International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 61-72 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 70 inorganic fertilizers. Advances in pollination techniques, such as improving pollen storage methods, could also enhance fruit set and yield. Additionally, breeding programs should continue to identify and propagate high-yielding genotypes, leveraging molecular tools and genomic data to accelerate the development of superior cultivars. Addressing disease management, particularly postharvest diseases like black rot, through integrated pest management strategies, including the use of sodium bicarbonate treatments, will also be crucial. The yellow pitaya industry is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing global demand and advancements in cultivation techniques. The adoption of optimized fertilization practices, organic farming methods, and efficient pollination strategies will likely lead to higher yields and better fruit quality, enhancing market competitiveness. Continued investment in breeding programs and the development of disease-resistant and high-yielding genotypes will further strengthen the industry's foundation. Moreover, sustainable practices, such as the use of organic inputs and integrated pest management, will appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and contribute to the long-term viability of dragon fruit cultivation. Overall, the future of the dragon fruit industry looks promising, with ample opportunities for innovation and expansion. Acknowledgments The author extends special thanks to the growers who assisted during the research process and shared their valuable experience, which provided essential support for the exploration and application of yellow pitaya cultivation techniques. The author also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their comprehensive evaluation of the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Reference Alves D.A., Cruz M.C.M., Lima J.E., Santos N.C., Rabelo J.M., and Barroso F.L., 2021, Productive potential and quality of pitaya with nitrogen fertilization, Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, 56(1): e01882. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-3921.pab2021.v56.01882 Arredondo E., Chiamolera F., Casas M., and Cuevas J., 2022, Comparing different methods for pruning pitaya (Hylocereus undatus), Horticulturae, 8(7): 661. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070661 Bello S., Echevarría C., Bello N., Borjas-Ventura R., Alvarado-Huamán L., Castro-Cepero V., and Julca-Otiniano A., 2022, Control in vitro de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides aislado de la pitaya amarilla de Huambo (Selenicereus megalanthus), Idesia (Arica), 40(3): 75-82. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-34292022000300075 Chu Y.C., and Chang J.C., 2020, High temperature suppresses fruit/seed set and weight, and cladode regreening in red-fleshed 'Da Hong' pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) under controlled conditions, HortScience, 55(8): 1259-1264. https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci15018-20 Cruz L.G., Ramírez D.G., Damián T.M., Prada H.Z., and Valle-Guadarrama S., 2021, Shelf life of pitaya [Stenocereus pruinosus Otto ex Pfeiff.) Buxb.] fruit affected by temperature and guar gum, beeswax, oleic acid, and thyme essential oil coatings, Acta Agrícola y Pecuaria, 7(1): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.30973/aap/2021.7.1 Dag A., and Mizrahi Y., 2005, Effect of pollination method on fruit set and fruit characteristics in the vine cactus Selenicereus megalanthus (“yellow pitaya”), The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 80: 618-622. https://doi.org/10.1080/14620316.2005.11511987 Erazo-Lara A.E., García-Pastor M.E., Padilla-González P.A., Serrano M., and Valero D., 2024, Yellow pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus Haw.) growth and ripening as affected by preharvest elicitors (salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, methyl jasmonate, and oxalic acid): enhancement of yield, and quality at harvest, Horticulturae, 10(5): 493. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050493 Fratoni M., Silva K., and Moreira A., 2019, NPK application in yellow pitaya seedlings grown on sand and organic compost, Semina: Ciências Agrárias, 40(5): 2179-2190. https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2019V40N5SUPL1P2179 Goenaga R., Marrero A., and Pérez D., 2020, Yield and fruit quality traits of dragon fruit cultivars grown in Puerto Rico, HortTechnology, 30(6): 703-711. https://doi.org/10.21273/horttech04699-20 Hua Q., Chen C., Zur N., Wang H., Wu J., Chen J., Zhang Z., Zhao J., Hu G., and Qin Y., 2018, Metabolomic characterization of pitaya fruit from three red-skinned cultivars with different pulp colors, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 126: 117-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.02.027
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==