DRAGON FRUIT

Dragon Fruit is also known as Pitaya, is fast growing cactus vine. It is native of Central Americas. Now it is grown all over the world especially in the tropical countries. It is consumed as fresh fruit. Also used in Jam, ice creams, jelly, fruit juice and wine. It has several health benefits like it help to control diabetes, helps to lower down cholesterol. It is a rich source of proteins and antioxidants. Also it contains high amount of vitamins and minerals. It is mainly grown in Thailand, Vietnam, Israel and Sri Lanka. In India, because of its health benefits, demand is increasing day by day. Also it has a great potential for exports to the Gulf, European Union and USA. Considering these factor, Now India is also taking step toward dragon fruit cultivation. Its cultivation is started by few farmers in the States of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In Rajasthan it is cultivated in 5,000sqm area. 

It can grow well on various range of soil. But it gives good result when grown on sandy soils with good organic matter and having good drainage capacity. Ideal pH of soil should be 5.5 to 7.

Depending upon color, it has three main types

1) Red-skinned fruit with white flesh. This is the most commonly-seen "dragon fruit".

2) Red-skinned fruit with red flesh.

3. Yellow-skinned fruit with white flesh.

For dragon fruit cultivation, land with good tilth is required therefor plough land thoroughly. At the time of land preparation apply well decomposed cowdung or organic compost in good amount.
Once planted, it remains for 15-20 years on same land. So prepared land carefully. It grows like wine, so vertical support with round circular frame is needed. Circular frame is needed to maintain balance of dragon shrub. Select RCC poles for strong and long lasting support. Avoid metal framing as it will lead to sunburn to plant.

Time of sowing
It can be cultivated round the year.

Spacing
While planting use narrow spacing as compared to larger spacing. Narrow spacing gives higher yield. Keep row to row spacing of 3 meter and plant to plant spacing of 2 meter. Use two meter long poles for support.

Sowing Depth
Plant vine cutting at a depth of one inch.

Method of sowing
Direct sowing of seeds or transplanting of vine cutting in field.

Seed Rate
1700 dragon plants can be accommodated in one acre land.

It can be propagated by seeds or by cutting also. Propagation by seeds is not suitable for commercial cultivation as it takes longer time also it will not reflect mother plant characteristic.

Propagation by cutting
Select plant cutting from good quality of mother plant.Plant this cutting in polythene bag containing mixture of dry cowdung, soil and sand in ratio of 1:1:2. Place these bags in shades. When cutting become 20cm in length, transplant them into main field. Transplant cutting in pit of size 60 x 60 x 60cm filled with soil, compost and 100gm of super Phosphate.

Fertilizer  Requirement (gm/plant)

Apply, 10-15kg of organic manure/compost to per plant. Increased quantity of organic manure by 2kg every year. 

Along with organic manure, for good growth and yield it required inorganic manures.

At vegetative stage, apply Urea@70gm/Plant, SSP@90gm/Plant and Muriate of Potash@40gm/plant.

At the time of fruit bearing and development stage lower down Nitrogen dose and increased Potash amount.

Apply Urea@50gm, SSP@50gm and MOP@100gm per plant, before flowering (in month of April), at fruit development stage and after harvesting of fruits.

Increased this dose by 220gm every year and make upto 1.5kg/plant.

For proper growth and development of vine, provide vertical support in the form of concrete or wooden pole. Tie immature plant with this pole. Regular pruning is required to maintain perfect umbrella shape. Carry out pruning after every harvest.

As it belongs to cactus family, its water requirement is less. It can survive well in water scarcity areas. For water application use drip irrigation method. Avoid flood irrigation as it leads to water loss also it increases weed problem. Water requirement is vary with region to region. It depend upon soil, climate and plant health. In general, It required, near about 1-2Ltr of water per day per plant. 

• Pest and their control:
  

Ant, bird, meat ant can cause problem.

Use netting on fruits and keep away bird problem.

• Disease and their control:

Flower drop, stem and fruit rot are observed due to over watering or excess rainfall.

Dragon fruits start flowering in month of May-June and bears fruits in August-December month. Proper time for harvesting is when fruits change its color from bright green to red color. Harvest three to four days after color change. For export purpose, harvest one day after color change. Harvesting can be done manually with hand or with sickle and also done with the help of sharp knife. Average yield of 5-6ton/acre can be obtained.