Introduction to Dragon Fruit Cultivation Techniques and Management Methods
Dragon fruit is a nutrient-rich fruit, but it should not be eaten too much at one time, as it can place a certain burden on the stomach and intestines. In recent years, the planting area of dragon fruit has expanded somewhat, and many growers, attracted by its richness in plant protein and anthocyanins, want to engage in this type of cultivation. Below, let us take a look at the dragon fruit cultivation techniques and management introduction.
1. Soil conditions
To plant dragon fruit, you should choose clay loam, sandy loam, loam and similar soils that are fertile, loose, well-draining, rich in organic matter, and not easily prone to sandification. In addition, you should choose a location with ample sunlight, good ventilation, convenient drainage and irrigation, and convenient transportation.
2. Preparatory work before planting
After choosing the dragon fruit plantation, land preparation work is needed. First, clear away the weeds and small stones on the ground, then rake it level. Next, erect support posts, for which wood, bamboo poles, cement and other materials can be chosen. Finally, dig planting holes around the support posts, apply a certain amount of fertilizer into the holes and mix it evenly with the soil, and plant after it has settled.
3. Planting time
Dragon fruit has no particular requirements for planting time; generally, it can be planted in all four seasons. Plant one dragon fruit seedling in each planting hole, and about three plants beside each support post. The planting depth should preferably remain the same as the original depth of the dragon fruit seedling, and the soil moisture should be maintained until the dragon fruit seedlings survive.
4. Key points of fertilization
After the dragon fruit seedlings sprout, farmyard manure should be applied in the planting holes, and after sprouting, fertilizers such as urea should be applied until the dragon fruit flowers. During the fruiting period, additional topdressing is also needed, specifically depending on the actual growth conditions of the dragon fruit.
5. Watering
After the plant has finished fruiting, attention should be paid to maintaining soil moisture, covering the tree basin with grass, and if there is drought, watering at intervals, as this is more conducive to the expansion of dragon fruit and can achieve a high yield.
6. Shaping and pruning
When the dragon fruit branches climb to the top of the support post, they should be allowed to maintain single-branch growth. After they climb about 1.3 meters past the top of the post, the growing tips should be pinched off so that the dragon fruit branches naturally hang down.
During the vegetative growth period of dragon fruit, each basic branch should retain two robust growing branches, and during the reproductive growth period, all newly sprouted branches should be pruned off.
7. Manual pollination
The purpose of manual pollination is to make dragon fruit bear more fruit and increase yield. Especially when there is a lot of rainy weather, the effect of pollination is very significant.
8. Fruit thinning and bagging
The purpose of fruit thinning is to improve the yield and quality of dragon fruit. When the transverse diameter of the young buds reaches two centimeters, fruit thinning work can be carried out. Later, in order to reduce damage to the dragon fruit, bagging treatment is carried out, which can also improve the quality and yield of dragon fruit.