Kentucky State University
Fruit and seed trait evaluations of Kentucky passion fruit cultivars, ‘pink pop ‘and ‘snow pop’
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Environmental science
Minor
Mass communication
Institution 24-25
Kentucky State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
S. Thapa magar ,k.pomper
Department
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY 40601
Abstract
Fruit and Seed Trait Evaluations of Kentucky Passion Fruit Cultivars, ‘Pinkpop’ and ‘Snowpop’
Waller. H*, S. Thapa Magar, K. Pomper, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY 40601
ABSTRACT
Kentucky Passion Fruit, commonly known as Maypop (Passiflora incarnata), is a high-value niche crop native to North America with growing market potential due to its vibrant flowers, tropical fruit flavor, and medicinal properties. Unlike most passion fruit species, which are typically grown in tropical climates, Maypop is well-suited for cultivation in temperate regions owing to its cold tolerance. This study evaluates the fruit and seed traits of two cultivars, ‘Pinkpop’ and ‘Snowpop,’ compared to a wild Maypop relative in a field trial at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. In November of 2024, fruits were harvested, seeds extracted, and data were collected on fruit weight, total seed count, and seed weight per fruit. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed that ‘Pinkpop’ produced larger fruits than ‘Snowpop,’ though both were significantly smaller than those of the wild relative. The seed count per fruit varied significantly among cultivars, with ‘Snowpop’ producing fewer seeds. Additionally, seed weight per fruit was lowest in ‘Snowpop’ compared to ‘Pinkpop’ and the wild Maypop. While Maypop seeds are edible, the primary edible portion is the membranous sac surrounding each seed, meaning higher seed counts contribute to greater edible yield. Furthermore, passion fruit seeds are a promising source of oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, offering potential as a high-value product. These findings contribute to understanding cultivar performance in non-tropical growing conditions and support the development of Maypop as a sustainable niche crop in Kentucky.
Fruit and seed trait evaluations of Kentucky passion fruit cultivars, ‘pink pop ‘and ‘snow pop’
Fruit and Seed Trait Evaluations of Kentucky Passion Fruit Cultivars, ‘Pinkpop’ and ‘Snowpop’
Waller. H*, S. Thapa Magar, K. Pomper, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY 40601
ABSTRACT
Kentucky Passion Fruit, commonly known as Maypop (Passiflora incarnata), is a high-value niche crop native to North America with growing market potential due to its vibrant flowers, tropical fruit flavor, and medicinal properties. Unlike most passion fruit species, which are typically grown in tropical climates, Maypop is well-suited for cultivation in temperate regions owing to its cold tolerance. This study evaluates the fruit and seed traits of two cultivars, ‘Pinkpop’ and ‘Snowpop,’ compared to a wild Maypop relative in a field trial at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. In November of 2024, fruits were harvested, seeds extracted, and data were collected on fruit weight, total seed count, and seed weight per fruit. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed that ‘Pinkpop’ produced larger fruits than ‘Snowpop,’ though both were significantly smaller than those of the wild relative. The seed count per fruit varied significantly among cultivars, with ‘Snowpop’ producing fewer seeds. Additionally, seed weight per fruit was lowest in ‘Snowpop’ compared to ‘Pinkpop’ and the wild Maypop. While Maypop seeds are edible, the primary edible portion is the membranous sac surrounding each seed, meaning higher seed counts contribute to greater edible yield. Furthermore, passion fruit seeds are a promising source of oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, offering potential as a high-value product. These findings contribute to understanding cultivar performance in non-tropical growing conditions and support the development of Maypop as a sustainable niche crop in Kentucky.