November 06, 2024 | Environment, Development and Sustainability |
A study by ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, India, examined the effects of heat stress on dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) cultivation in warm-humid and hot-dry climates and evaluated the efficacy of shade netting as a mitigation strategy. Dragon fruit plants are prone to heat stress, which causes cladode discoloration, rot, and weakened growth, ultimately reducing fruit yield and quality.
The researchers tested green, white, and black shade nets with 35% and 50% shade levels across three dragon fruit genotypes. Shade nets reduced solar radiation by 40–70% and canopy temperatures by 3–7 °C. They significantly minimized sunburn (>96%) and disease incidence, while promoting vegetative growth with increased chlorophyll content (28–79%), NDVI, and new sprout development (28–84%). White and black 50% shade nets boosted flower bud production by 33% and 27%, respectively, and reduced flower bud drop. Yield improvements of 67% and 53% were observed under these shading conditions compared to unshaded controls. However, shading slightly reduced total soluble solids in the fruit. Notably, white 50% shading increased phenols and flavonoids, and white 35% shading enhanced vitamin C levels.
The study concluded that white and black 50% shade nets are effective for mitigating heat stress and ensuring sustainable yield and fruit quality in semi-arid climates.
