International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 414-425 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 422 6.3 Data-driven precision management Data collection and analysis play a crucial role in optimizing various aspects of dragon fruit cultivation, including fertilization and pest control. By leveraging data from IoT devices, drones, and other monitoring tools, farmers can gain insights into the specific needs of their crops and tailor their management practices accordingly. For example, data on soil nutrient levels and plant health can inform precise fertilization schedules, ensuring that plants receive the right nutrients at the right time (Oltehua-Lopez et al., 2023; Taharuddin et al., 2023). Similarly, data on pest and disease prevalence can guide targeted pest control measures, reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides and minimizing environmental impact (Paśko et al., 2021; Li et al., 2022a). This data-driven approach not only enhances the efficiency and sustainability of dragon fruit cultivation but also improves the quality and yield of the produce, meeting the growing demand for this exotic fruit (Goenaga et al., 2020; Nishikito et al., 2023; Trindade et al., 2023). 7 Future Directions for Varietal Improvement and Cultivation Techniques of Dragon Fruit 7.1 Breeding for stress-tolerant varieties Breeding for tolerance to environmental stresses such as high temperatures and drought is crucial for the sustainable cultivation of dragon fruit, especially in the face of climate change. Advances in genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, offer promising avenues for developing stress-tolerant varieties by targeting specific structural and regulatory genes involved in stress responses (Anwar and Kim, 2020; Zafar et al., 2020; Campa et al., 2023). High-throughput phenotyping (HTP) methods can accelerate the breeding process by providing rapid and accurate data acquisition for drought tolerance traits, thus facilitating the development of drought-resistant cultivars (Kim et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of crop wild relatives (CWRs) can expand genetic diversity and improve adaptability to various abiotic stresses, providing a valuable resource for breeding programs (Kapazoglou et al., 2023). 7.2 Sustainable cultivation management Promoting eco-friendly cultivation techniques is essential to reduce the reliance on pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Integrating sustainable practices such as organic farming, the use of biofertilizers, and integrated pest management (IPM) can enhance soil health and reduce environmental impact. The development of transgenic plants with improved stress tolerance can also contribute to sustainable cultivation by reducing the need for chemical inputs (Wang and Qin, 2017; Anwar and Kim, 2020). Moreover, the application of new breeding techniques, including cisgenesis and CRISPR/Cas genome editing, can optimize the development of varieties with enhanced resistance to pathogens and abiotic stresses, further supporting sustainable cultivation practices (Campa et al., 2023). 7.3 Integrated innovation in varietal improvement and cultivation techniques Integrating multiple breeding and cultivation technologies is key to enhancing the yield and quality of dragon fruit. Rapid-cycle breeding and the use of elite germplasm from diverse regions can ensure the continuous improvement of cultivars (Atlin et al., 2017). Molecular breeding approaches, such as marker-assisted selection and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), can identify key genetic components underlying stress tolerance, enabling precise genetic improvements (Wang and Qin, 2017; Hong and Huang, 2024). Combining these advanced breeding techniques with sustainable cultivation practices will lead to the development of superior dragon fruit varieties that are resilient to environmental stresses and have high yield potential (Bhatnagar-Mathur et al., 2008; Cattivelli et al., 2008; Joshi et al., 2016). Acknowledgment The author expresses deep gratitude to Professor R. Cai, Researcher at the Zhejiang Agronomist College/Institute of Life Sciences for his thorough review of the manuscript and constructive suggestions. The author also extends thanks to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their valuable revision recommendations.
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