Improving yield and fruit quality traits in sweet passion fruit: Evidence for genotype by environment interaction and selection of promising genotypes

Abstract

Breeding for yield and fruit quality traits in passion fruits is complex due to the polygenic nature of these traits and the existence of genetic correlations among them. Therefore, studies focused on crop management practices and breeding using modern quantitative genetic approaches are still needed, especially for Passiflora alata, an understudied crop, popularly known as the sweet passion fruit. It is highly appreciated for its typical aroma and flavor characteristics. In this study, we aimed to reevaluate 30 genotypes previously selected for fruit quality from a 100 full-sib sweet passion fruit progeny in three environments, with a view to estimating the heritability and genetic correlations, and investigating the GEI and response to selection for nine fruit traits (weight, diameter and length of the fruit; thickness and weight of skin; weight and yield of fruit pulp; soluble solids, and yield). Pairwise genetic correlations among the fruit traits showed mostly intermediate to high values, especially those associated with fruit size and shape. Different genotype rankings were obtained regarding the predicted genetic values of weight of skin, thickness of skin and weight of pulp in each environment. Finally, we used a multiplicative selection index to select simultaneously for weight of pulp and against fruit skin thickness and weight. The response to selection was positive for all traits except soluble solids, and the 20% superior (six) genotypes were ranked. Based on the assumption that incompatibility mechanisms exist in P. alata, the selected genotypes were intercrossed in a complete diallel mating scheme. It is worth noting that all genotypes produced fruits, which is essential to guarantee yields in commercial orchards.

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

“…P10 (breeding germplasm) showed the highest plant yield followed by the variety INIAP 2009, both genotypes have reported good yield [ 5 ] but this trait is influenced by the environment. On the other hand, sweet passion fruit showed low plant yield per plant, which is in agreement with Chavarría-Perez et al [ 26 ] who reported low yields for this species. However, the lowest yield was reached by PICH1 which is a local germplasm that is cultivated by few farmers.…”

“…In terms of plant vigor, no nutrient deficiency was observed in the field. It may be inferred the passion fruit genotypes INIAP 2009, P10, Criolla POR1, and sweet passion fruit had an adequate vegetative growth since their yields were similar to those reported yields in other studies in Ecuador and Brazil [ 5 , 26 ]. Gulupa showed lower plant yield than that reported by Rodríguez-Polanco et al [ 28 ] in Colombia, and PICH1 had the lowest plant yield.…”

Analysis of repeated measures data through mixed models: An application in Theobroma grandiflorum breeding

“…AR1H was the most suitable covariance structure for residual effects. The AR1H covariance structure is often used in spatial analyses, considering that as the distance between two plots increases, the correlation between them decreases (Chavarría‐Perez et al., 2020; Gilmour et al., 1997). This concept can be applied in repeated measures context, i.e., the correlation between two measures decreases as the time between them increases (Piepho & Eckl, 2014; Verbyla et al., 2021; Wolfinger, 1996).…”

Indirect Selection for Seed Yield in Sacha-Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) in Brazil

“…These predictions are greater than those of Valente et al [11], who selected ten progenies, managed them in the same area, under the same conditions used in the present study, and reported a mean yield of 763 g•plant −1 , or 847 kg.ha −1 . Plant breeding for yield and quality traits in fruits is complex due to the polygenic nature of these traits and the existence of genetic correlations among them [38][39][40][41].…”