Irrigation is a practice that can offer the possibility of a product with a better quality, and increase the productivity. The cultivation of passion fruit in greenhouse is not a common activity so it is necessary to research this condition, especially irrigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different soil water tensions on the culture behavior in greenhouses and natural condition in the region of Lavras - Minas Gerais - Brazil. The experiment was conducted at the experimental area of the UFLA-Engineering Department in a randomized block design with four replications. Four soil water tensions were previously established, which consisted of treatments: 15, 30, 45 and 60 kPa, in a 0.20 m deep. It was concluded by the results obtained that: irrigation of passion fruit, under tensions of up to 60 kPa, both in greenhouse at in natural conditions of cultivation, did not affect the total, commercial and noncommercial productions; cultivation in greenhouses promoted a faster growth of the plants (height and stem diameter), and also anticipated the harvest when compared to the natural conditions; the irrigation can be performed for water tension of 60 kPa in soil, in greenhouses and natural conditions without compromising the crop productivity; the tension of water in the soil affects plant growth, however, did not affect the stem diameter.
irrigation; water management; greenhouses; Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg
