Pitaya planting and cultivation techniques

As a health-care fruit with high economic value, dragon fruit is loved by consumers. Due to its tropical fruit characteristics, pitaya cultivation is mainly concentrated in southern China, such as Guangxi, Hainan and Guangdong. The cost of growing dragon fruit in other provinces is relatively high. Let’s learn about dragon fruit planting and cultivation techniques together.

1. Growth habits

Dragon fruit is suitable for growing in subtropical and tropical areas with high temperature, drought and sufficient sunlight. The soil pH value should be controlled between 6.0 and 7.5. It can be planted on hillsides, flat land or sandy and rocky land and has strong adaptability. Dragon fruit plots should be rich in organic matter and well-drained to achieve high yields.

Pitaya is easy to produce high yields and can adapt to a variety of terrains. If planted in paddy fields, attention should be paid to the drainage system and cultivation is simple. The dragon fruit production period is as long as half a year, with significant economic benefits. The fruit skin is thick and protected by wax, which makes it easy to transport and store, and has a wide sales range. Column cultivation of pitaya is a commonly used method. Cement columns are set up at intervals of 3 meters x 4 meters, with about 55 columns per acre. Steel wire ropes and auxiliary lines are set on the top of the columns to provide a good growth environment for pitaya. The soil around the pillars needs to be improved, regardless of the season.

2. Cultivation and management

1. Site selection

Pitaya is light-loving and heat-resistant, has low requirements for soil, and can be planted without waterlogging. Greenhouse planting is the preferred choice.

2. Seedling cultivation

Dragon fruit seedling cultivation mainly relies on cuttings and grafting, which will be stopped after the end of summer. Select full stems and leaves as cuttings, about 15 cm in length, insert them into the sand bed, and transplant them after rooting. Use appropriate rootstocks when grafting to reduce the incidence of diseases and ensure healthy growth.

3. Reasonable density planting

There are two specifications for pitaya planting: three-plant triangle and single-plant planting. The bed width and plant spacing are adjusted according to the specifications. Single cement columns are spaced 2.5 meters apart and steel wire is set.

4. Fertilization

Dragon fruit cultivation follows the principle of applying small amounts of fertilizer frequently. It has a long harvest period and requires a large amount of organic fertilizer , while also taking into account the application of various types of compound fertilizers . Supplement magnesium and potassium fertilizers during the flowering and fruiting period, increase soil moisture, and increase watering times during droughts.

5. Intercropping and artificial pollination

Dragon fruit comes in white-heart and red-heart varieties, and intercropping can increase pollination rates and fruit quantities. Artificial pollination is required in rainy weather, and should be done in the early morning.

6. Pruning branches

The branches of fruit-bearing trees can be used as fruit-bearing branches. After harvesting, branches that are more than 3 years old, injured branches, and diseased branches should be cut off to reduce the number of hidden branches inside and ensure ventilation and light transmission. Select strong buds in the open space, cultivate new branches, remove young buds, concentrate nutrients, and keep new branches growing healthily.

3. Irrigation and drainage treatment

It is strictly forbidden to cause waterlogging and hypoxia at the roots when planting pitaya. It is necessary to flexibly set up drainage channels and ditches to maintain sufficient water and scientifically regulate the temperature of the tree to facilitate transpiration and mineral nutrient transport. Water regularly and scientifically to ensure high quality and high yield of dragon fruit.

4. Pest and disease control

Diseases of pitaya include soft rot and canker, and pests include ants and red spiders. Control the spread of soil pathogens, apply organic fertilizers, etc., to enhance disease resistance. Use low-toxic and low-residue pesticides, eliminate toxic pesticides, and improve planting quality.

5. Fruit bagging

Optimize bagging technology to improve the commercial value of pitaya, reduce mechanical damage, promote coloring, increase sugar content and shorten the ripening period.

6. Harvest

The harvesting of pitaya needs to be based on sales characteristics and transportation requirements, the harvesting time must be scientifically analyzed, and the fruit must be handled with care to ensure the quality of the fruit.

The cultivation of pitaya has high requirements, and it is necessary to strictly control the cultivation process, optimize technical means, and implement various tasks to ensure the normal development of pitaya and achieve planting benefits.