1. INTRODUCTION
The passion fruit is a vigorous, climbing vine which originates from Brazil. It is generally short-lived (5 to 7 years).The plant is a fast-growing perennial climber with a tough, woody texture. The passion fruit is nearly round or oval shaped measuring up to 10 cm across and weighing up to 90g. Inside, the fruit is more or less filled with an aromatic mass of double-walled, membranous sacs containing orange colored pulpy juice and as many as 250 small, hard, dark brown to black pitted seeds. Passion fruit is high in Vitamins A and C, and is rich in potassium, calcium, iron and other nutrients. It is also popular for its medicinal value.
It is a warm area crop. Temperature range of 20-30 degrees centigrade is best. Rainfall required is an annual average of 1500 mm. Altitude varies with variety with the yellow type growing between 0-800 m while the purple should be grown at altitudes of 1200-2000 m above sea level.
Passion fruit will grow in areas with light to heavy sandy loams. It should be of medium texture. Heavy clay soils have to be drained while very sandy soils need heavy manure.
Passion fruit prefers acid soil. The soil pH range is thus 6.5-7.5. If soil is very acidic lime should be applied.
The seeds and flesh are good to eat, the flesh suiting juices, ice cream and confectionery, and so on. Passion Fruit is used industrially in tinned food, juices, jams etc. It is also used medicinally as a muscular relaxant.
Economically it has become a lucrative income generating crop for many homesteads in the country as local industries provide a ready market.
2. VARIETIES
There are mainly two types grown here: the purple variety, Passiflora edulis and the yellow variety, Passiflora edulis flavocarpa. The yellow passion fruit is more pest and disease resistant. The purple variety is more commercially appropriate and very popular for its aroma.
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