International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 61-72 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 63 (Morillo et al., 2023). Additionally, good air circulation is crucial for preventing fungal infections in humid conditions. Maintaining stable light, temperature, and humidity in controlled environments can enhance the plant’s overall productivity (Victor et al., 2021; Morillo-Coronado et al., 2022). Figure 1 Phases of reproductive phenology of yellow pitaya: (A) appearance of the floral bud, (B, C) floral button elongation, (D) onset of sepal detachment, (E) before the flower, (F) pollinated flower, (G) growing fruit, and (H) maturation of the fruit of S. megalanthus in Couto de Magalhães de Minas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Adopted from Rabelo et al., 2020) 2.3 Soil and climate requirements for cultivation S. megalanthus prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support vigorous growth and high fruit yield. Organic cultivation practices, including the use of worm compost and other organic amendments, have been shown to significantly improve soil fertility and plant health (Fratoni et al., 2019). Nitrogen fertilization, in particular, has been identified as a critical factor in enhancing yield and fruit quality, with optimal rates varying depending on the specific growth cycle and environmental conditions (Alves et al., 2021; Victor et al., 2021). In terms of climate, yellow pitaya is best suited for cultivation in subtropical to tropical regions. Its flowering and fruiting processes require a distinct dry period, making areas with alternating wet and dry seasons particularly favorable for its growth (Rabelo et al., 2020). Regarding precipitation, an annual rainfall range of 600 to 1,200 mm is ideal, but proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging. Planting sites should be sheltered from strong winds to avoid physical damage to the stems and flowers, which could adversely affect yields. In regions prone to heavy rainfall, it is recommended to use raised beds or ridge planting systems to enhance drainage efficiency. 3 Seedling and Planting Techniques of Yellow Pitaya 3.1 Selection and cultivation of quality seedlings Selecting high-quality seedlings is crucial for establishing a healthy and high-yield yellow pitaya plantation. Key criteria for seedlings include vigor, disease resistance, and uniformity. Healthy seedlings should exhibit bright green stems, robust root systems, and no visible signs of pests or diseases (Zheng et al., 2018). Seedlings should be approximately 30 cm long and well-rooted, as these characteristics are indicative of healthy and vigorous plants capable of establishing quickly in the field (Victor et al., 2021). Additionally, seedlings should be selected based on their phenotypic traits, such as uniformity in size and absence of physical damage, to ensure consistent growth and yield (Morillo-Coronado et al., 2022). Yellow pitaya can be efficiently propagated through stem cuttings, a simple and effective method for preserving the genetic traits of the parent plant. Cuttings should be rooted in a substrate composed of vegetable soil and worm compost, which provides essential nutrients and promotes healthy root development (Victor et al., 2021). The use of a protective cultivation system with horticultural shade cloth allowing 70% sunlight penetration can
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