Agronomic descriptors and ornamental potential of passion fruit species

Abstract

Brazil has great variability, being one of the centers of origin of the genus Passiflora. Passion fruit has a multiple and diversified uses, being little explored as an ornamental plant in the country. The objective of this work was to characterize four passion fruit genotypes (two hybrid materials from the experimental field of passion fruit breeding program of the University of Brasília, and two passion fruit cultivars -BRS Sertão Forte and BRS Mel do Cerrado, both of them from Brazil), based on official and validated morphoagronomic descriptors for the identification of morphological aspects and ornamental potential, under field conditions, in the Distrito Federal, Brazil. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design, with four treatments, four replications, and six plants per plot. Plants were analyzed weekly regarding the characteristics of the branches, leaf blade, petiole, and flowers, with 24 measurements of each structure in the four treatments, which were recorded using a digital camera. Flowers presented pronounced size and color, colored branches, and leaves of varying sizes and shapes. All materials studied showed commercial ornamental potential to be explored as new options for ornamental climbing plants. Keywords: Passiflora edulis, Passiflora alata, Passiflora cincinnata, climbing plant, ornamentation. RESUMO Descritores agronômicos e potencial ornamental de espécies de maracujazeiroO Brasil é detentor de grande variabilidade, sendo um dos centros de origem do gênero Passiflora. O maracujazeiro tem uso múltiplo e diversificado, sendo pouco explorado como planta ornamental no país. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização de quatro genótipos de maracujá (dois oriundos de cruzamentos de materiais do campo experimental de melhoramento genético de maracujazeiro da UnB e duas cultivares de maracujá -BRS Sertão Forte e BRS Mel do Cerrado) com base em descritores morfoagronômicos oficiais e validados para identificação de aspectos morfológicos e potencial ornamental, em condições de campo no Distrito Federal, Brasil. O ensaio foi instalado utilizando-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos, quatro repetições e seis plantas/parcela. As plantas foram analisadas semanalmente quanto às características dos ramos, limbo foliar, pecíolo e flores, sendo realizadas 24 mensurações de cada estrutura nos quatro tratamentos e feito registros fotográficos digitais. As plantas apresentaram flores de tamanho e cor pronunciados, ramos coloridos e folhas de formatos e tamanhos variáveis. Os dois cruzamentos e as cultivares estudadas possuem potencial ornamental comercial a ser explorado como novas opções de plantas trepadeiras ornamentais.

Use of paclobutrazol and ethylene in the potted production of ornamental pineapple

“…The plants are more compact and have a different visual appearance due to the accentuation of the color of the leaves, which may probably be due to the higher concentration of chloroplasts in relation to the smaller leaves area. In addition, the lack of spines of the 'D' hybrid requires simpler handling and is highly resistant to adverse conditions such as water deficit (Mendes et al, 2011;Nóbrega et al, 2017), desired circumstances in ornamental plants for interior decoration (Pereira et al, 2018).…”

“…The characteristics of the landscape effect of ornamental plants are usually associated with their degree of exoticity, durability and forms of commercialization. In this context, the ornamental pineapple tree is of great importance for the sector, as it is an exotic species, with high durability and that can be marketed as flowers, foliage and cut mini-fruits and also as potted plants (Lima et al, 2017a;Nóbrega et al, 2017;Pereira et al, 2018).…”

Genome-Scale Characterization, and Expression Profiling of TCP Gene Family in Cold Stress Tolerance of Passion Fruit (<em>Passiflora edulis</em>)

“…Owing to the abundance of alkaloids, flavonoids, and other physiologically active components found in passion fruit, and extracts derived from its leaves, fruits, peels, and seeds have therapeutic properties that include antiinflammatory, soothing, antioxidant, and anticancer characteristics [2]. Because most passion fruit varieties have large floral organs, bright coronal filaments, a rich fragrance, and lush branches and leaves, they are used as ornamental plants for flower racks due to their ornamental value [3]. Identifying and characterizing important gene families in passion fruit might help boost the growth of the world's agricultural economy.…”

Passionfruit Genomic Database (PGD): a comprehensive resource for passionfruit genomics

“…In addition to their edible fruits, some species of Passiflora have medicinal properties and are used in traditional herbal medicine [ 6 , 7 ]. Many region-specific traditional cultivars are widely promoted and cultivated [ 4 , 8 ] but only a few varieties are recognized in the market, including the purple Passiflora edulis Sims (purple passionfruit) and the yellow form Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (yellow passionfruit) [ 3 ]. Although these two passionfruit cultivars have notably market value and a remarkable survival capacity, like other passionfruit cultivars, their yield and quality are easily affected by biotic and abiotic factors in the growing environment, resulting in a significant decline in planting benefits.…”