Effect of trellis orientation on Passiflora incarnata growth and production

Abstract: Passiflora incarnata L., often referred to commonly as ‘maypops’, has showy flowers and large fruit. This species has been identified in historical documents as being a food crop, although it is not presently grown as a commercial crop. To better facilitate harvest, Passiflora vines must be trellised to keep flowers and fruit off the ground. There are different methods to accomplish this, but there is little consensus as to the best model. Simple trellis systems made from t-posts, wire fencing, and cement blocks were erected onto a crushed rock covered nursery pad. One trellis was made horizontal to the ground roughly 0.3 m off the pad. The other trellis was vertical (perpendicular to the ground) and reached a height of 1.5 m. Three Passiflora species were used: Passiflora caerulea L. (blue passion flower), Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa O. Deg. (yellow passion fruit), and Passiflora incarnata (maypop). There were no statistically significant differences between vertical and horizontal trellised passion fruit vines in our study. Overall, trellis orientation did not appear to significantly impact vine growth, fruit growth, or fruit quality of Passiflora incarnata. We recommend employing a vertical trellis system for this species.