September 23, 2024 | Scientia Horticulturae |
The genetic compatibility and breeding potential of sweet passion fruit (Passiflora alata), a tropical crop valued for its unique aroma and flavor, were investigated by researchers from Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Despite its economic significance, P. alata has been largely neglected in genetic studies, particularly due to its self-incompatibility, which limits fruit set when genetically related individuals are crossed.
The study performed nearly 2,000 controlled crosses among eight selected genotypes in a full diallel design, including reciprocal and self-pollinations. Results indicated that self-incompatibility in P. alata is governed by a sporophytic mechanism, as confirmed by repeated field experiments. Based on compatibility outcomes, 24 families were developed and evaluated for nine traits related to fruit quality and yield. A randomized block design was employed, and genotypic values were estimated using BLUP. Eight superior families (30%) were identified using selection indices.
Additionally, flowering phenology was assessed, revealing that most families exhibited a flowering peak in May, except for one family and its reciprocal, which peaked in November. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating compatibility testing and flowering period assessments in breeding programs to enhance fruit production and extend availability for growers. This study provides valuable insights for improving P. alata cultivation and breeding efforts.
