1ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post-560089, Karnataka, India
2ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research-Central Horticultural Experimental Station, Chettalli, 572248, Karnataka, India
3ICAR-Division of Horticultural Science, Krishi Anushandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, 110012, India
*Corresponding author email: rajendiran.s@icar.gov.in
Online published on 26 February, 2025.
Dragon fruit requires judicious application of manures and fertilizers for higher production. The recommendations of fertilizer rates vary widely and are mainly depend on yield potential and nutrient concentration in the plant tissues as well as nutrient supplying capacity of soil. The yield potential of 3-5 years old dragon fruit plant is 20-30 kg per plant hill (4 plants per hill). The concentration of N, P and K in dragon fruit (on dry weight basis) ranged from 1.25-2.00%, 0.200.30% and 3.00-4.00%, respectively. The nutrient removal of dragon fruit plant per hill per year has been computed as 150-180 g N, 35-45 g P2O5 and 350-400 g K2O, which could be effectively used in computing the annual nutrient requirement of dragon fruits. Further to restore soil fertility and microbial health application of organic manures and biofertilizers are strongly recommended. Therefore, integrated nutrient management module that includes organic manures, chemical fertilizers and bio-fertilizers has to be developed and could be the best option to meet the macro- and micronutrients requirements of dragon fruits, besides sustaining the production system for an extended period.
Dragon fruit, Fruit yield, Integrated nutrient management, Nutrient uptake, Plant nutrition, Soil quality
