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.