International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 30-43 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 41 germplasm resource bank to collect and preserve more wild relatives and local varieties as a strategic reserve for breeding. It is recommended to build an international germplasm sharing platform to achieve orderly exchange of germplasm information and materials under the framework of intellectual property rights. For example, an "International Joint Research Center for Pitaya" can be established, with the participation of scientific research institutions in major producing countries, sharing core germplasm and databases, and achieving global collaborative innovation. At present, the research on the pitaya genome has just started, and high-quality whole genome sequence maps and QTL positioning of important traits (disease resistance, stress resistance, quality) should be completed as soon as possible. Use genomic selection (GS) technology to shorten the breeding cycle and improve breeding accuracy. At the same time, explore the application of gene editing in pitaya, and conduct genome-directed improvement for restrictive traits such as self-incompatibility and disease susceptibility. Once regulations allow, new gene-edited varieties can be cultivated. For example, editing flowering time-related genes to regulate phenology, editing disease-resistant genes to enhance resistance, etc., will all have great potential. Introduce Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technologies in pitaya planting management to achieve refined and intelligent production. For example, develop a special pollination robot for pitaya, use machine vision to identify flowers and automatically spray pollination to reduce labor costs; establish a remote monitoring and early warning system for pests and diseases, and use field sensors and algorithm models to timely predict the risk of ulcers and other diseases, and guide early prevention and control. In addition, build a digital model of yield and quality, dynamically adjust water and fertilizer according to environmental parameters, and ensure high and stable yields. The application of smart agricultural technology will significantly improve labor productivity and resource utilization efficiency, making pitaya still competitive when planted on a larger scale. Acknowledgments The authors express their gratitude to Miss Cheng for providing valuable feedback that improved the clarity of the text. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Adnan L., Osman A., and Abdul Hamid A., 2011, Antioxidant activity of different extracts of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) seed, International Journal of Food Properties, 14(6): 1171-1181. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942911003592787 Al-Qthanin R., Salih A.M.M.E., Alhafidh F.M.A., Almoghram S.A.M., Alshehri G.A., and Alahmari N.H., 2024, Assessing the suitability of pitaya plant varieties for cultivation in the arid climate of Saudi Arabia, Heliyon, 10(1): e21651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21651 PMid:38163115 PMCid:PMC10754707 Alves D.D.A., Cruz M.D.C.M., Lima J.E., Santos N.C., Rabelo J.M., and Barroso F.D.L., 2021, Productive potential and quality of pitaya with nitrogen fertilization, Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, 56: e01882. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-3921.pab2021.v56.01882 Chen D., Hou J., Xing M., Yan Z., and Liu T., 2020, Antagonistic effects of seven Trichoderma strains on three pathogens of pitaya, Chinese Journal of Tropical Crops, 41(12): 2501-2506. Chen J., Xie F., Shah K., Chen C., Zeng J., Chen J., and Qin Y., 2023, Identification of HubHLH family and key role of HubHLH159 in betalain biosynthesis by activating the transcription of HuADH1, HuCYP76AD1-1, and HuDODA1 in pitaya, Plant Science, 328: 111595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111595 PMid:36646140 Derviş S., and Özer G., 2023, Plant-associated Neoscytalidium dimidiatum—taxonomy, host range, epidemiology, virulence, and management strategies: a comprehensive review, Journal of Fungi, 9(11): 1048. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9111048 PMid:37998855 PMCid:PMC10672476 Ding Y., Wang Z., Kang S., Jiang S., Wang M., Huang J., Li H., Hu W., and Tang H., 2024, Ploidy identification and genome size analysis of 42 pitaya germplasm resources, Journal of Tropical Biology, 15(3): 306-314.
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