International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 414-425 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 419 better fruit quality traits compared to other cultivars (Goenaga et al., 2020). In another instance, interspecific hybrids produced through embryo rescue procedures have been successfully released to farmers, offering improved fruit traits and resilience. The study by Tel-Zur (2022) investigated autopolyploid hybrids of dragon fruit, showing that hybridization can significantly increase the diversity of fruit morphology and color. These hybrids exhibited high fertility, indicating that in dragon fruit breeding, both intraspecific and interspecific hybridization can effectively improve fruit quality and yield (Figure 3). This genetic diversity holds important significance for the commercial cultivation and breeding of dragon fruit. The development of a high-density genetic map and the identification of key regulatory genes involved in betalain biosynthesis have also paved the way for the creation of new varieties with enhanced nutritional and aesthetic qualities (Chen et al., 2021). Figure 3 Fruit diversity in homoploid diploid hybrids (Adopted from Tel-Zur, 2022) Image caption: The homoploid diploid crosses resulted in hybrids with a high fertility level. A. Assorted hybrid fruits from different cross combinations. B. Intraspecific hybrid S-107 (H. undatus × H. undatus). C. Interspecific hybrid J-21 (Hylocereus monacanthus × H. undatus). D. Interspecific hybrid 34-07 (H. monacanthus × H. undatus) (Adopted from Tel-Zur, 2022) 5 Cultivation Techniques for Dragon Fruit 5.1 Seedling selection and propagation methods Selection of high-quality dragon fruit seedlings is crucial for ensuring robust plant growth and high yield. Ideal seedlings should be disease-free, exhibit vigorous growth, and have a well-developed root system (Figure 4). Common propagation methods for dragon fruit include cutting and grafting. Cutting is the most widely used method due to its simplicity and high success rate. Cuttings of 25 cm length treated with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) have shown significant improvement in rooting percentage, root number, and length, making it an efficient propagation technique (Elobeidy, 2006). However, the cutting method may result in genetic uniformity, which can be a disadvantage in terms of disease resistance. Grafting involves joining a scion of a desired cultivar onto a rootstock, which can enhance disease resistance and improve growth rates. This method, while effective, is more labor-intensive and requires skilled labor (Tel-Zur, 2022). Figure 4 Selection and cutting propagation of dragon fruit seedlings
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