Determining Optimal Levels of Pruning in Hylocereus undatus [(Haw.) Britton and Rose] in Trellis Systems

The main objective of this work was to determine the optimum level of pruning in pitaya. In addition, we want to establish the relationship between pruning levels and the intensity of flowering, and between flowering levels and heavy flower bud drop that affects this species. With these aims, two experiments were performed on Hylocereus undatus [(Haw.) Britton and Rose] cultivated in greenhouses and trained in a trellis system. Our results conclude that cane pruning leaving 15 cladodes per meter in a trellis system is the most productive, as it yielded more fruit of similar weight. Positive relationships between flowering and setting, regardless of pruning levels, justify less severe pruning. Fruit set and size did not depend on pruning levels, although we found a fruit weight reduction when a single cladode developed more than one fruit. Flower buds drop was proportionally higher in cladodes forming more flowers, suggesting that bud competition plays a role in their drop. However, flower bud thinning seems unnecessary, although if a flower is to be chosen, it is better to select those formed at the apex of the cladode since they produce larger fruits.

Automated summary

The main objective of this study was to determine the optimal level of pruning in pitaya and establish the relationship between pruning levels, flowering intensity, and flower bud drop. Through two experiments, it was found that cane pruning leaving 15 cladodes per meter in a trellis system resulted in the highest productivity. Regardless of pruning levels, there was a positive correlation between flowering and fruit set, suggesting less severe pruning is justified. Fruit set and size were not affected by pruning levels, but fruit weight decreased when multiple fruits developed on a single cladode. Flower bud drop was higher in cladodes with more flowers, indicating bud competition plays a role. However, flower bud thinning is unnecessary, and selecting buds formed at the apex of the cladode is recommended for larger fruits.