October 22, 2025 | BMC Plant Biology |
The study conducted by Akdeniz University, Turkey, evaluated how different irrigation levels and training systems influence the growth, yield, water use efficiency, and fruit quality of pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) under greenhouse conditions. The research was designed in response to increasing drought pressure in Mediterranean agricultural regions and the need for crops with lower water demand. Pitaya was selected due to its relatively low water consumption compared to other tropical fruit species.
The experiment, carried out from 2018 to 2021 in Antalya, tested three training systems (Pole/Control, T, and Inverted U) combined with four irrigation levels: FULL (100%), DI75 (75%), DI50 (50%), and DI25 (25%). Irrigation amounts were determined using an evaporation pan, and drip irrigation was applied.
Results showed that reduced irrigation generally decreased fruit flesh firmness and yield. Among the irrigation treatments, DI75 produced the highest yield (7169.6 kg/ha), outperforming FULL and lower irrigation levels. Across training systems, the highest yield was obtained from the Pole system, followed closely by the Inverted U system. Fruit quality parameters also varied with irrigation levels.
Overall, the findings suggest that applying 75% of full irrigation (DI75), combined with the Pole or Inverted U training systems, can optimize yield and maintain quality while reducing water use in greenhouse-grown pitaya.
