International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 61-72 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 61 Research Insight Open Access Optimization and Application of High-Yield Cultivation Techniques for Yellow Pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) MinDong Jiaxing Realzen Ecological Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd, Jiaxing, 314200, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 13357168001@189.cn International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2025.15.0007 Received: 02 Feb., 2025 Accepted: 08 Mar., 2025 Published: 02 Apr., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Dong, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Dong M., 2025, Optimization and application of high-yield cultivation techniques for yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus), International Journal of Horticulture, 15(2): 61-72 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2025.15.0007) Abstract The cultivation area of yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) is expanding globally, but its production faces challenges such as sensitivity to environmental conditions, insufficient understanding of agronomic requirements, and high labor intensity. This study systematically analyzes the cultivation techniques and strategies for yellow pitaya, focusing on optimizing water and fertilizer management, artificial pollination, and evaluating the adaptability of these techniques under different climatic conditions. The results indicate that proper fertilization management, organic cultivation practices, and artificial pollination significantly enhance yield and fruit quality. Integrating various cultivation techniques, combining organic and inorganic fertilizers, improving pollination methods, and implementing breeding programs could further promote efficient production of yellow pitaya. This study provides valuable guidance for growers, researchers, and policymakers, contributing to the sustainable development of the yellow pitaya industry. Keywords Yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus); Cultivation techniques; Yield improvement; Pest and disease management; Organic cultivation; Water and fertilizer management 1 Introduction Selenicereus megalanthus, commonly known as yellow pitaya or yellow dragon fruit, is a species in the cactus family (Cactaceae) that has gained considerable attention for its exotic flavor, striking appearance, and nutritional benefits (Tel-Zur et al., 2004; Morillo et al., 2022). Originally classified under the genus Hylocereus, recent taxonomic revisions have placed this species more accurately in the genus Selenicereus, recognizing its distinct botanical characteristics. It is native to the regions of Central and South America, particularly Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia, where it has a long tradition of cultivation (Dag and Mizrahi, 2005; Goenaga et al., 2020). The cultivation of yellow pitaya has expanded globally, with commercial production mainly concentrated in Hainan, Guangdong, and Guangxi in China, as well as in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, and Guatemala (Goenaga et al., 2020). This crop is highly adaptable, thriving in environments ranging from very arid regions to areas with annual rainfall exceeding 3500 mm. Yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus)is rich in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, and is widely praised for its health benefits, which has driven the demand for cultivation in new regions (Hua et al., 2018). Despite the expansion of cultivation, current farming practices face various challenges, including sensitivity to environmental conditions, limited understanding of specific agronomic requirements, and labor-intensive production methods (Rahman et al., 2015; Rabelo et al., 2020). These issues can negatively impact both the yield and quality of the fruit. Furthermore, variations in growth habits and fruiting patterns add to the difficulty of maintaining stable yields. In response to these challenges, integrated measures are necessary to develop standardized and adaptable cultivation techniques to meet the needs of different growing regions. Increasing the yield of yellow pitaya is crucial for several reasons. Higher yields can significantly enhance the economic viability of yellow pitaya cultivation, making it a more attractive option for farmers and investors (Dag and Mizrahi, 2005). Additionally, improved yields can meet the growing consumer demand for healthy and
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