Mississippi State survey aims to increase passionfruit farms

RAYMOND, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi State College Extension Service researcher is hoping to assist increase the area of interest for passionfruit growers.

Demand is rising for the candy, low-calorie tropical fruit, mentioned Eric Stafnne, a fruit and nut specialist Eric Stafne on the extension service.

Most U.S. manufacturing is in Florida, Hawaii, California, and Puerto Rico, he mentioned, however some is grown in Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina.

“Ardour fruit is a distinct segment crop with potential for growth in climate-change-affected areas of the nation,” he mentioned in a information launch Friday, noting that south Mississippi has potential.

He has posted a web based survey at https://msudafvm.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/type/SV_5oFY0ThcIoepwXQ for present growers and farmers focused on rising passionfruit.

Questions vary from acreage planted in or out there for passionfruit vines to the kinds of trellises used, to obstacles to getting one of the best manufacturing.

The college is amongst organizers of a two-day convention in mid-June, titled Rising the U.S. Passionfruit Business. Saturday is the deadline to register for the convention in Homestead, Florida, however the survey shall be open by means of June 30.