composed of ultrapure water (pH = 3.0) (Solvent A)/ acetonitrile (Solvent B), in gradient elution mode, flow rate of 1.4 mL/min, and UV detection at 340 nm. The adopted method showed great linearity, precision, accuracy, detection (LOD), and quantification (LOQ) limits, recovery and robustness. Total analysis time was 16 min. This method has clear advantages when compared to those found in the literature, since the use of a silica-based phenyl column allowed the best chromatographic resolution, resulting in better LOD and LOQ. Vitexin-2''-O-rhamnoside content was higher in P. foetida (7.21%), followed by P. setacea (3.66%), and P. alata (2.89%). Key words: Vitexin-2''-O-rhamnoside quantity, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) new method, passion fruit.

Evaluation of postharvest properties in different passion fruit species during ripening

During ripening, many transformations occur in passion fruits. The ripening stage affects fruit quality and post-harvest properties. Fruits with 65% yellow epidermis present chemical characteristics that meet industrial standards, facilitating harvest estimations and loss avoidance. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the post-harvest properties of passion fruit species (genotypes of the yellow passion fruit and sweet passion fruit, and yellow passion fruit cultivar FB 200) during ripening. The fruits were evaluated by the color of the epidermis and the chemical characteristics of the pulp (titratable acidity, vitamin C, carotenoids, soluble solids content, and ratio). This experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design and a split-plot arrangement, where the plots were the species and the subplots were the evaluation periods (50, 58, 66, 74 and 82 days after anthesis), with four replications and 10 fruits per plot. The yellow passion fruit genotype and cultivar, harvested at 82 days after anthesis, presented desirable characteristics for the juice industry and for fresh consumption. The sweet passion fruit had a higher soluble solids content and titratable acidity ratio because of its high content of soluble solids and low acidity, which translate to a better fruit flavor.

Anatomical characterization of Passiflora cincinnata Mast. fruit subjected to refrigeration

Abstract Passiflora cincinnata is a species of wild passion fruit whose fruit has potential for use by the food industry. In this context, an anatomical study of the pericarp may help in understanding the changes which occur during the postharvest period. The objective of this work was to anatomically characterize the P. cincinnata pericarp, focusing on the structural changes which occur during refrigerated storage. The selected fruits were kept in net-like packaging at 5°C and evaluated every 15 days for a period of 90 days. Pericarp samples were hand cut on these dates for structural description and to detect starch, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and lignin through histochemical tests. Other samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The fruit is composed of three anatomically distinct regions: exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp. The mesocarp stands out for the presence of sclerified cells and the lax parenchyma, which increased its number of layers during the evaluated period. Idioblasts with prismatic crystals, drusen, silica crystals and raphides were identified, but the amounts reduced over time. This reduction and enlargement of the lax parenchyma were the main changes observed in the postharvest period of P. cincinnata pericarps.

Passion Fruit (Passiflora spp.) species as sources of resistance to soil phytopathogens Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Passiflorae complex

Abstract The stem rot and fusarium vascular wilt are among the main factors the most limiting the passion fruit cultivation in the State of Mato Grosso. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance / susceptibility of the genus Passiflora species to soil pathogens from different biomes of Mato Grosso (Cerrado, Pantanal and Amazon). The part I evaluated the response of P. edulis Sims, P. foetida, P. nitida and P. quadrangularis on eight isolates of F. solani. In part II was evaluated the genotypes P. edulis Sims, P. mucronata, P. foetida, P. nitida and P. morifolia on three isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial arrangement (genotypes x isolates). The statistical analysis used for both steps were the variance analyses by F test and grouping of averages of genotypes by Scott-Knott test (P =0.05). Among the isolates of F. solani was found that isolates FS8A and FS3P are more aggressive, indicating genetic variability among isolates. The most resistant genotypes to the pathogen were P. nitidaand P. foetida. Among the isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae there was no significant difference in aggressive levels, and the P. mucronata and P. nitida species are more resistant to Fusarium. Thus genotypes P. nitida, foetida and P. mucronatacan be indicated as a resistance source to improvement of commercial passionfruit programs.

Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of the Pulp of Two Brazilian Passion Fruit Species: Passiflora Cincinnata Mast. And Passiflora Edulis Sims

ABSTRACT About 600 species of Passiflora are described around the world, of which 120 are native to Brazil. In the present work, the phytochemical compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the antioxidant activities (AOX) were measured in the pulp of P. edulis and P. cincinnata species. The P. edulis presented a higher bioactive content and AOX when compared to P. cincinnata. Citric and malic acids were the main organic acids found. The principal component analysis-PCA associated the highest values of quercetin-3-glucoside, hesperidin, trans-caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-resveratrol, rutin, procyanidin-B2, epigallocatechin-gallate and epicatechin-gallate, to P. cincinnata. The P. edulis was associated with higher values of total phenolic, vitamin C, total carotenoids, AOX (DPPH•, ABTS+• and FRAP), cis-resveratrol, naringenin, kaempferol-3-glucoside, myricetin and procyanidin-B1. P. cincinnata, although not a commercial species such as P. edulis, presented phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in acceptable values, including the high values of quercetin 3-glucoside. The present study contributes to the knowledge of the physical-chemical composition of the Passiflora species.