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Abstract

In order to review the literature on the ecophysiology of the cape gooseberry, it was found that this typical Andean plant, in Colombia adapts to a wide altitudinal range of the tropical cold climate, that is, between 1,800 and 2,800 meters above sea level (m a.s.l.), with optimal medium temperatures between 13 and 16°C and base (minimum) temperatures for stem and fruit growth are relatively low, 6.3 and 1.9°C, respectively, however it does not withstand temperatures <0°C. Likewise, the Andean conditions of the tropics such as high solar radiation and day lengths <12 hours, rather short, favor the flower initiation. 1,500-2,000 hours year-1 of direct sunshine are the most favorable for the size, quality and ripening of the fruit. Under field conditions in Bogota, a photosynthesis rate of A = 10.545 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 and light compensation point Ic = 13.645 μmol photons m-2 s-1 was measured. As a plant with an indeterminate growth habit, a constant supply of water is essential, while high amounts or heavy rains after a dry season cause cracking of the fruits, just as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging for more than 4 days. Cape gooseberry is classified as moderately tolerant to salinity and 30 mMol NaCl curiously promote growth, having mechanisms, such as increased antioxidant activity, to protect against saline conditions.

Colombia is the country with the greatest genetic diversity in passion fruit species, some of which are cultivated on an area of approximately 13,673 ha. Each variety must be planted at a suitable altitude under optimal conditions to obtain the best quality. Regarding plant nutrition, potassium has the greatest influence due to the effect of its application on the yield increase, ascorbic acid content and lifecycle to harvest. Adequate water increases the percentage of the marketable quality and amount of fruit juice, and the use of rootstocks does not significantly change the fruit quality. Ensuring a pollination of the flowers in cultivation is decisive for the fruit formation and its juice content. The species differ greatly in their quality, as purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) is a fruit that develops the highest content of ascorbic acid, while sweet calabash (P. maliformis) forms the maximum amount of phenols and total antioxidant activity. The maturation and ripening of passion fruit is determined by the skin coloration, during which the Brix grades and the maturity index increase and the titratable acidity diminishes. Fruits harvested early in physiological maturity and with unripe peel color can be treated with ethylene in post-harvest, matching fruits that ripened in the plant. More research is needed in the improvement of the quality of the Passifloraceae. Giant granadilla (P. cuadrangularis) and sweet calabash have been studied less than banana passion fruit (P. tripartita var. mollissima), purple passion fruit, yellow passion fruit and sweet granadilla (P. ligularis). The last three species are the most exported fruits in the country.

Use of genetically modified crops and pesticides in