Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Deveshwar Prasad Patel, Abhay Bisen, Sukul Singh Porte, Pushpa Lata Tirkey and Pragati

Abstract:
The dragon fruit [Hylocereus undatus (Haworth) Britton & Rose] is an exotic, perennial, xerophytes climbing cactus which belongs to family Cactaceae. Dragon fruit is a nutritious has abundant in vital nutritional ingredients viz. carotene, calcium, fiber, vitamin B, vitamin C, and phosphorous. It has an extremely low amount of cholesterol, which reduces the chance of heart attack and other diseases caused by accumulation of cholesterol. It contains protein as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. It is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, helping the heart stay in great condition. It helps to clean up digestive system. It has high fiber content, which can assist with poor digestion and constipation. Eating the flesh and seeds, which contain good protein, will keep body fortified. It is the perfect fruit to maintain weight. It is a long day plant. Being a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant with xerophytes’ characters, it has got ability to grow in a wide range of agro-climates including areas of high temperature and water scarcity regions. The dragon fruit can be cultivated commercially up to altitude of 1700 m with rainfall ranging from 500-1500 mm. Chhattisgarh has a tropical climate where summer temperatures can reach up to 49 °C. It is hot and humid in the summer because of its proximity to the tropic of cancer and its dependence on the monsoons for rains. The state receives an average annual rainfall of 1,292 millimeters (50.9 in). Thus there is a tremendous potential and remunerative benefit to cultivate the crop with good agriculture practices (GAP) in diverse climatic regions of Chhattisgarh.