Postharvest Pathology
This is normally a minor problem though the fruit is
susceptible to a number of disease of preharvest origin.
Most common is brown spot (Alternaria passiflorae),
whose symptoms include circular, sunken, light-brown
spots on ripening fruit (Inch 1978). This disease is most
severe following warm, wet periods in the field. Septoria
spot (Septoria passiflorae) infects fruit in the field and
leads to uneven ripening of the skin. Phytophthora fruit
rot (Phytophthora spp.) causes water-soaked dark green
patches that dry up on the skin. Orchard sanitation, reduction
in high RH by pruning to open the canopy, and the
application of fungicides can minimize these diseases.