2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is a drought tolerant, vining cactus native to Tropical America and adapted to various climatic conditions around the world. Research conducted over the past 10 years and the expansion of acreage planted demonstrated that pitahaya or dragon fruit is a viable crop alternative for commercial production in subtropical environments in the continental United States, primarily California and Florida, and in Hawaii. This presentation will provide an overview of pitahaya production in California, review research progress to date, discuss opportunities and challenges for growth and future prospects for the crop in light of increased competition for markets from imported fruit.