Ecophysiology and production of red pitaya under different light conditions

Abstract

In commercial orchards of red pitaya fruit, yellowish cladodes frequently occur, mainly in the warmest months of the year. The measurement of probable interferences on the ecophysiology and production of red pitaya and their correlations are unprecedented and may present a basis for commercial producers. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different light conditions on growth, anatomy, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, and the production of red pitaya in Fortaleza (CE). The experimental design was carried out in randomized blocks (RDB), with five treatments, five replications, and two plants per plot. The treatments consisted of five levels of luminosity: full sunlight, 35, 50, 65, and 80% shading, with the use of PVC shade screens. At 365 days, morphological, biochemical, physiological, and anatomical characters were analyzed. The fruit production was estimated from the first fruit emission, which occurred 186 days after the experiment installation. It is concluded that the luminosity conditions interfere with a variably in the growth, anatomical structures, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, and production, as well as on their correlations. The crop presented high phenotypic plasticity and adequately acclimated to cultivation in full sunlight, obtaining the highest production. Moreover, this study recommended cultivating in full sunlight and at 35% shading, which showed the greatest performances in terms of ecophysiological variables and productive yield.