Introduction

Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus untadus)or Pitaya is a climbing-vine cactus species

native to the tropical forest regions of Mexico and Central and South America. Dragon
fruit will not grow in cold climates, make sure that the temperature is above 40
degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage from occurring to the plant. For optimal growth,
the temperature needs to be between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The base of the
plant can see a little shade, but the tips of the plant require full sun to ensure that the
plant blooms properly. If too much shade is given to the plant, the fruit will not do well.
This plant is able to grow in any soil that is well draining, but it prefers to grow in soil
that is slightly acidic with a pH level that is between six and seven. Sandy soil is the
best option for this plant, if it is not available, just only ensure that it is well draining
soil.

It has gained popularity among producers, exporters, and consumer like in

Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam where agro-
environmental conditions are conductive for growing this fruit plant. Several factors are
accountable for the popularity of this crop, high net returns, functional properties
because its high level of antioxidant and emerging export potential to high value
markets.

Dragon fruit also shows certain agronomic features that improve its potential as
a replacement crop with high commercial value. These characteristics include the
relative ease of propagation by cuttings, its relatively low crop maintenance, the short
turnaround time between planting and harvesting compared to other tropical fruit trees,
its high yield rate and as a perennial crop, with proper care and it can provide a steady
income.

In the Philippines Dragon fruit gain more popularity because of its health
benefits for us human. Many people now in the Philippines prefer this kind of fruit not
just only because the taste of this fruit but the health benefits can be earned from it.
Dragon fruit production is highly produced in Ilocos Region where the government
provides support in the production of this fruit plant . This can be a new potential form
of income in most Regions in Mindanao , by the support of the government and proper
knowledge of cultivating this fruit plant this can boost the economy and the status of
the people mostly in poor rural areas in Mindanao.

Objectives:

1. To know the taxonomy and varietal classification of dragon fruit.

2. To determine the health benefits and nutritional composition.
3. To identify the practices used in the production of Dragon fruit.
4. To identify the possible income earned in engaging Dragon fruit
production.

TAXONOMY OF DRAGON FRUIT

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: NA
Class: Not Available
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Hylocereus
Species: H. undatus Dragon Fruit Varieties
VARIETIES

1. Red Varieties
a) Hylocereus undatus

b) Hylocereus polyrhizus

2. Yellow Variety
Selenicereus megalanthus
Health Benefits and Nutritional Values of Dragon Fruit

Red-Skinned and Yellow-Skinned Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya, is said to originate from South America and is now
grown in most of the tropical Asian countries. The skin is covered in 'scales' and comes
either as a red-skinned or yellow-skinned variety. The red-skinned variety comes either
as white or luminous red flesh. The yellow-skinned variety is available only in white
flesh.

The popularity stems from the many benefits that dragon fruit has to offer. Generally,
the red-skinned variety with red flesh offers more benefits compared to the yellow or the
red-skinned (with white flesh) variety

Dragon Fruit Health Benefits

The universities and cancer research centers only recently investigated the nutritional
benefits of dragon fruits, and these benefits are as follows:

Dragon Fruit for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Statistic shows that people that suffer from diabetes has an increased chances of
vascular complications by at least twofold.
However, based on the study conducted by School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
of Universiti Sains Malaysia, and published in the US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health, dragon fruits, which is rich in antioxidant betacyanins, can
prevent this combative stress and diabetes.

In another study on patients with Type 2 diabetes who are not dependent on insulin,
shows a decrease in blood sugar level by more than 19% when given 600 gm daily
dosage of the red flesh red-skinned dragon fruit over a period of four weeks.

The flavanoid antioxidants present in red flesh dragon fruit is responsible for this
reduction and hence, if you suffer from Type 2 diabetes, eating the red flesh dragon fruit
can help control your glucose level.

Red Flesh Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit can Reduce Cancer Risk

The red pigments in the red flesh dragon fruit is rich in lycopene, flavanoid antioxidants,
and phytoalbumins, which can help prevent the formation of cancerous cells.

As documented in American Institute for Cancer Research, the phytochemical lycopene

that is present in red flesh dragon fruit can prevent prostate cancer.

It is however, important to note that you must lead a healthy lifestyle and go on an anti-
cancer diet to help improves your chances of preventing cancer.

In addition, the flavanoid antioxidants can also prevent inflammatory diseases such as
gout and arthritis.
White Flesh Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit can Reduce Cholesterol

Dragon fruit has high levels of both the insoluble and soluble fiber. 100 gm of fresh
dragon fruit will give you 1 gm of fiber. In dried form, the fiber content is even more at 10
gm for every 100 gm of the powdered or dried fruit.

These fibers can improve the digestive system, which in turn will reduce the
accumulation of dietary cholesterol in your system.

In a clinical study published in the American Journal of Applied Sciences 6 (7): 1341-
1346, 2009 edition, eating the red dragon fruit over five weeks, saw an impressive drop
in the total cholesterol level.

Prebiotic Action of Dragon Fruit

Based on the article in 'Food Chemistry' (June 2010 edition), the fiber in dragon fruit is
made up mainly of oligosaccharides. This is not digested in the stomach, but act as
prebiotics, which assists in the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which are the
healthy bacteria.
When taken in the right amount, these microorganisms will assist in the digestion and
keep the immune system strong.

Proteins, Carbohydrates and Calories in Dragon Fruit

100 g of dragon fruit will give almost 2.0 g of protein and 9 g of carbohydrates, which is
about 3% and 4% of the recommended daily value, respectively.

Pitaya is also very low in calories at only 60 calories, which is about 3% of the daily
value

This is good news if you are on a weight management program.

Vitamins & Minerals in Dragon Fruits

Dragon fruits have a high dosage of Vitamin C where 100 gm of the fruit will gives 500
mg of Vitamin C. It also contains Vitamin A, B1, B12 and E, but in smaller amounts.

Mineral contents in dragon fruits include a good dosage of potassium, magnesium, zinc,
and phosphorus. In smaller amounts, it has calcium, iron and copper.

Hence, with all these nutritional benefits, dragon fruit can be a complete meal of its own.

Please refer to the table below for detail breakdown of the vitamins and mineral
contents.

Dragon Fruit Nutrition Facts

Nutrients Nutritional Value per 100g Health Benefits

To build and repair tissues,
to make hormones,
Protein 2.0 g
enzymes and assist the
body to release energy
For strong and healthy
Calcium 5.7mg
bones
Potassium 57mg Assists in carbohydrate
Nutrients Nutritional Value per 100g Health Benefits
metabolism, & regulate
blood pressure and
cardiovascular health
Regulate body temperature,
Magnesium 28mg detoxification, energy
production
Strengthen immune system,
Ascorbic Acid (Vit C) 500mg heals bruises and cuts
faster.
Protection against toxin,
Vitamin E 106 g thins the blood & helps in
the skin and hair care
For healthy nerve cells &
Cobalamin (Vit B12) 16 g
red blood cells
Phosphorus 23mg For tissue formation
For body detoxification, skin
Retinol (Vit A) 20 g health and improves night
vision
For red blood cells
Iron 3.4mg production & for body
energy
For a healthy bone, tissue &
Copper 31 g
thyroid gland
Improves brain function & to
Zinc 14mg
control appetite
Assists in production of
Thiamine (Vit B1) 48.9 g energy as well as
metabolizing carbohydrates
Lycopene 14.35 mg Helps keep the body
Nutrients Nutritional Value per 100g Health Benefits
healthy and protect against
harmful damage caused by
free radicals

Dragon Fruit and Pregnancy

Fruits must be part of a pregnancy diet and with all the richness in vitamins, minerals,
fiber and fatty acids in red dragon fruit, eating the fruit on a daily basis will be beneficial
to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

Among its many benefits is its iron content that will assist a pregnant woman's demand
for iron. This will help reduce chances of anemia. It also contains folates, which is
essential for the formation of red blood cells.

Eat it fresh, as part of your mixed fruit salad, as a juice or as smoothies.

ECONOMIC ASPECT
According to Mr. Estellena a dragon fruit grower in Davao City, Since its
establishment 5 years ago, many interested farmers who wanted to grow dragon fruit
and even buyers in Davao City now frequently visited the techno-demo farm in
Manambulan, Davao City. With the successful production technologies on dragon fruit,
better opportunities, both production- and market-wise, lie ahead.
According to Mr. Estellena, the potential of dragonfruit is very much bright
because it commands a very high price in the local market; it costs around P120-150
per kilo. He added that, a three-year old dragonfruit can produce 5-6 t/ha amounting to
P720,000 in the local market alone. It is no wonder that dragon fruit is now dubbed as
the new money crop-truly, a high revenue earner.
It has a big impact to people mostly in poor rural areas which can create
employment and earnings if interested in engaging Dragon fruit farming. A high
commercial value fruit with its health benefits can create an big market for small and
large scale producers. Having a proper skills and knowledge in the cultivation aspects a
positive outcome may achieved for everyone who is willing and interested in dragon fruit
farming.
CULTURAL PRACTICES

Dragon fruit or Pitaya grows best in uniformly distributed rainfall throughout the
year. It prefers free draining soil with sandy to clay loam types, 5.3 to 6.7 pH and high
organic matter. However, Pitaya is also grown successfully in sandy soils. Pitaya is
shallow rooted with most roots concentrated on top 15- 30 cm soil depth.
Dragon fruit or pitaya is a vining epiphytic cactus from the humid tropical rainforests of
Central and South America. Like their desert counterparts they are able to tolerate
harsh dry conditions but only for a limited time.
The fruit is round , often red colored fruit with prominent scales . The thin rind
encloses the large mass of sweetly flavored white or red pulp and small black seeds.
Some varieties are pinkish or yellow.
It can be taken as fruit, flower, vegetable, health product and medicine as well, called
priceless treasure.
Dragon Fruit Varieties

1. Red Varieties Fruits have been used to combat anemia

a) Hylocereus undatus:

* Climbing cactus with large, scented, night blooming flowers

* Fruit weighs 1 kg or more with light melon-like taste
* Fruit has bright red skin, with translucent white flesh and tiny black seeds
* With triangular cross-section of its stem and minimal spines

b) Hylocereus polyrhizus

* Fruit weighs up to 1 kg
* With red skin, dark-red flesh which contains small black seeds
* Stems have more spines
2. Yellow Variety
Selenicereus megalanthus

* Smaller fruit with yellow skin and clear to white flesh containing edible black seeds
* Sweeter than red varieties
* Contains the heart tonic captine

Elevation

Optimum elevation is 100 to 800 meters above sea level preferably with 30%
shade to full sun as Pitaya grows slowly when shaded.

Propagation

Pitaya is propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. The latter is more preferred.

Stem cuttings were raised in the nursery for 2 -3 months.
Plant Establishment
Recommended planting distance is 3 meters between concrete posts and 4 meters
between rows. A narrower spacing gives quicker production than larger spacing. Higher
density plantings produce quicker returns, but plants will begin to crowd each other
sooner.
Planting is done at 3 to 4 plants per post, Rooted cuttings may be planted directly or
kept in 9 x 13 black polyethylene bags. For direct rooted cuttings, position them 15 cm
away from the post at and angle leaning towards the post. Direct planting is 5 cm depth,
while for transplants, hole depth should be same as height of plastic bags soil depth.
Irrigate and protect newly emerging foliar buds from ants and other insects.

Fertilizer/ Nutrients

Apply a handful of complete fertilizer (14-14-14) 3 months after planting and continue
fertilizer applications every 3 months thereafte. Pitaya also requires organic matter.
Nitrogen is necessary during the vegetative growth of the plant and is reduced during
dormant and pre-flowering stages (later December to mid-March). Apply foliar sprays
every 2 weeks during vegetative stage and less during fruiting stage.
Frequency of fertilizer application varies according to personal judgment and
preferences. Optimum frequencyand quantity depends on the plants
response. Pitaya is very responsive to soil and foliar fertilizer applications.

Pruning

Major and minor pruning is a regular orchard operation regardless of age of Pitaya.
Prune to obtain an open, manageable and productive umbrella shaped canopy.

Pest and Diseases

The roots, stems, foliar and flower buds, flower and fruit are attacked by a range of
pests and diseases. Pests include mites, thrips, ants, scale insects, mealy bugs,
beetles, slugs, borers, nematodes, fruit flies and rodents such as mice, birds, or bats.
Chlorpyrifos-based insecticides may be used to control ants and other pests as well.
Copper-based fungicides (copper, copper oxychloride, dithane M45, cupravit,
mancozeb, etc. can be applied at appropriate dosage and spray as needed. Systemic
fungicides such as benomyl, carbendazim, azcxystrobin,etc. are also effective in wide
range of pitaya diseases.

Avoid, however, pesticide spraying when nearing harvest time. Bagging of green fruit
using clear perforated polyethylene bags (China-made) are recommended to protect
fruit from fruit fly stings.

Weeding/ Sanitation

Gasoline-driven weedcutters are recommended for orchards. Handweed within the

inner 30 diameter of each post to avoid damage to plants. Control weeds as they harbor
pests and compete with soil nutrients.

Irrigation

Water requirement of Pitaya is similar to papaya. Irrigation is critical during

fertilizer applications and fruiting. Excess drying of soil and less frequent irrigation
results in abnormally high splitting of fruit. For newly planted Pitaya, allow soil to dry
before irrigation to avoid rots.

Harvest

Harvesting indices include full red coloration of the terminal petal and swelling of the
navel end to the point of cracking. Based on Davao planting, harvest period include:
First Cycle of harvest -June October; 2nd Cycle of harvest December January.

* Fruit is harvested from 30-50 days after flowering

* 5-6 fruit crop cycles a year (between May and November)
* Stored at 5C with 90% relative humidity and can be stored for up to 40 days
* Average weight per fruit ranges from 200 to 1.2 kg
Profit from Dragon Fruits
REFERENCES

Chang, F.R. and Yen, C.R. (1997). Flowering and fruit growth in pitaya( Hylocereus
undatus Britt & Rose ). Journal of Chinese Horticultural Sciences 43 (4):314-321

Britton, N.L. and Rose, J.N. (1963). The Cactaceae:description and illustration of plants
of the cactus family, Volumes 1 and 2.Dover, New York

Luders, L. (20040. The pitaya or Dragon fruit ( Hylocereus undatus ), Agnote 778No. D
42, Northern Territory of Australia.

Ke, N.V. (1997). Agriculture fruit. Agriculture publisher , Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ( In
Vietnamese )

Crane, J., & Balerdi, C., (2013). Pitaya growing in the Florida home landscape,
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).

Anderson, E. F. 2001. The cactus family. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Ariffin AA, Bakar J, Tan CP, Rahman RA, Karim R, Loi CC (2008). "Essential fatty acids
of pitaya (dragon fruit) seed oil". Food Chemistry. 114 (2): 561564.

Valencia-Botn, Alberto J.; Kokubu, Hirotaka; Ortz-Hernndez, Yolanda D. (2013). "A

brief overview on pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) diseases". Australasian Plant
Pathology. 42(4): 437440. .