Australian passionfruit farmers working to reverse declining yields by creating tasty new varieties
Australia’s passionfruit farmers have a problem — no matter how well they care for their vines, yields of the delicious fruit are declining.
Key points:
- Passionfruit yields are declining in Australia as current grafted varieties are losing their vigour
- A new breeding program aims to increase productivity and profitability by creating new varieties
- Researchers could look overseas to increase genetic diversity
But it’s hoped a new, national breeding and evaluation strategy will help change that, securing the industry’s future by developing at least two new, high-quality varieties over the next few years.
“Our current varieties are getting a bit tired and a bit old and they’re starting to lose their vigour,” said Keith “Mr Passionfruit” Paxton, who has been farming and crossbreeding passionfruit on the Sunshine Coast for 33 years.
“It’s very challenging to grow good passionfruit and it’s a beautiful fruit to eat.
