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<p>Dragon fruit (<i>Selenicereus undatus</i> (Haw.) D.R. Hunt) is emerging as a high-value crop globally. However, its reproductive biology remains poorly characterized, with conflicting reports ranging from strict self-incompatibility (allogamy) to self-compatible and autogamy. This study presents a comprehensive two-year assessment (2023 and 2024) of reproductive phenology, pollination modes, and floral biology of commercially grown white-fleshed variety (NDFW-1) that belongs to <i>S. undatus</i> (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, under subtropical Indian conditions. Flowering exhibited inter-annual variation linked to early summer rains, which acted as floral inducers—highlighting the potential of microclimate manipulation (fogging, sprinklers, rain guns) to extend the reproductive window. Although the white fleshed variety (NDFW-1) was self-compatible, manual cross-pollination significantly enhanced fruit weight, indicating limitations in natural pollination. In contrast, the red fleshed variety (NDFR-1) clone exhibited strict self-incompatibility, necessitating cross-pollination for fruit set. Anthesis dynamics and post-anthesis floral bending suggest mechanisms of delayed autogamy but are insufficient for achieving commercial-grade fruit. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity data identified a well-synchronized broader pollination window from 4&#xa0;h before to 12&#xa0;h after anthesis. These findings advocate precise, time-targeted pollination preferably early evening or morning hours to improve fruit set and size, particularly under rain-induced pollination deficit, and offer a validated framework for optimizing dragon fruit production in emerging regions.</p>

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Floral and pollination biology of dragon fruit reveals strategies for enhancing productivity through pollination management and reproductive window extension

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月24日

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  • Priyanka Jadhav,
  • S. S. Dhumal,
  • K. M. Boraiah,
  • Prakash Kate,
  • V. D. Kakade,
  • P. S. Basavaraj,
  • C. B. Harisha,
  • Hanamant M. Halli,
  • D. B. Kshirsagar,
  • B. T. Patil,
  • K. K. Pal,
  • S. A. Ranpise,
  • K. S. Reddy,
  • Jagadish Rane,
  • H. Pathak

摘要

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt) is emerging as a high-value crop globally. However, its reproductive biology remains poorly characterized, with conflicting reports ranging from strict self-incompatibility (allogamy) to self-compatible and autogamy. This study presents a comprehensive two-year assessment (2023 and 2024) of reproductive phenology, pollination modes, and floral biology of commercially grown white-fleshed variety (NDFW-1) that belongs to S. undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, under subtropical Indian conditions. Flowering exhibited inter-annual variation linked to early summer rains, which acted as floral inducers—highlighting the potential of microclimate manipulation (fogging, sprinklers, rain guns) to extend the reproductive window. Although the white fleshed variety (NDFW-1) was self-compatible, manual cross-pollination significantly enhanced fruit weight, indicating limitations in natural pollination. In contrast, the red fleshed variety (NDFR-1) clone exhibited strict self-incompatibility, necessitating cross-pollination for fruit set. Anthesis dynamics and post-anthesis floral bending suggest mechanisms of delayed autogamy but are insufficient for achieving commercial-grade fruit. Pollen viability and stigma receptivity data identified a well-synchronized broader pollination window from 4 h before to 12 h after anthesis. These findings advocate precise, time-targeted pollination preferably early evening or morning hours to improve fruit set and size, particularly under rain-induced pollination deficit, and offer a validated framework for optimizing dragon fruit production in emerging regions.