Articles
Evaluation of giant granadilla accessions in a pergola system
Article number
1345_58
Pages
431 – 434
Language
English
Abstract
Passiflora quadrangularis is a species used as a fruit crop and as an ornamental.
Various parts of this plant are reputed to have endogenous substances that support human health for illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, cancer, and inflammation.
Its potential for several purposes has increased the interest in its production and consumption, therefore strengthening its crop in rural areas for marketing and for household use.
It can also be grown in urban areas for its fruits, for ornamental and/or medicinal purpose.
In Puerto Rico, there has been little research on this plant.
A study was conducted in Puerto Rico to assess three accessions of Passiflora quadrangularis in a pergola system in a periurban setting.
The accessions, designated PR-A, PR-B, and PR-C, were selected in western Puerto Rico, cloning them by stem cuttings from three adult and productive mother plants.
The resulting plants were established in a pergola structure in a complete randomized block design with three replications with 12 plants per accession.
Growth rate, biomass accumulation, leaf area, greenness, fruit productivity, and attractiveness as ornamentals were evaluated.
Among the three accessions, PR-A had the greatest growth rate, biomass accumulation and productivity. PR-B had greater leaf area values than PR-A. In contrast, PR-C had the lowest values for all those variables. PR-A and PR-B were comparable in leaf greenness, and PR-C was paler.
Scores for attractiveness were similar for the three accessions, as some people prefer paler plants and others prefer leaves with a darker green, and some prefer denser canopies and others prefer more spaced foliage. PR-C may be a good accession for urban areas with less space for growth and where high fruit yield may not be the main factor. PR-A and PR-B may seem more suitable for commercial plantings, or for urban areas where large plants can be accommodated or pruned more frequently to confine them to a determined area.
Various parts of this plant are reputed to have endogenous substances that support human health for illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, cancer, and inflammation.
Its potential for several purposes has increased the interest in its production and consumption, therefore strengthening its crop in rural areas for marketing and for household use.
It can also be grown in urban areas for its fruits, for ornamental and/or medicinal purpose.
In Puerto Rico, there has been little research on this plant.
A study was conducted in Puerto Rico to assess three accessions of Passiflora quadrangularis in a pergola system in a periurban setting.
The accessions, designated PR-A, PR-B, and PR-C, were selected in western Puerto Rico, cloning them by stem cuttings from three adult and productive mother plants.
The resulting plants were established in a pergola structure in a complete randomized block design with three replications with 12 plants per accession.
Growth rate, biomass accumulation, leaf area, greenness, fruit productivity, and attractiveness as ornamentals were evaluated.
Among the three accessions, PR-A had the greatest growth rate, biomass accumulation and productivity. PR-B had greater leaf area values than PR-A. In contrast, PR-C had the lowest values for all those variables. PR-A and PR-B were comparable in leaf greenness, and PR-C was paler.
Scores for attractiveness were similar for the three accessions, as some people prefer paler plants and others prefer leaves with a darker green, and some prefer denser canopies and others prefer more spaced foliage. PR-C may be a good accession for urban areas with less space for growth and where high fruit yield may not be the main factor. PR-A and PR-B may seem more suitable for commercial plantings, or for urban areas where large plants can be accommodated or pruned more frequently to confine them to a determined area.
Authors
J.P. Morales-Payan
Keywords
Passiflora quadrangularis, tropical horticulture, urban suitability
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