Growth and nutrient accumulation in the aerial part of red Pitaya (Hylocereus sp.)

Abstract

Knowledge on the amounts of nutrients accumulated by pitaya in its different development stages allows defining the periods in which the essential elements are most required, thus contributing to the elaboration of rational fertilization programs for the crop, reducing production costs. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and nutritional requirement of red pitaya, estimating the accumulation of macro and micronutrients by the plants and determining the periods in which the greatest accumulations occur, as well as the relative growth rate and the relative nutrient absorption rate. Pitaya seedlings were planted in pots containing Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo Eutrófico (Ultisol) and grown in the open air. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates and seven sampling times: 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 DAP (days after planting). At each sampling time, length of cladodes, dry matter of the aerial part and nutrient accumulation in the aerial part were evaluated. Red pitaya plants showed a low growth rate until 60 days and, from this period, its growth increased significantly. Nutrient accumulation occurred in the following descending order: K > Ca > N > Mg = P > S > Na element > Zn > Mn > Fe > B > Cu. K and Zn were, respectively, the most exported macro and micronutrient by pitaya fruits.

Effect of mixed organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, leaf macronutrient contents and yield of pitaya(Hylocereus undatus) under field conditions

“…However, excessive amounts of organic matter can have harmful effects, such as an unbalanced increase in the concentration of cations and anions, depleting the productive capacity of the soil (CAVALCANTE et al, 2002). Therefore, the tested bovine manure dosage can be an adequate amount for pitaya fertilization and corresponds to the general recommendations for this crop that are usually 20 to 30 liters of manure per pit (CAVALCANTE et al, 2011;MOREIRA et al, 2012;LIMA et al, 2019).…”

“…We observed a difference between the best mean and treatment without fertilization, of 90% and 78% in length and width, respectively, indicating the plant response to the presence of fertilization. Other studies also show fertilization effects on pitaya stem diameter having greater increments in plants at the most advanced development stage (CAVALCANTE et al, 2011;LIMA et al, 2019;DIÓGENES et al, 2020).…”

“…This result can be associated with increased nutrient uptake capacity as plant growth occurred and, consequently, the growth of its root system. Pitaya plants tend to significantly increase their vegetative growth of both the main cladode and lateral cladodes starting at 60 DAP (LIMA et al, 2019).…”

Productive potential and quality of pitaya with nitrogen fertilization

“…Nitrogen is among the main nutrients required by pitaya species (Hernández, 2000) to stimulate the emission of more vigorous roots and cladodes that will sustain a high yield, and it is more demanded by plants from the vegetative growth until the preflowering stage (Luders & McMahon, 2006). Nitrogen is among the nutrients most accumulated by pitaya in the period of the greatest cladode growth (Lima et al, 2019;Rabelo et al, 2020b). Pitaya with N deficiency is susceptible to the action of phytopathogens (Valencia Botín et al, 2003) that may lead to a reduced yield.…”

“…In addition, little is known about the nutritional requirements for the cultivation of pitaya in Brazil. The N amount for fertilization affects the N content in the plant, both in the roots and in the aerial part, influencing CO 2 uptake (Nobel & De La Barrera, 2002), and growth (Lima et al, 2019), as well as number of fruit produced per plant, yield (Turcios & Miranda, 1998;Moreira et al, 2012;Chakma et al, 2014), and quality (Fernandes et al, 2018). Therefore, it is essential to determine the adequate N rate through field research, which can provide a balance of increased yield and commercial quality; this way, more data is available for decision making by producers, in order to achieve a greater yield as in other countries.…”