Exploring Dragon Fruit in India: From Taxonomy to Nutritional Benefits and Sustainable Cultivation Practices
摘要
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), referred to as ‘Kamalam’ in India, has gained popularity in recent times due to its unique appearance, nutritional benefits, and stress tolerance/resistance. Hylocereus undatus, H. monacanthus, and H. megalanthus are the major dragon fruit variants cultivated globally. India has embraced dragon fruit cultivation, expanding its area and production through several government initiatives and research institutes. Being introduced in the 1990s, there is a dearth of information about the production technology of dragon fruit cultivation. The present review highlights the advancements in cultivation techniques assessing various aspects such as planting techniques, propagation, training and pruning, irrigation, nutrient management, and harvesting practices of dragon fruit.