EFFECT OF 6 PLANT SPACINGS - ON THE 4-YEA R PRODUCTION OF THE YELLOW PASSION-FRUIT IN PORTO-LUCENA, RS, BRAZIL

This research was carried out in Porto Lucena, RS, Southern Brazil, ai ming to evaluate the effect of six plant spacings on the production of the yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) in fo ur harvesting seasons. Plant spacings in the rows were 1.75; 2.00; 2.7 5; 3.50; 4.25 and 5.00 m, and between rows 2.50 m. The fruit weight an d fruit number/plant was higher in the narrower plant spacing in the f our harvestings and in the total cumulative production. For 1987, 1988 , 1990 and total cumulative harvesting, fruit weight and fruit number/ hectare were not influenced by plant spacing, while total fruit weight /hectare arvested in 1989 was higher in the 2.50 x 1.25 m plant spacin g. Mean fruit weight was not influenced by any treatment.