Phenological and Pomological Characterization and Elite Germplasm Screening in Species of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae) from Kerala

Passiflora L. belonging to the family Passifloraceae includes more than 465 species, of which 12 are cultivated with worldwide distribution. A breeding program of the genus for developing new cultivars has therefore become much important, and diversity analysis has become a necessity to screen the elite germplasm. The present study thus aims at determining the genetic variability in the genus Passiflora with a view to identify the superior germplasm for the improvement of the fruit crop. Eight wild and two cultivated species of Passiflora L. from the state of Kerala were analysed for the phenological (onset of flowering, end of flowering, flowering period and harvesting date) and pomological (fruit size, fruit color, fruit juice aroma, and fruit juice taste) characters. Statistical analysis of the qualitative and quantitative traits revealed wide variations in the size, shape and color of the fruits and in the taste and content of juice. Phenological and pomological differentiation suggests the inter and intra specific variations in the wild and the cultivated species of Passiflora L. It was observed that the number of flowering times was higher (three or four times per year) in the varieties of the wild species, P.foetida. The study identified the cultivar, Passiflora edulis cv. Panamared and the wild species, P.subpeltata and P.foetida as the elite germplasm for the improvement of this fruit crop.