September 09, 2026 | Sustainable Futures |
This study conducted by Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania reviewed the cultivation, adaptation, and market development of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) in tropical and subtropical regions. Dragon fruit has gained increasing attention because of its nutritional value, adaptability to dry environments, and growing consumer demand. While commercial production is well established in countries such as Vietnam, China, and Thailand, cultivation and market development remain less advanced in Africa and Latin America.
The review examined production trends, consumer preferences, agronomic performance, propagation methods, environmental resilience, and value chain development. Red- and yellow-fleshed cultivars were generally preferred for their taste and antioxidant properties, although crop performance varied according to environmental conditions, production practices, and resource availability. Physiological characteristics, including crassulacean acid metabolism and drought tolerance, support cultivation in semi-arid areas and under changing climatic conditions.
The study found that expanding value chains could create opportunities for increased production and trade, although domestic markets remain underdeveloped in some emerging production regions. Successful introduction into new areas depends on appropriate propagation methods and selection of varieties suited to local environments and consumer preferences.
The review identifies dragon fruit as a potential crop for agricultural diversification and climate-resilient production, while emphasizing further research on genetic diversity, varietal adaptation, standardized agronomic practices, and value chain development.
