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

ABSTRACT: 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 var

SUBMITTER: Jadhav P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12552510 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature