International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 61-72 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 67 recommended (Wu et al., 2023). For fruit fly management, combining methyl bromide (MB) and phosphine (PH3) treatments has shown higher efficacy and reduced MB requirements, protecting fruit quality better than MB alone. Implementing these strategies in a coordinated manner can effectively manage pest populations and minimize crop damage. 6.3 Application of eco-friendly control methods Biological control agents offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, used in Serenade ASO, has proven effective against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, completely inhibiting its growth (Bello et al., 2022). These biological agents can be integrated into disease management programs to reduce reliance on synthetic fungicides and minimize environmental impact. Natural pesticides and cultural practices play a vital role in sustainable pest and disease management. Sodium bicarbonate (SBC) treatments have been effective in controlling postharvest black rot without harming the fruit's sensory quality (Vilaplana et al., 2018a). Hot water treatments provide a residue-free method for controlling black rot, aligning with eco-friendly practices (Vilaplana et al., 2018b). Additionally, maintaining proper field hygiene, crop rotation, and using disease-free planting material are essential cultural practices that help prevent the spread of pathogens and pests. 7 Case Studies 7.1 Practices and outcomes of organic cultivation models Studies have shown that conventional pitaya cultivation methods, relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, negatively impact the environment and fruit quality, leading to increased interest in organic farming practices. One study explored the organic cultivation of two pitaya species (Selenicereus megalanthus and Selenicereus undatus) in southeastern Mexico (Victor et al., 2021). The research utilized organic substrates, including vermicompost and mountain microorganisms, combined with manual pollination techniques. It incorporated various organic fertilizers (e.g., biochar, wood ash, and animal manure) and natural pesticides derived from plant extracts such as garlic, onion, chili, and neem leaves (Table 1). The results demonstrated a remarkable yield breakthrough within the first year, achieving a total yield of 300 kg, with S. undatus and S. megalanthus contributing 179.4 kg and 119.6 kg, respectively. The maximum individual fruit weight reached 960 g, significantly exceeding the regional average. Furthermore, organic management improved fruit quality, delivering superior flavor and texture. Table 1 Program of application of organic products in pitahaya production area (Adopted from Victor et al., 2021) Date Products August 5th, 2019 Mountain microorganisms August 12th, 2019 Biol (fermented liquid organic fertilizer) + ormus August 19th, 2019 CaldoSulfocálsico (organic fungicide) August 26th, 2019 Biol (fermented liquid organic fertilizer) + ormus September 2nd, 2019 Biochar September 9th, 2019 Organic Insecticide (potassium soap) September 16th, 2019 Biol (fermented liquid organic fertilizer) + ormus September 23rd, 2019 Caldo de cenizas (organic insecticide) September 30th, 2019 Biol (fermented liquid organic fertilizer) + ormus October 7th, 2019 Organic Insecticide (potassium soap) October 14th, 2019 Biol (fermented liquid organic fertilizer) + ormus October 21st, 2019 CaldoSulfocálsico (organic fungicide) These findings highlight that organic cultivation significantly enhanced the yield and quality of both Selenicereus megalanthus and Selenicereus undatus while also reducing the fruit maturation cycle. This provides a successful model for sustainable pitaya farming, demonstrating the potential of organic agricultural techniques to improve economic returns and environmental sustainability. Such a model could be widely promoted in other tropical regions, creating greater value for pitaya growers.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==