brochure dragon fruit web
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Dragon fruit (Pitaya):
Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus sp.) is a perennial,
vining, tropical cactus native of Central and
South America. It is grown commercially in
South East Asia. The fruits with red or pink,
leathery skin are eaten by spooning out the
flesh, or in slices. Fruits can be processed to
juice, ice cream or wine. The beautiful
flowers, only blooming at night, are used for
tea or aroma therapy. The plant is adapted to
tropical or arid climates with rainfall of
30-40 inch and any kind of soil with organic
matter. Dragon Fruit is propagated through
seeds or cuttings, with the latter being the
most common method. Cutting may permit
the production of plants with identical
characteristics to the parent plant.
Additionally, they reach production earlier.
When growing Dragon Fruit from seeds, self
pollinating varieties are preferable to save
labor cost.
Dragon fruit is a specialty crop and
gaining increased attention from the
growers in the CNMI, recently due to its
economic potential and nutritional
benefits.
Stem Cuttings in the Green House
Cement Poles for support
White Flesh Dragon Fruit
Propagating Dragonfruit:
Installation of concrete or wooden posts, distanced 3m between posts and 4m between rows with iron round bar on top to support the plants and trellis.
Stem cuttings are set into soil, while seeds are p lan ted in a plastic bag with some pott ing compos t and w a t e r. A f t e r sprouting for f e w w e e k s , transfer plastic bags.
A combination of organic and c o m p l e t e f e r t i l i z e r
(16-16-16) is applied every three to four months. Regularly prune the plants to obtain an open, manageable and productive umbrella shape canopy which will induce new shoots for the next cropping season.
Common Disease (Fungal Rot)
Dragon Fruit is a very good income source,
and can be sold locally or exported overseas.
Fruits are healthy (high in vitamin C, fibers,
anti-oxidants) and nutritious. It strengthens
the human immune system and is used in the
treatment of diabetes. Medicine made from
flower and stem promotes blood circulation.
Therefore, Dragon Fruit can be marketed as
a prestigious “health food”.
The fruit is not widely known yet, so it can
achieve high prices in the CNMI and US
mainland. As a tropical fruit, it matches the
island flair, making it easy to market it to
local hotels and the tourism industry.
Management of Dragon Fruit is simple to
manage (e.g. transplanting, watering,
spraying against pests and diseases),
ompared to conventional fruits and
vegetables.
For more information contact:
Dilip Nandwani, PhD.(670)234-5498 ext. 1725
dilipn@nmcnet.edu
This Brochure was produced by
Northern Marianas CollegeCooperative Research, Extension
and Education Service
Director Ross S. Manglona
P.O. Box 501250
Saipan, MP 96950
Funding was provided by
Educational programs are open to all, regardless of age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion or disability.
Cooperative Extensions Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. In cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
©Saipan, April 2011
Dragon Fruit(Pitaya)Hylocereus sp.
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