Functional analysis of trellising systems and their impact on quality and productivity in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. Flavicarpa and f. Pupurea, Degener) cultivars in Colombia

Abstract

In the last decade, passion fruit cultivation has regained special importance expressed in the increase of the planting area in order to supply growing markets. This study systematizes research and production experiences gathered in more than three decades of technical work in the central region of Colombia, at locations of Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Huila, Tólima, Quindio and Risaralda. Extensive field visits were conducted with farmers, students and technicians. Initially, general information on passion fruit cultivation, edaphoclimatic requirements are reviewed, analyzing the effect of climatological variables such as wind speed, relative humidity, temperature, rainfall and sunshine, in intensive production processes, which are manifested in the monthly distribution of production volume, expressed as percentage, taking as a reference the three support and conduction systems (simple trellis, “T” system and double cordon), highlighting attributes, advantages, disadvantages and their relationship with productivity and quality. Finally, the effect of pollinating agents was described. It was concluded that according to the ecophysiological requirements of passion fruit cultivation under tropical Colombian conditions, the trellising system, which presents the greatest advantages for cultural and phytosanitary management is the simple trellis, obtaining higher production volumes of optimum quality.