D) Biology, cultivation and potential uses of Passiflora quadrangularis L.

Introduction:

This research focuses on investigating the production and potential uses of a unique species of passion fruit in its genus known as Passiflora quadrangularis. This is the only species produced heavier fruit (¬1-3 kg) with edible mesocarp in the family Passifloracea.  There is a great possibility of expanding the species cultivation for commercial scale production in Malaysia and has tremendous scope of market both at national and international level because of its unique and excellent flavour, aroma and phytochemical properties. This research is also partly a collaboration with a passion fruit farm at Bintangor, Sarawak and also Waters Pacific PTE LTD, Singapore.

Biology, cultivation and potential uses of Passiflora quadrangullans L.

Passion fruits are widely known for their unique flavour, fruity aroma and desirable organoleptic properties. It is belong to the family Passifloraceae consists of 18 genera including genus Passiflora comprising more than 500 species. There are only two forms of Passiflora edulis; i.e., Purple and Yellow passion fruit are widely cultivated in commercial scale. In Malaysia, only less than eight Passiflora species were recorded. Out of this, Passiflora quadrangularis L. getting attention by the growers or farmers in recent years at locally and internationally and particularly in East Malaysia. Passiflora quadrangularis also known as Giant granadilla is an exotic perennial woody climber originated from Tropical America. This fruit is cultivated in a small scale in Malaysia due its exotic flavour and also prevalence of suitable growing conditions. Although, there is an increase in awareness of the fruit’s health benefits locally and internationally but information on their propagation techniques, adaptability and biology are scarce. Various challenges have been faced by the local growers in producing good quality and quantity of this giant passion fruits. The unique of this species is apart from its juice, the mesocarp is also edible. The demands for passion fruits are increasing not only because of the aromatic flavour but also due to its essential nutrients and phytochemical properties. Therefore, it is necessary to realize the full potential of this fruit with much more research into the growing and management in order to increase its cultivated area and production in Malaysia. Additionally, detail research on physico-chemical properties of the fruits can help to understand the worth of this fruit. This project was funded through Universiti Putra Malaysia grant GP-IPM/2018/9671100

Pictures:

Figure 1 Passion fruit farm initiated at UPMKB

Publication

Journal

1. Nur Shahirah Shahbani, Shiamala Devi Ramaiya, Japar Sidik Bujang and Muta Harah Zakaria and Noorasmah Saupi. () Floral Biology and Reproductive Phenology of Giant Passion Fruit (Passiflora quadrangularis L.) in East-Malaysia. 7^th International Symposium on Applied Engineering and Sciences (SEAS 2019). Universiti Putra Malaysia. 11-12 November 2019. UPM Press.
   
   
2. Nur Shahirah Shahbani, Shiamala Devi Ramaiya and Noorasmah Saupi (2019). Initial Growth of Passion Fruit Seedlings on Substrate with Three Organic Amendments. Proceeding of 4^th International Conference on Sceince and Natural Resources at Grand Borneo Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 7-8 April 2019.
   
   
3. Shiamala Devi Ramaiya, Japar Sidik Bujang, Muta Harah Zakaria and Noorasmah Saupi. (2019). Cultivation and Production of Giant Passion Fruit (Passiflora quadrangularis). International Symposium on Tropical Fruits. Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Pp. 26. International Symposium Tropical Fruit Network.
   
   
4. Ramaiya, S.D., Shahbani, N.S., Saupi, N., Bujang, J.S. and Zakaria, M.H. (2020). Floral Behaviour and Unique Autonomous Self-pollination of Passiflora Species (Passion Fruit). Journal of Agriculture Food and Development. 26: 79-84.
   
   
5. Ramaiya, S.D., Bujang, J.S. and Zakaria, M.H. (2019). Physicochemical, fatty acids and antioxidant properties of passion fruit (Passiflora) seed oil. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 18(5): 421-429.
   
   
6. Ramaiya, S.D., Bujang, J.B., Zakaria, M. H., & Saupi, N. (2019). Nutritional, mineral and organic acid composition of passion fruit (Passiflora species). Food Research, 3, 231-240.
   
   
7. Ramaiya, S.D., Shahbani, N.S., Saupi, N., Bujang, J.S. and Zakaria, M.H. (2019). Flower Biology and pollination mechanism of Passiflora Species (Passion Fruit). Transactions of the Malaysian Society of Plant Physiology. 26: 79-84. 

For more further enquiries:

Dr. Shiamala Devi Ramaiya
Senior Lecturer
Department of Crop Science
Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry
Tel: +6086 855393
Email: shiamala@upm.edu.my

Updated:: 07/09/2020 [lanz]