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The yellow (Passiflora edulis) and sweet (Passiflora alata) passion fruit plants hold significant economic importance in tropical fruit cultivation, valued not only for the quality of their fruit but also for their medicinal properties. Conventional propagation through seeds faces challenges due to irregular and slow germination, affecting the time required for seedling formation and the viability and uniformity of plantations. The use of plant growth regulators has been explored as a strategy to overcome these barriers, improving both the rate and uniformity of seed germination. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of seed imbibition with plant growth regulators on the germination and subsequent growth of yellow and sweet passion fruit seedlings. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and GA4+7 combined with 6-benzyladenine (GA4+7+6BA) were applied in five different concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L−1 a.i.). The experiments were conducted in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions, following a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial scheme. The varieties tested were 'BRS Mel do Cerrado' for sweet passion fruit and 'IAC-275' for yellow passion fruit. Quantitative parameters, such as germination percentage, germination speed index, fresh and dry biomass of roots and shoots, and enzymatic activity, were assessed. The results indicated that GA3, at higher concentrations, significantly enhanced both germination percentage and speed index in both Passiflora alata and Passiflora edulis when compared to the control. Additionally, seedlings treated with GA3 showed a marked increase in shoot and root biomass, particularly at concentrations of 500 and 750 mg L−1. Enzymatic assays revealed heightened catalase and peroxidase activities in treated seedlings, indicating improved stress tolerance. In contrast, the GA4+7+6BA treatment showed less pronounced effects on seedling growth. Overall, GA3 was more effective in enhancing germination and seedling growth in both species, suggesting its potential application in improving the propagation of passion fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow (Passiflora edulis) and sweet (Passiflora alata) passion fruit plants hold significant economic importance in tropical fruit cultivation, valued not only for the quality of their fruit but also for their medicinal properties. Conventional propagation through seeds faces challenges due to irregular and slow germination, affecting the time required for seedling formation and the viability and uniformity of plantations. The use of plant growth regulators has been explored as a strategy to overcome these barriers, improving both the rate and uniformity of seed germination. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of seed imbibition with plant growth regulators on the germination and subsequent growth of yellow and sweet passion fruit seedlings. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and GA4+7 combined with 6-benzyladenine (GA4+7+6BA) were applied in five different concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L−1 a.i.). The experiments were conducted in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions, following a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial scheme. The varieties tested were ‘BRS Mel do Cerrado’ for sweet passion fruit and ‘IAC-275’ for yellow passion fruit. Quantitative parameters, such as germination percentage, germination speed index, fresh and dry biomass of roots and shoots, and enzymatic activity, were assessed. The results indicated that GA3, at higher concentrations, significantly enhanced both germination percentage and speed index in both Passiflora alata and Passiflora edulis when compared to the control. Additionally, seedlings treated with GA3 showed a marked increase in shoot and root biomass, particularly at concentrations of 500 and 750 mg L−1. Enzymatic assays revealed heightened catalase and peroxidase activities in treated seedlings, indicating improved stress tolerance. In contrast, the GA4+7+6BA treatment showed less pronounced effects on seedling growth. Overall, GA3 was more effective in enhancing germination and seedling growth in both species, suggesting its potential application in improving the propagation of passion fruit.

ABSTRACT: Over several past centuries, specific plant populations have been carefully selected to filter strains with higher agronomic performance. Genetic variability is most essential for successful selection. The Passiflora genus offers great inter- and intra-specific variability. This study aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics of the genotypes of the elite passion fruit (Passiflora alata) for selection purpose. We considered the physical traits of fruit mass, longitudinal and equatorial diameters, peel thickness and color, and pulp mass and volume without and with seeds and pulp yield. The sources of variation for the analysis of variance included the fruits of 8 elite genotypes, with 3 replications, whose means were compared by Tukey’s test at 1% probability. We also performed multivariate analysis and correlation between these characteristics. Statistical differences were noted between elite genotypes for most of the tested traits. The elite 7 genotype presented with the highest seedless pulp yield in relation to the fruit and the largest fruit mass. Cluster analysis and graphic dispersion revealed a tendency for clustering of the elite genotypes based on their fruit shape. The tested population showed genetic variability, which allowed new selection cycles toward gaining pulp yield and fruit mass.

Over several past centuries, specific plant populations have been carefully selected to filter strains with higher agronomic performance. Genetic variability is most essential for successful selection. The Passiflora genus offers great inter- and intra-specific variability. This study aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics of the genotypes of the elite passion fruit (Passiflora alata) for selection purpose. We considered the physical traits of fruit mass, longitudinal and equatorial diameters, peel thickness and color, and pulp mass and volume without and with seeds and pulp yield. The sources of variation for the analysis of variance included the fruits of 8 elite genotypes, with 3 replications, whose means were compared by Tukey's test at 1% probability. We also performed multivariate analysis and correlation between these characteristics. Statistical differences were noted between elite genotypes for most of the tested traits. The elite 7 genotype presented with the highest seedless pulp yield in relation to the fruit and the largest fruit mass. Cluster analysis and graphic dispersion revealed a tendency for clustering of the elite genotypes based on their fruit shape. The tested population showed genetic variability, which allowed new selection cycles toward gaining pulp yield and fruit mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new method based on the modified QuEChERS approach was developed for determination of phenolic compounds in passion fruit pulp (Passiflora spp.) using UHPLC-MS/MS. Studies of extraction/partitioning and clean-up were carried out using different variations of the QuEChERS method (original, acetate, and citrate) and clean-up sorbents (PSA, GCB, C18 and Oasis® HLB). The original QuEChERS method with 25 mg of C18 as dispersive cleaning sorbent showed the best results for the proposed phenolic compounds (quercetin, rutin, 4-hydroxybenzoic, chlorogenic, ferulic, vanillic, caffeic, trans- cinammic, and p -coumaric acids). Under the optimized conditions, validation presented acceptable results for linearity (r2 ≥ 0.99), precision (RSD≤20%), recovery (73–115%), and the limits of quantification (4–80 μg/kg). The method developed was successfully applied to different species, including Passiflora edulis, Passiflora alata , and Passiflora ligularis. P. edulis was the only species that contained all target phenolic compounds, with the highest abundance of vanillic acid (426 ± 29 μg/kg) and quercetin (416 ± 6 μg/kg). In P. alata and P. ligularis species, rutin (289 ± 6 μg/kg) and caffeic acid (64 ± 2 μg/kg), respectively, were found at the highest levels. In addition, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity assays (DPPH radical and ABTS cation radical assays) correlated with the UHPLC-MS/MS analysis for all passion fruit pulps analyzed. Highlights • The original QuEChERS method with C18 as dispersive cleaning sorbent showed the best results. • The developed method allowed the accurate determination of phenolic compounds. • Vanillic acid and quercetin were 41% of total phenolic compounds quantified in P. edulis pulp. • In P. alata and P. ligularis species, rutin and caffeic acid were found with the highest abundance. • All Passiflora species studied showed antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The granadilha is a sweet passion fruit, and the fruit is consumed while fresh. The method for seedling propagation is via sexual, but germination rates are low due to dormancy found in the seeds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate gibberellic acid and temperature in granadilha seed germination. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 (temperature, 25 °C constant, and alternating 20-30 °C) x 2 (100 mg L-1 of gibberellic acid and absence), containing 5 replications and 80 seeds per repetition. They were evaluated every two days, until sixty days' germination percentage, for germination speed index, germination velocity time, height (mm) and dry weight (mg) of seedlings. Best results were obtained for the granadilha seeds were found using 100 mg L-1 of GA3 and alternating temperatures of 20-30 °C. The highest percentage of granadilha seed germination was 53.2% at the temperature of 20-30 °C alternating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many plant chemical compounds can interfere on seed germination and on the development of other plants. Thus, this research aimed to verify the effect of sweet passion fruit seeds (Passiflora alata Curtis) extracts, under lettuce seed germination and lettuce seedlings growing. The experiment was carried out in a controlled environment. The treatments were: T1-distilled water as a control; T2-embryo extract; T3- tegument extract; T4- whole grain extract; T5- soaking solution. Lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Babá de Verão, was used as a bioindicator of the allelopathic effect. When the treatment of embryo extract of sweet passion fruit was applied, a lower germination percentage and lower speed emergence rate of lettuce seeds were observed. The largest number of abnormal seedlings was observed from seeds germinated in the embryo extract (T2) and the soaking solution (T5). The sweet passion fruit embryo extract discloses compounds that are able to inhibit the germination and can negatively influence the development of lettuce seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O principal fator limitante à produção de mudas enxertadas de maracujazeiro é o elevado tempo para a sua formação. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de reguladores vegetais no desenvolvimento de mudas de Passiflora alata Curtis, a serem empregadas como porta-enxerto, visando a reduzir o tempo para atingir o ponto de enxertia. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o inteiramente casualisado, em esquema fatorial 4x5 (4 reguladores vegetais x 5 concentrações), com 4 repetições de 25 plantas por parcela. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por 0,0 mg L-1 (testemunha); 25 mg L-1; 50 mg L-1; 75 mg L-1, e 100 mg L-1 de Benziladenina (BA), GA4+7 + Fenilmetil-aminopurina (GA4+7+CK), Ácido giberélico (GA3) e Cloreto de chlormequat (CCC). Avaliaram-se o comprimento e o diâmetro do caule, o número de folhas, o comprimento e a fitomassa seca de raíz, do caule, das folhas e total. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e de regressão polinomial, sendo realizado desdobramento quando houve efeito significativo da interação.Os reguladores não promoveram respostas significativas para o comprimento e a massa seca de raiz, do caule, de folhas e total. Porém, GA4+7+Fenilmetil-aminopurina foi o regulador que incrementou o comprimento do caule, o diâmetro e o número de folhas, promovendo maior desenvolvimento às mudas e reduzindo o tempo para a formação do porta-enxerto, de três a oito meses, para dois meses (63 dias).The limiting main factor to the passion flower grafted seedlings production is the long time necessary for its formation. So, this work aimed, to evaluate the effects of vegetal regulators, at Passiflora alata Curtis seedlings development, aiming to reduce time for the seedling to reach the grafting point. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a 4 x 5 (plant growth regulator x concentrations) factorial and four replicates, with 25 seedlings per parcel. The treatments were as follow: Benzyladenine, GA4+7+Phenylmethyl-purineamine, GA3 and Chlormequat chloride in concentrations of 0,0 mg L-1; 25 mg L-1; 50 mg L-1; 75 mg L-1 and 100 mg L-1. The following variables were evaluated: the length and the stem diameter, leaves number, length and stem, leaves, roots and total dry mass. The data were submitted to variance analysis. To an interaction between plant growth regulators and concentrations it was performed a polynomial regression analysis. For the root, leaves, stem and total dry mass, it was not observed significative differences among the treatments. It was verified that the treatments with GA4+7 + Phenylmethyl-purineamine increased the stem length, the stem diameter and the leaves number. So, it can be concluded that GA4+7 + Phenylmethyl-purineamine was effective to reduce the time to obtain the grafting point, from three and eigth months to two months.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increase the synthesis of the secondary metabolites in Passiflora alata. However, there is no information about the role of AMF on glycosyl flavonoids metabolism. Flavonoids have neuropharmacological activity and are relevant for pharmaceutical industry. The hypothesis was that AMF improve foliar production of orientin and vitexin-2- O -ramonoside. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and vermicompost manuring, on the foliar concentration of vitexin-2- O -ramonoside and orientin in P. alata seedlings. In a greenhouse experiment, seedlings were inoculated with Gigaspora albida and cultivated with different levels of vermicompost (VC) (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 kg VC kg −1 soil). At the end of the experiment, total colonization was determined and foliar flavonoids concentration was quantified by liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mycorrhized seedlings, grown in soil with 0.15 and 0.2 kg VC kg −1 soil synthesized more flavonoids. The mycorrhization increased foliar orientin concentration in 139.34%, in seedlings cultivated in soil with 0.2 kg VC kg −1 soil. The inoculation of P. alata seedlings with G. albida promoted benefits on the orientin and vitexin-2- O -ramnoside synthesis, but responses vary according with soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passion fruit woodiness disease, which is caused by the potyvirus Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus (CABMV), is the primary constraint for passion fruit production in Brazil. Transgenic Passiflora alata lines that contain a CABMV-derived coat protein gene fragment in a hairpin configuration were obtained via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The plants were propagated and the reaction to CABMV infection was evaluated after three mechanical and one viruliferous vector inoculations. After three mechanical inoculations, two lines from a total of 21 transgenic lines tested maintained all four propagated clones symptomless. After the fourth inoculation, all transgenic lines presented at least one propagated clone infected with CABMV. However, 20 propagated clones from different transgenic lines remained asymptomatic. These asymptomatic plants were analyzed by RT-PCR and CABMV was detected in 17 plants. The estimated viral titers in these plants, which were determined by RT-qPCR, were consistently low compared with those of the positive control (non-transgenic inoculated plants). A biological virus recovery test was performed using leaf extracts from the three RT-PCR negative propagated clones and the absence of the CABMV was confirmed. The results of the present study indicate that the incorporation of CABMV-gene fragments into the Passiflora genome may influence the resistance of these plants to the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND:Arbuscularmycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil organisms that associatewith plant roots and promote plant growth, increasing theconcentrationof secondary metabolites, which aremolecules of interest to thepharmaceutical industry. Passiflora alata is a Brazilian medicinalplant that is used as a rawmaterial for anxiolyticphytotherapeutic agents. The anxiolyticproperties are related to the presence of biomolecules in the plant material, principally flavonoids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with AMF and organic fertilization on the production of soluble carbohydrates and total foliar proteins, phenols and flavonoids in P. alata seedlings. RESULTS: There was an effect of the tested treatments on the analyzed variables. Seedlings inoculated and cultivated in soil to which 0.15 kg vermicompost kg-1 had been added showed increased growth and production of primary and secondary metabolites comparedwith treatmentswith lower levels of manure, which did not differ fromthose cultivated in soilwith 0.2 kg vermicompost kg-1. CONCLUSION: The inoculation of P. alata seedlings with Gigaspora albida is an alternative to maximize the production of pharmacologically important foliar biomolecules, especially flavonoids, with benefits that vary in accordance with the fertility of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passiflora alata in vitro organogenesis was studied based on explant type, culture medium composition, and incubation conditions. The results indicated that the morphogenic process occurred more efficiently when hypocotyl segment-derived explants were cultured in media supplemented with cytokinin and AgNO incubated under a 16-h photoperiod. The shoot bud elongation and plant development were obtained by transferring the material to MSM culture medium supplemented with GA and incubated in flasks with vented lids. Histological analyses of the process revealed that the difficulties in obtaining plants could be related to the development of protuberances and leaf primordia structures, which did not contain shoot apical meristem. Roots developed easily by transferring elongated shoots to 1/2 MSM culture medium. Plant acclimatization occurred successfully, and somaclonal variation was not visually detected. The efficiency of this organogenesis protocol will be evaluated for genetic transformation of this species to obtain transgenic plants expressing genes that can influence the resistance to Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greenhouse experiment was performed to evaluate macronutrients and boron deficiencies on vitexin bioproduction by sweet passion fruit leaves. Sand irrigated with nutrient solution was used as substrate in a complete randomized design, with eight treatments: 1) complete, 2) nitrogen-deficient(-N), 3) phosphorus-deficient(-P), 4) potassium-deficient(-K), 5) calcium-deficient(-Ca), 6) magnesium-deficient(-Mg), 7) sulfur-deficient(-S), and 8) boron-deficient(-B). After thirty days, the fourth fully expanded leaves were harvested. Under deficiency treatments, leaf dry matter concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and B were 52, 53, 62, 76, 69, 31, and 80% lower than in complete treatment, respectively. Nitrogen, P, and K deficiency increased vitexin leaf concentration by 46, 16, and 18%, although Ca and B deficiencies decreased vitexin concentration by 22 and 33%, respectively, when compared to complete treatment. Magnesium and S deficiencies had no significant effect on vitexin concentration. In complete treatment, the concentration of nutrients and vitexin, in leaf dry matter were: 43.4 g kg- 1 of N, 2.47 g kg- 1 of P, 27.4 g kg- 1 of K, 15.6 g kg- 1 of Ca, 3.8 g kg- 1 of Mg, 5.28 g kg- 1 of S, 64 mg kg- 1 of B, and 5.57 mg kg- 1 of vitexin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acaulospora longula increases saponins production in Passiflora alata Curtis. • Passiflora alata concentrates more secondary compounds due to mycorrhization. • Acaulospora longula inoculation enhanced the phenols concentration in Passiflora alata. • The clustering algorithms re-affirms the mycorrhization efficiency. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation is an alternative to regulate the synthesis of plant biomolecules, such as the flavonoids and saponins, which confer therapeutic properties in Passiflora. With such benefits, Passiflora alata can have its phytomass improved, increasing the interest of sedative herbal medicine industries. Thus, this study aimed to select the most efficient AMF on increasing the phenolic compounds and saponins production in P. alata. In foliar ethanolic extracts, the production of saponins and total phenols were increased by 137.93 % and 110.75 %, respectively, in seedlings associated with A. longula in comparison to non-inoculated plants. In this same treatment, we verified an increment of 219.96 % in the total soluble carbohydrates, in addition to an increase in the leaf area (589.20 %) and stem diameter (13.92 %), in comparison to non-mycorrhizal plants. The foliar phenols production and the plant growth were also benefited in plants inoculated with G. albida , nonetheless, at lower increments. On the other hand, the production of proteins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and the antioxidant activity was not favored by AMF inoculation. Therefore, A. longula is the most efficient AMF to obtain greater metabolites concentration of medicinal interest in sweet passion fruit phytomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]