September 11, 2025 | Frontiers in Plant Science |
The study conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, India, investigated strategies to mitigate sunburn stress in dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), a major abiotic factor that reduces fruit yield and quality under high solar radiation. The research aimed to identify effective combinations of kaolin-based sprays, shade protection, and biostimulants to enhance plant tolerance and maintain physiological performance.
Experiments were carried out on two dragon fruit genotypes—red (H. costaricensis ‘CHESH-D1’) and white (H. undatus ‘CHESH-W1’)—using eleven treatments, including kaolin (5%) combined with shade nets, seaweed extract, and different additives such as neem soap, salicylic acid, brassinosteroids, and microbial consortia. Among these, neem soap (T8) and neem soap combined with microbial consortium (T9) showed the strongest protective effects, reducing canopy temperature by up to 5.1 °C and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 32–38% compared to the control. These treatments also decreased oxidative stress markers and enhanced chlorophyll retention and nutrient uptake.
The red genotype exhibited greater resilience to sunburn than the white genotype, with lower MDA content and higher antioxidant enzyme activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that kaolin-based formulations, particularly when integrated with neem soap and microbial amendments, can effectively alleviate sunburn damage and improve stress tolerance in dragon fruit cultivation.
