Growth and production of yellow passion fruit under supplemental irrigation with saline water

Abstract

Vegetable species cultivated under irrigation in semi-arid areas are subjected to the adverse effects of soluble salts and exchangeable sodium in the root zone, resulting in reduction of growth and production. In this context in the Valley of Rio Piranhas, in Sousa - PB, during December, 1999 to September, 2000, the effects of five levels of electrical conductivity of the water (ECw: 0.2, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 dS m^-1 at 25 ºC) on the growth and the production of the yellow passion fruit plant (Passiflora edulis Sims. f. flavicarpa Deg.) under supplemental irrigation were studied in a completely randomized experimental design, with four repetitions. The plants, spaced 3.0 x 2.5 m, were drip irrigated daily, and the depth was calculated using data of Tank Class A, using the coefficients of correction (Kp - 0.50), crop coefficient (Kc - 0.80) and shade coefficient (Ks - 0.19 and 0.30). Supplemental irrigation with water of salinity of 5.0 dS m^-1 did not promote any significant reduction in analyzed variables (stem diameter, the time necessary to prune main stem and the secondary branches, the total and commercial production, the total and commercial number of fruits, and the mean weight of total fruits and the commercial fruits of the passion fruit plant).