A significant quantity of Dragon Fruit plants and fruits gets affected by a wide range of disease. Most of the disease appearing as post-harvest in dragon fruit are occurring in the field and these are carried over in the form of latent infections storage and transit.
Here the phrase “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE” holds true.
For prevention from diseases, one must keep in mind the following steps-
Sanitation
Irrigation
Fertilization
The best way to control any infestation is by controlling its entry and the first step to achieve is by keeping the orchard clean. Farmers have to keep a good care regarding the sanitation of their orchard. Sanitation refers to the cleanliness of an orchard. No or less weeds, Proper and timely removal of plant and fruit debris from the field. Overall, the floor of the orchard should be clean.
The water we apply on our orchard should contain less salt i.e. TDS <1000 will be fruitful for an orchard.
Plants need nutrients to support their life processes. Providing good quality fertilizers in correct amount & at appropriate interval is essential for their healthy growth & development.
List of the disease that occur in the Dragon Fruit orchard-
| S. no. | Particulars |
| 1 | Stem Canker |
| 2 | Anthracnose |
| 3 | Bacterial Soft Rot |
INSECT PEST & THEIR CONTROL MEASURES
The word “pest” describes an organism whose population increases a certain level can cause economic damage to our standing crops. Agricultural pests include insects, weeds, bacteria, viruses, fungi and animals that reduce crop yield. Significant losses in fruit production are inflicted annually by various Insect Pest damage. There are over 1000 species of Insect found damaging the horticulture crops in India.
(Source https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345864508_Pests_of_Fruit_and_Plantation_Crops_Biology_Economic_Importance_and_Control)
Like any other fruit crop, Dragon fruit too is susceptible to fury of insects. These insects affect yield and quality of fruits. The major insect which are classified as major and potentially harmful are listed down below.
Technical team of VNR Nursery is in constant touch with Dragon Fruit Growers. Over last few years, VNR Nursery technical team have put in lots of efforts in understanding the major and minor insects which are observed at various incidences during cultivation cycle. This team has compiled latest information and possible inputs for insect management and control.
Major Insects affecting Dragon Fruit are –
