6 PLANT SPACINGS AND YIELD OF THE YELLOW PASSION-FRUIT (PASSIFLORA-EDULIS F FLAVICARPA DEG) IN PORTO-LUCENA, RS, BRAZIL

This research was stablished in Porto Lucena, RS, Brazil, aiming to de termine the effect of six plant spacings on the yield of the yellow pa ssion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.). Planting spaces in the rows were 1,25; 1,75; 2,25; 2,75; 3,25 and 3,75 m and 2,00 m betw een rows. The harvesting season began in January and extended until Se ptember during 1990 and 1991. The weight and number of fruits produced by plants in the first and second year and in both years together wer e higher in 2,00 x 3,25 m plant spacing. The yield in weight was highe r in 2,00 x 1,75 m plant spacing and, in fruit number, in 2,00 x 1,25, 2,00 x 1,75 and 2,00 x 2,25 in plant spacings. The mean fruit weight decreased in the second harvest and was not influenced by spacing.