Dragon fruit (Pitaya):

Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus sp.) is a perennial, vining, tropical cactus native of Central and South America. It is grown commercially in South East Asia. The fruits with red or pink, leathery skin are eaten by spooning out the flesh, or in slices. Fruits can be processed to juice, ice cream or wine. The beautiful flowers, only blooming at night, are used for tea or aroma therapy. The plant is adapted to tropical or arid climates with rainfall of 30-40 inch and any kind of soil with organic matter. Dragon Fruit is propagated through seeds or cuttings, with the latter being the most common method. Cutting may permit the production of plants with identical characteristics to the parent plant. Additionally, they reach production earlier. When growing Dragon Fruit from seeds, self pollinating varieties are preferable to save labor cost. Dragon fruit is a specialty crop and gaining increased attention from the growers in the CNMI, recently due to its economic potential and nutritional benefits.
White Flesh Dragon Fruit

Propagating Dragonfruit:
Installation of concrete or wooden posts, distanced 3m between posts and 4m between rows with iron round bar on top to support the plants and trellis. Stem cuttings are set into soil, while seeds are planted in a plastic bag with some potting compost and w a t e r. A f t e r sprouting for few weeks, transfer plastic bags. A combination of organic and c o m p l e t e fertilizer (16-16-16) is applied every three to four months. Regularly prune the plants to obtain an open, manageable and productive umbrella shape canopy which will induce new shoots for the next cropping season.

Stem Cuttings in the Green House

Cement Poles for support

Common Disease (Fungal Rot)

Dragon Fruit is a very good income source, and can be sold locally or exported overseas. Fruits are healthy (high in vitamin C, fibers, anti-oxidants) and nutritious. It strengthens the human immune system and is used in the treatment of diabetes. Medicine made from flower and stem promotes blood circulation. Therefore, Dragon Fruit can be marketed as a prestigious health food.

For more information contact:

Dragon Fruit
(Pitaya)
Hylocereus sp.

Dilip Nandwani, PhD.

(670)234-5498 ext. 1725 dilipn@nmcnet.edu

This Brochure was produced by

Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension and Education Service

The fruit is not widely known yet, so it can achieve high prices in the CNMI and US mainland. As a tropical fruit, it matches the island flair, making it easy to market it to local hotels and the tourism industry. Management of Dragon Fruit is simple to manage (e.g. transplanting, watering, spraying against pests and diseases), ompared to conventional fruits and vegetables.

Director Ross S. Manglona P.O. Box 501250 Saipan, MP 96950

Funding was provided by

Educational programs are open to all, regardless of age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion or disability. Cooperative Extensions Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. In cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Saipan, April 2011