YIELD AND QUALITY OF PASSION FRUIT UNDER ORGANIC CULTIVATION WITH INPUT LEVELS AND IRRIGATION IN THE STATE OF ACRE

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of organic fertilizers can improve the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the soil, with their use implying low environmental impact. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality of yellow passion fruit grown in an organic system associated with irrigation and input levels. A randomized complete block design in a 3x2 factorial arrangement with four replications was adopted. The factors evaluated were: three input levels (fertilizers and alternative pesticides) and the presence or absence of irrigation. Fertilization consisted of the application of 5, 10, and 15 liters of organic compost per plant and 500, 1,000, and 1,500 g of lime per plant, corresponding to input levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Topdressing fertilization was split into two applications, corresponding to 118, 235, and 353 g per plant of thermophosphate and 59.1, 118.20, and 176.40 g per plant of potassium sulfate for levels 1, 2, and 3 of input application, respectively. The alternative pesticides were sprayed every 30, 15, and 7 days for levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The number of fruits per plant and the yield increased using the input level 3 associated with irrigation. In the absence of irrigation, input levels 2 and 3 increased the content of soluble solids. The titratable acidity, TSS/TTA ratio, and the fruits classified as extra did not differ significantly between treatments. Input levels 1 and 2 associated with the absence of irrigation increased the percentage of fruits classified as commercial.