Small-scale cultivation of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa and Passiflora ligularis in the Yungas of La Paz, Bolivia

Little is known about presence, use, cultivation and potential of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa and Passiflora ligularis in the Yungas of La Paz in Bolivia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 307 respondents in Nor Yungas and Sur Yungas. Interviewees were asked about local name(s), use(s) and preference of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa over Passiflora ligularis. Interviewees who grew one or both species were also asked about their cultivation practices and commercialisation of passion fruits. Results show that Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa was most frequently used to prepare juices, whereas Passiflora ligularis fruits were most often used for fresh consumption. The majority of farmers owned less than five plants. Transplanting was the only cropping practice the majority applied. This low input cultivation system resulted in fruits that were well filled but under standard calibre for export. Average annual yield of 35 kg Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa fruits per plant, however, was high.