Out of 15 species of genus Hylocereus, only five species produce fruits. Though there are white, yellow and magenta (red) pulp color types available, white and red/magenta pulp color types are popular. The red color type belongs to Hylocereus polyrhizus species.
Though Dragon fruit has originated in Central America, is found distributed in over six continents. Probably it is known as 'Dragon fruit' because of its scaly appearance like a dragon. It is also grown as an ornamental plant because of its very attractive flowers. The fruit has been neglected by mainstream fruit traders for centuries, but now it has become one of the top exports of Vietnam. More than 2000 tonnes of Dragon fruits are being imported into India from Vietnam, Thailand and China every year. In India, Dragon fruit is an introduced crop and is getting popular with more than 500 acres under commercial cultivation in states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Dragon fruit is highly perishable with a shelf life of only 4-5 days under ambient condition. If the crop harvest is delayed by 2–3 days after its full maturity, its quality loss is accelerated and fruits deteriorate easily. The fruits attain maturity within 2-3 days of peel color change from green to red or magenta. It is a non-climacteric fruit, and both white and red/magenta pulp color types develop red or magenta skin color at maturity. Under South Indian conditions, the fruit matures in 28-34 days. Cultivation of dragon fruit has great commercial prospects in India as its price in retail market ranges from Rs.200-300 per kilogram.
This story is from the January - February 2020 edition of Scientific India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January - February 2020 edition of Scientific India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New Antibodies Target 'Dark Side' Of Influenza Virus Protein
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified antibodies targeting a hard-to-spot region of the influenza virus, shedding light on the relatively unexplored "dark side" of the neuraminidase (NA) protein head.
Central black holes inside galaxies are rejuvenating systems of timeless universe
James Web telescope has greatly increased our knowledge of the universe. New galaxies have been discovered, and some of them are so old that hardly enter into the Big Bang cosmology model.
Wonders of Plasma
In physics, the term “Plasma\" refers to a quasi-neutral Iionized gas, or a gas in which a specific percentage of particles are charged.
Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon
A team of scientists on location with a The indigenous hunters took the team into the jungle on a 10-day expedition to search for these snakes, which they consider sacred.
Indian Mushroom in the Global Market: Is India Falling Behind?
A griculture and human evolution are intertwined deeply.
Sinking land increases risk for thousands of coastal residents by 2050
One in 50 people living in two dozen coastal cities in the United States could experience significant flooding by 2050, according to Virginia Tech-led research.
Vibrations of well-being!
Have you ever experienced a sinking feeling in your stomach when you are feeling fearful or some kind of anxiety or stress? On the other hand, when we are feeling ecstatic, we are at different energy state.
Weight loss drug from highly toxic plant can now be produced in yeast
A traditional Chinese medicinal plant has huge potential as a weight loss drug. However, due to the plant's notorious toxicity, no one has yet succeeded in exploiting it effectively.
Crop Wild Relatives of Indian Pipers: therapeutic potential and beyond
India is home to a vast repertoire of diverse plants, With certain plants having significant economical an medicinal value.
The 10 biggest science stories of 2023
Iindia has become the fourth country to successfully land on the moon as the Chandrayaan-3's lander module, with the rover in its belly, successfully made a soft landing on the lunar surface The success of Chandrayaan-3, launched in July 2023, showed the world that not only is India a major player in space, but that a moon lander can be launched successfully for $75m (£60m).