Passion fruit quality under acidic soil conditions

The suitable soil pH for passion fruit growth has been well studied; however, the optimal soil pH for producing high-quality fruit has not been determined. In this study, the effects of soil acidity on fruit quality were determined. One-year-old passion fruit plants were grown in pots filled with soil adjusted to four pH levels (pH 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5). The numbers of flowers and fruits were counted, and the external appearance and juice quality of the harvested fruits was evaluated. Vegetative growth, physiological responses, and leaf mineral contents were also measured. At pH 4.5 and 5.5, fruit were heavier and larger, with a better peel color than the fruit at pH 3.5 and 6.5. As indicators of taste, the titratable acid content was lower and total soluble solid content was higher at pH 4.5 and 5.5, indicating preferable palatability. The sugar/acid ratio was highest at pH 4.5. The numbers of flowers and fruits, vegetative growth, and photosynthetic rate were also higher at pH 4.5 and 5.5. Conversely, soil with a near-neutral pH of 6.5 yielded fruit with a pale peel color, severe peel wrinkles, and a low sugar/acid ratio. Vegetative growth was inhibited, and the photosynthetic rate and leaf water potential were lowest at pH 6.5. The leaf/fruit ratio was lower at pH 6.5. A shortage of photosynthate may have reduced fruit quality. Leaf nitrogen, manganese, and zinc contents, as well as the chlorophyll content (SPAD index), were lowest at pH 6.5. Deficiencies in these minerals may have led to a low photosynthetic rate and SPAD index under the higher pH condition. With excessive acidic soil (pH 3.5), vegetative growth, photosynthetic rate, and the number of flowers were as high as those at pH 4.5, although the fruit-set percentage and fruit quality were lower. Thus, strongly acidic soil around pH 4.5 is recommended for producing high-quality passion fruit.