Articles
Production behaviour of pitahaya depending on the trellising system used
Article number
1452_6
Pages
45 – 52
Language
English
Abstract
The cultivation of pitahaya (pitaya) in the Canary Islands began almost two decades ago, although its presence is earlier in gardens as an ornamental plant due to the attractiveness of its flowers.
At present, the area under production is limited, with an estimated annual production of around 600 t.
In order to promote the expansion of this crop and diversify the supply of tropical fruits in the Canary Islands, it is crucial to increase knowledge related to crop management techniques.
Due to its epiphytic nature, pitahaya requires a support for its development which, especially in commercial orchards, must be strong enough to support the weight of the plant once it has developed.
The choice of the trellising system will influence the performance of cultural tasks and the productive capacity of the crop according to the exposure of the cladodes to radiation.
The productive behaviour of three trellising systems was compared in two species (Selenicereus hybridum and Selenicereus undatus): a) 20×20 mm grid welded mesh (8-mm corrugated steel) on two sides of the crop row; b) low T-system at a height of 1 m; c) T-system at double height (1 and 2 m); and d) mixed structure, T-type up to 1 m and over it electro-welded mesh (only in S. undatus). The data showed differences between species depending on the structure selected.
The highest yields were achieved in S. hybridum in the double T and welded mesh structure with 52.0 and 49.4 t ha-1, respectively, compared to 40.0 t ha-1 in the low T-system.
In S. undatus, 40.7 t ha-1 were collected in the welded mesh structure, followed by the mixed structure (36.3 t ha-1), double T-system (34.0 t ha-1) and low T-system (29.1 t ha-1). For the choice of trellising system, it is not only necessary to take into account the production achieved, but also the labour time employed in the crop (pruning, pollination, harvesting, etc.) and the initial investment costs, in order to make the right decision.
At present, the area under production is limited, with an estimated annual production of around 600 t.
In order to promote the expansion of this crop and diversify the supply of tropical fruits in the Canary Islands, it is crucial to increase knowledge related to crop management techniques.
Due to its epiphytic nature, pitahaya requires a support for its development which, especially in commercial orchards, must be strong enough to support the weight of the plant once it has developed.
The choice of the trellising system will influence the performance of cultural tasks and the productive capacity of the crop according to the exposure of the cladodes to radiation.
The productive behaviour of three trellising systems was compared in two species (Selenicereus hybridum and Selenicereus undatus): a) 20×20 mm grid welded mesh (8-mm corrugated steel) on two sides of the crop row; b) low T-system at a height of 1 m; c) T-system at double height (1 and 2 m); and d) mixed structure, T-type up to 1 m and over it electro-welded mesh (only in S. undatus). The data showed differences between species depending on the structure selected.
The highest yields were achieved in S. hybridum in the double T and welded mesh structure with 52.0 and 49.4 t ha-1, respectively, compared to 40.0 t ha-1 in the low T-system.
In S. undatus, 40.7 t ha-1 were collected in the welded mesh structure, followed by the mixed structure (36.3 t ha-1), double T-system (34.0 t ha-1) and low T-system (29.1 t ha-1). For the choice of trellising system, it is not only necessary to take into account the production achieved, but also the labour time employed in the crop (pruning, pollination, harvesting, etc.) and the initial investment costs, in order to make the right decision.
Authors
S. Valle, V. Raya
Keywords
T-system, support system, yield, crop management
Groups involved
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