Dragon fruit

Family                    - Caryophyllales

Botanical Name     - Hylocerens sp

Introduction

Dragon fruit is the most widely distributed member of the family cactaceae and considered as the fruit of the world.

Hylocereus undatus, Hylocereus polyrhisus and Selenncerens megalanthus some hybrids are grown commercially in the world and all these are commonly known as dragon fruit. This was originated in southern America. The dragon fruit has a high consumer’s acceptance due to its attractive fruit. Special taste of the fruit well as its medicinal value. Also dragon fruit has received worldwide recognition as an ornamental plant for its large, scented, high bloominy flowers.

Climate

Dragon fruit is grown successfully in dry tropical and sub tropical climates where annual rain fall rangers from 500-1500ml. It tolerates temperature up to 34C⁰ and short period of frost.

Soil

The plane grows successfully in sandy loam soils. But it is not specified to the soil type.

Fruit

Fruit is rounded red or bright pink covered

with prominent scales. The thin rind encloses

the large mass of sweety flavored white or red

pulp and small black seeds. The fruit weight

(In far local climate condition is range from 300-700g)

Varieties

Hylocerens undatus

This has red skinned fruit (red dragon fruit) with white

flesh. This is the most commonly seen “Dragon fruit”

margins of vines are visible as silver line.

Hylocerens costaricensis (H.polyrizhs)

This has red skinned wit red flesh. There are

small white fruit spots on vines.

Hylocerens megalanthus

This has yellow skinned fruit with white flesh.

 (Yellow Dragon Fruit) Margins of vine aren’t visible.

Fruit size is smaller than the other types.

Land Preparation

Well drainage direct sun lighted place is suitable. If the soil is hard it should be filled and increase the soil compaction.

Planting Materials

Dragon fruit propagate by seeds or stem cutting. Dragon fruit is commonly grown vegetative propagation. (Stem Cutting)The use of cutting also reduces the wait for the onset of fruiting from three years to 6-9 months. The mature vines were cut and these vines are cut to 15-20cm sections to prevent occurrence of diseases. The cuttings are treated with fungicides. (Eg - Captan) Treated cutting should be cured in a cool dry area with shade for 5-7 days before planting. There after cutting are potted in sandy medium.

Planting

2’Χ2’ holes are prepared to planting and fill with organic fertilizers. There after a concrete helper height about 6’-7’ is placed center of the hole and keep spacing as 3Χ3m among the helpers. Also there should be helper (2’Χ2’) top of the concrete helper. It is helped to proper growth of the crop.

Spacing

The spacing for field planting varies depending on the size and slope of the orchard.

Between rows (cm)	Within rows (cm)	No of plants per (ha)
3	3	1100
4	3	833
4.9	3	680
3.7	3.7	730

Fertilizer Application

The agriculture Research centre at Markandura has suggested a mixture of N:P:K:1:1:2: at 30-40 per vine applied 3 times per year. Organic manures such as cattle, poultry manure well decomposed compost could be used.

Pruning

As the vines grow may they fall to the ground and several damage could occur. Therefore the lateral branches should be pruned when the vines grow towards the trellis and a leader vine is allowed to grow. Once fruit bearing is completed branch margins usually develop a silver lining. These branches should be removed.

Weeding

Weeding should be done manually because root system is spread near the earth surface.

Irrigation

Irrigation is not essential but in the very long droughe season irrigation should done.

Insect Pests

Dragon fruit is comparatively free of pests. The common pests reported are ants, scale insect, mearly bug, beetles, bares caterpillar, fruit flies. Also birds can be a nuisance. These pests should be monitered regularly and controlled when observed.

Diseases

The bacterium Xanihomonas compestris causes the stem to rot Dothirella fungi can cause brown spots on the fruit, but this is not common. Anthracnose also attacks the fruits. Fusarium okysporum attacks the vines.

Harvesting

In low country wet zones flowering is started in April, May. Fruits are riped between 40-45 days after flowering. In November and December fruits are harvested. Fruits should be harvested after 3-4 days they became red color. Fruit weight is 500-600g and 10-11 tons per hectare can be harvested per year.

Storage

Under 5C⁰ temperature and 90% relative humidity 30-40 days can be stored.