Phenological Stages of Pink Pulp Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis Web.): Codification and Description According to the Extended BBCH Scale Under Field Conditions

Abstract

Hylocereus costaricensis Web. (pink pulp dragon fruit) is a commercially important nutri-rich fruit crop of tropical and subtropical regions as it is a treasure of antioxidants and dietary fiber with a low glycemic index. Although the morphological descriptions of the white pulp (H. undatus Haworth) and red pulp (H. polyrhizus Web.) dragon fruits have been recorded using the BBCH scale, there is little knowledge about the phenology of the pink pulp dragon fruit, Hylocereus costaricensis (Web.) Britton and Rose. The extended BBCH scale is used in the current study to establish codes and phenological stages of pink pulp dragon fruit. This three-digit number system helps to standardize its phenological stages. Seven main growth phases have been identified: bud initiation (stage 0), shoot development (stage 3), development of primary shoots (stage 4), floral bud initiation (stage 5), flowering (stage 6), fruit development (stage 7) and fruit maturity and harvest (stage 8). There are now 40 distinct secondary growth stages that have been defined and documented. Because it describes all the phenophases related to vegetative and reproductive phases of dragon fruit, the enlarged BBCH scale is widely relevant. The scale can be used for the characterization of germplasm and to assess the effect of climate change on the phenology of dragon fruit. This important phenological stage scale may be utilized in growth, development and physiological studies besides usage in calculating heat unit requirements for different phenological stages. This BBCH scale can be utilized for effective management of orchards, standardization of propagation methods, intercultural operations, water and nutrition management, judging maturity standards for harvest, post-harvest shelf life and integrated pest and disease management.