Gulupa (Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis) postharvest performance in the Colombian Amazon

Gulupa (Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis) is a tropical Passifloraceae fruit with excellent organoleptic and functional characteristics. Gulupa production is increasing in Colombia with 9,813 t exports in 2021 becoming the third most exported fruit (Bernal, 2022). As a result, production has had to expand and explore various aspects of this crop, such as postharvest management, which can improve outcomes for this crop. The Putumayo region is a very promising territory for increasing gulupa production. This study aimed to identify fruit quality under different fertilization systems; traditional and organic. Postharvest quality was determined by various sensory, nutritional, physical, chemical, functional, and sanitary factors. This study evaluated physical, chemical (pH, acidity, color, textural properties, total soluble solids and % total solids) and physiological (respiratory rate) variables of gulupa cultivated under three fertilization treatments (material with mycorrhizae, substances humic, or vermicompost) compared to a control. In the first productive cycle of the crop, organic fertilization treatment did not affect many of the variables with the exception of the total soluble solids and respiratory rate. These results indicate that it is feasible to partially substitute the use of chemically synthesized fertilizers for organic materials that are available to the producer, without reducing the quality of the fruit. This study can facilitate decision-making, provide a reference for the area, and provide different types of organic fertilization for gulupa production in Colombia.