Physico-biochemical changes during fruit growth, development and maturity in passion fruit genotypes

Physiological and biochemical changes during fruit growth, development and maturity of six passion fruit genotypes, i.e. three species (P. edulis Sims (Meghalaya purple and Nagaland purple), P. edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (Kerala Yellow, RCPS-1 and Panama Yellow) and P. alata) were studied at weekly interval after fruit set till maturity and dropping from vine. Fruit growth of passion fruit followed a single sigmoid growth curve. Fruit length, diameter and weight increased continuously from the initial stage till maturity, which slightly declined at ripening stage. Fruits developed acceptable physico-chemical qualities with good colour and flavour, when harvested at 83 to 90 days after fruit set (DAF) in P. edulis Sims (Megha Purple and Nagaland Purple) and at 90 DAF in P. edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (Kerala Yellow, RCPS-1 and Panama Yellow) and P. alata passion fruit. The study further revealed that the days taken from fruit set to maturity and ripening, colour change, TSS and acidity may be considered as the most reliable maturity indices for taking harvest decision in passion fruit.