Adequate support increases passion fruit yield

With its Tupi-Guarani origins, Brazil is the world's largest producer and consumer of passion fruit. The Brazilian harvest can reach 700 tons per year, according to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). Due to the favorable tropical climate, the fruit is simple to grow, requiring only sunlight and standard management care. However, to produce quality and high productivity, farmers need ideal infrastructure. 

"Because it resembles a climbing plant, passion fruit requires support to direct its growth, preventing it from spreading across the ground—which would make it more susceptible to pests and agricultural diseases, for example. Furthermore, the vertical arrangement ensures better sunlight reaches the leaves, which improves photosynthesis and, consequently, productivity," explains Danilo Moreira, agricultural market analyst at Belgo Arames. 

A well-structured orchard also facilitates the organization of passion fruit trees and, consequently, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting, leaving the fruit cleaner and less susceptible to deformation or rot. "For everything to run as expected, producers need a well-designed system that supports the plant over multiple cycles, maintaining its vigor and extending the orchard's lifespan. In this regard, the wires used must be of high quality," Danilo emphasizes. 

According to the analyst at Belgo, a leading player in the Brazilian wire market, three main factors characterize good-quality wire: durability, strength, and malleability. "A wire that meets these requirements efficiently and lastingly fulfills its fundamental role of providing adequate support for plant growth." 

Danilo Moreira recommends using Belgo Frutifio wire, developed specifically for espalier and trellis cultivation systems. This wire is more resistant to wear caused by corrosive agents. Furthermore, it provides greater durability for supporting the orchard, ensuring superior fruit quality for consumption, boosting farmers' profitability.