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Objective: This integrative review aimed to identify the phenolic compounds present in pitayas (dragon fruit). Methods: We employed a comprehensive search strategy, encompassing full-text articles published between 2013 and 2023 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish from databases indexed in ScienceDirect, Capes Periodics, Scielo, and PubMed. The study's selection was guided by the question, "What are the main phenolic compounds found in pitaya fruits?". Results: After screening 601 papers, 57 met the inclusion criteria. The identified phytochemicals have been associated with a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Additionally, they exhibit promising applications in the management of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. These 57 studies encompassed various genera, including Hylocereus, Selenicereus, and Stenocereus. Notably, Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus emerged as the most extensively characterized species regarding polyphenol content. Analysis revealed that flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and rutin, were the predominant phenolic class within the pulp and peel of these fruits. Additionally, hydroxycinnamic and benzoic acid derivatives, especially chlorogenic acid, caffeic, protocatechuic, synaptic, and ellagic acid, were frequently reported. Furthermore, betalains, specifically betacyanins, were identified, contributing to the characteristic purplish-red color of the pitaya peel and pulp. These betalains hold significant potential as natural colorants in the food industry. Conclusion: Therefore, the different pitayas have promising sources for the extraction of pigments for incorporation in the food industry. We recommend further studies investigate their potential as nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nepal, dragon fruit farming is promising but faces limited operation due to its high initial cost during the establishment years. However, its market demand and export potential could provide an economic opportunity for farmers. Here, dragon fruit farmers were categorized as 39 small-scale and 25 large-scale farmers based on an average farm size of 20 kattha (6772.6 m2). A total of 64 dragon fruit farmers were selected randomly from different clusters through a multi-stage sampling technique. The results revealed that the average cost of dragon fruit production per kattha during the establishment year was NRs 259098.58 (1941.89 USD). The gross benefit was NRs 540972.00 (4054.98 USD) in a large-scale farm and NRs 402928.33 (3019.87 USD) in a small-scale farm. Also, an average BC ratio of 1.87 indicated a profitable farming business. Provision of extension services and cooperative engagement were significant among socioeconomic characteristics for the farm category. Land preparation, manure, labor, fertilizers, and plant protection costs were substantial parts of the total cost incurred in dragon fruit cultivation. Pillar and plant protection costs were positively significant in the production function analysis, and the cost of irrigation was negatively significant to gross returns. These findings will encourage the adoption of dragon fruit farming by providing farmers with essential information on production costs and profitability. Market stability, training, extension, and subsidies should be top priorities in authoritative management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is an asexual, opportunistic and necrotrophic pathogen that causes the devastating stem canker disease of dragon fruit species (Selenicereus spp.). Despite this, information about its intraspecific diversity remains lacking. Examination of the morphological variations of 40 N. dimidiatum isolates hosted by S. megalanthus, S. monacanthus and S. undatus from eight allopatric regions in the Philippines detected three distinct morphotypes. Sequencing of three partial gene markers (ITS, ACT and TUB2) of representative isolates revealed low intraspecific genetic diversity of the pathogen from the three hosts. Phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of the isolates in this study and worldwide collections of the phytopathogen in the GenBank database infers similar founding populations and the possible specificity of the dragon fruit‐infecting N. dimidiatum. Pathogenicity and aggressiveness assay of the isolates on detached stems of dragon fruit did not detect host specificity to S. monacanthus and S. undatus. However, some isolates (i.g., MBDF0802A, MBDF0808B, MBDF0339A and MBDF0007A) significantly had shorter latent period to the stems of S. undatus than S. monacanthus. A higher aggressiveness component of lesion size development on S. undatus stems by isolates from S. monacanthus was recorded suggesting a possible directional selection of highly aggressive N. dimidiatum in this host. This is the first population study on the phenotypic traits and the genetic structure of N. dimidiatum. Valuable inputs for further study of the pathogen are provided, which may help inform the design of management options for stem canker disease of dragon fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual shells of the red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in natura (IN) and post-alkaline treatment (AT) were investigated for the efficiency of removal of the endocrine disrupting hormone 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) in aqueous solution. The characterizations of the biosorbents pointed to changes on the surface of the material after alkaline treatment, in which the formation of micropores was observed, in addition to alterations on the composition and thermal stability of the biomass. FTIR analysis of the biosorbents after adsorption revealed important role of hydroxyl and carboxylic groups in the hormone adsorption. The mass transfer process occurred quickly reaching equilibrium in up to 120 min, following a kinetics of pseudo-second order at temperatures of 25, 35 and 45 °C. It is suggested that the slow step of the adsorptive process correspond to the formation of intermolecular interactions of greater intensity, such as hydrogen bonds. Equilibrium studies revealed a better percentage of removal at low concentrations of the hormone and at room temperature. The optimum pH for MT removal increased from 3 to 7 after alkaline treatment, with qmax of 1.93 and 1.23 mg g−1 for the IN (at pH 3) and AT (at pH 7), respectively. The isothermal models suggested that the adsorption occurred in homogeneous sites with monolayer formation and enthalpically directed. These results, associated with the low concentrations in which the emerging contaminants are found, indicate that the biosorbent of pitaya may be a potentially advantageous and low-cost alternative for removal of the hormone from aqueous effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin microbiota, and its diversity and balance, play a key role in skin health and beauty, influencing skin moisture, barrier function, and radiance. A healthy skin microbiota limits the growth of detrimental species, protecting the skin from pathologies. Prebiotics can support beneficial populations in outcompeting detrimental ones. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) contains prebiotic polysaccharides effective on gut bacteria. Its extract was tested in vitro, in a coculture model including representative beneficial and detrimental species, and in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Effects on the skin microbiota were measured via 16S rDNA sequencing, and skin health and beauty benefits were evaluated through image analysis, TEWL measurement, and chromametry. Doppler flowmetry measured skin resilience. The extract supported S. epidermidis and S. hominis (beneficial species), while limiting S. aureus and C. acnes (representing pathogens) in vitro. Clinical results demonstrated its beneficial effects on skin microbiota diversity, especially in older volunteers (Faith's index up to +20% vs. placebo). Improvements were shown in skin sensitivity and resilience (by ca. 30% vs. placebo), skin redness (reflecting inflammation status), pigmentation and radiance (+11% ITA), barrier function (−13% TEWL), and wrinkling. This demonstrates this extract's positive effects on the beauty, health, and microbiota balance of the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This integrative review aimed to identify the phenolic compounds present in pitayas (dragon fruit). Methods: We employed a comprehensive search strategy, encompassing full-text articles published between 2013 and 2023 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish from databases indexed in ScienceDirect, Capes Periodics, Scielo, and PubMed. The study’s selection was guided by the question, “What are the main phenolic compounds found in pitaya fruits?”. Results: After screening 601 papers, 57 met the inclusion criteria. The identified phytochemicals have been associated with a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Additionally, they exhibit promising applications in the management of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. These 57 studies encompassed various genera, including Hylocereus, Selenicereus, and Stenocereus. Notably, Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus emerged as the most extensively characterized species regarding polyphenol content. Analysis revealed that flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and rutin, were the predominant phenolic class within the pulp and peel of these fruits. Additionally, hydroxycinnamic and benzoic acid derivatives, especially chlorogenic acid, caffeic, protocatechuic, synaptic, and ellagic acid, were frequently reported. Furthermore, betalains, specifically betacyanins, were identified, contributing to the characteristic purplish-red color of the pitaya peel and pulp. These betalains hold significant potential as natural colorants in the food industry. Conclusion: Therefore, the different pitayas have promising sources for the extraction of pigments for incorporation in the food industry. We recommend further studies investigate their potential as nutraceuticals.

The aim of the research was to determine the phenolic components of Vietnamese White (flesh white) and Siam Red pitaya (flesh color red) fruits grown under greenhouse cultivation in Seydikemer district of Muğla province. In the research, phenolic components of the varieties such as gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, routine and camperol were examined. In the study, it was determined that the Siam Red variety had higher gallic acid (142.85%), chlorogenic acid (332.50%) and caffeic acid (62.50%) contents than the Vietnamese White variety. No statistical difference was detected in p-coumaric acid and routine components of varieties. In the research, while the catechin component was not detected in the Vietnamese White variety, it was detected as 0.90 µg/g in the Siam Red variety. In the research, it was determined that the Kamferol content of the Vietnamese White variety was 75% higher than the Siam Red variety. In this study, the phenolic components of pitaya species with red and white flesh grown in the Seydikemer district of Muğla province were investigated for the first time, and the results are presented. The research revealed that the pitaya species with red flesh contained higher phenolic components. Consequently, it can be said that pitaya species with red flesh would be more suitable for consumption, and this study could serve as a resource for future research on the pitaya species used in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the variability among the dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) genotypes in Kerala. The study was conducted in ten dragon fruit orchards of four different districts namely, Trivandrum, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Thrissur during the period 2019-2021. The plants were evaluated based on the UPOV guidelines to identify the different genotypes that were being cultivated in Kerala with respect to their morphology and flowering along with yield and quality attributes. The results revealed that the commercial cultivation of dragon fruit in Kerala was found to be dominated by the dark pink/purple fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis). The variability within this species was analysed using statistical techniques like factor analysis and cluster analysis. Maximum variability (59.38%) in the stem and flower characters were contributed by the intensity of red colour of bract, stem waxiness, stem sturdiness, margin of rib, spine colour, bud shape, bud apex shape, number of stigma lobes, length of style and distance between areoles. Similarly, maximum variability (62.74%) in the quality attributes were contributed by the fruit weight, position of bract towards peel, fruit width, fruit weight without peel, fruit length, flesh colour, fruit shape, width of base of bract, length of apical bract, outer TSS, TSS-acid ratio and core TSS. Based on the qualitative traits alone, six clusters were formed indicating the variations in plants which in turn, revealed the presence of different genotypes within the dark pink/purple fleshed dragon fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of dragon fruit has been standing out considerably in Brazil, however, although on the rise, information on the cultivation of this fruit, such as pruning management in young orchards and the use of superabsorbent polymer in the crop, is scarce. In this sense, in order to remedy producers’ obstacles regarding the management of orchard formation, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pruning management and the efficiency of hydrogel in the vegetative and reproductive development in two different species of dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus), in addition to defining the best dose of the polymer to be used in the crop. The work was developed at IFSULDEMINAS – Machado Campus. The design used was the randomized block design, in a factorial scheme (2x2x3), the first factor being composed of the two species of dragon fruit, the second, by two cladode pruning levels (with and without pruning), and the third, by three doses of the superabsorbent polymer Hydroplan-EB® (0; 1.5; 4.5 g plant-1). The following characteristics were evaluated: number and length of shoots; total number of flowers; total number of fruits; number of aborted flowers; picking percentage; mean fruit mass; longitudinal and transverse diameter of fruits; peel thickness; pulp yield; peel mass and productivity. The practice of cladode pruning, as well as the application of the superabsorbent polymer, did not influence most of the characteristics evaluated. Further studies should be conducted to delve deeper into the management techniques used in this study.

Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) is a member of the cactus family that is native to Central and South America but is now cultivated throughout the sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world. It is of great importance due to its nutritional, ornamental, coloring, medicinal, industrial, and high consumption values. In order to effectively utilize and develop the available genetic resources, it is necessary to appreciate and understand studies pertaining to the usage, origin, nutrition, diversity, evaluation, characterization, conservation, taxonomy, and systematics of the genus Hylocereus. Additionally, to gain a basic understanding of the biology of the plant, this review has also discussed how biotechnological tools, such as cell and tissue culture, micropropagation (i.e., somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, somaclonal variation, mutagenesis, androgenesis, gynogenesis, and altered ploidy), virus-induced gene silencing, and molecular marker technology, have been used to enhance pitaya germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin microbiota, and its diversity and balance, play a key role in skin health and beauty, influencing skin moisture, barrier function, and radiance. A healthy skin microbiota limits the growth of detrimental species, protecting the skin from pathologies. Prebiotics can support beneficial populations in outcompeting detrimental ones. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) contains prebiotic polysaccharides effective on gut bacteria. Its extract was tested in vitro, in a coculture model including representative beneficial and detrimental species, and in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Effects on the skin microbiota were measured via 16S rDNA sequencing, and skin health and beauty benefits were evaluated through image analysis, TEWL measurement, and chromametry. Doppler flowmetry measured skin resilience. The extract supported S. epidermidis and S. hominis (beneficial species), while limiting S. aureus and C. acnes (representing pathogens) in vitro. Clinical results demonstrated its beneficial effects on skin microbiota diversity, especially in older volunteers (Faith’s index up to +20% vs. placebo). Improvements were shown in skin sensitivity and resilience (by ca. 30% vs. placebo), skin redness (reflecting inflammation status), pigmentation and radiance (+11% ITA), barrier function (−13% TEWL), and wrinkling. This demonstrates this extract’s positive effects on the beauty, health, and microbiota balance of the skin.

Abstract Dragon fruit (DF) or Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) a member of Cactaceae family is gaining popularity in the market for consumption of fresh fruit due to its highly attractive fruit color with nutritional and immense bioactive potential that reduces blood sugar level, cholesterol, prevention of liver injuries, cancer, and so forth. In commercial market valorized products of DFs are available. The processing of edible and nonedible parts of DF is of immense significance to prepare nutritionally rich value‐added products and concurrently reducing the challenges occurring due to waste generation and spoilage. This review paper provides detailed insights of DF processing into different value‐added products, its medicinal benefits, bioactive potential, and the physico‐chemical changes occurring in DF during processing such as drying, fermentation, extraction, and so forth.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus genus) has the potential for the prevention of diseases associated with inflammatory and oxidative processes. We aimed to comprehensively review dragon fruit health effects, economic importance, and possible use in delivery systems. Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched, and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed. Studies have shown that pitaya can exert several benefits in conditions such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer due to the presence of bioactive compounds that may include vitamins, potassium, betacyanin, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and gallic acid. Moreover, pitaya has the potential to be used in food and nutraceutical products as functional ingredients, natural colorants, ecologically correct and active packaging, edible films, preparation of photoprotective products, and additives. Besides the importance of dragon fruit as a source of bioactive compounds, the bioavailability is low. The development of delivery systems such as gold nanoparticles with these compounds can be an alternative to reach target tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), also referred to as pitaya or pitahaya in various countries is a perennial climbing vine belonging to the Cactaceae family.The fruit has its origin in the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, but now its cultivation has spread widely in Asian countries. With the increase in health consciousness, the popularity and demand for dragon fruit is showing an increasing trend. Though it is found to be a potential future crop of Kerala, the extent of available information on its cultivation and related aspects in our state is very scarce. Hence, the present work was taken up with the objective of studying the phenology and growth pattern of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) genotypes grown under the humid tropical conditions of Kerala. The phenology of dragon fruit grown in ten different locations within four districts (Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Thrissur) of Kerala was studied. The commercially grown dragon fruits in Kerala were the dark pink and purple fleshed ones (Hylocereus costaricensis). Plants were found to bear within 1.5 to 2 years of planting when stem cuttings were used as the planting material. The duration from flower bud initiation to anthesis was 12-15 days and anthesis took place during the night time after 10 p.m. If the pollination was successful, fruit could be visible after 5 to 7 days of anthesis and the harvest was possible in 23-25 days from fruit set i.e., one month after anthesis. Flowering started in the month of March in two locations (Athikkayam and Vaniyampara) under study, whereas in all the other locations, it started in the month of April. The flowering season was observed to extend till October. The fruiting season started exactly one month after the commencement of flowering and ceased one month after the cessation of flowering i.e., April to November. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) is a cash fruit crop worldwide. One of the most effective techniques in producing clean planting materials and preventing disease infection is a plant tissue culture system. This study investigated the identity and characteristics of fungal contaminants in tissue‐cultured red‐fleshed dragon fruit (S. monacanthus) stem explants. Four fungal isolates were recovered from contaminated S. monacanthus cultures. The fungal isolates showed thick and white to greyish mycelia 7 days after incubation (dai) in potato dextrose agar medium with spore production 13 dai. The isolates were identified as Diaporthe sp., based on combined morphological and cultural characteristics. DNA analysis of the partial sequence of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta‐tubulin 2 (TUB) and transcription elongation factor 1‐α (TEF1‐α) gene regions revealed a high similarity of the isolates to D. passifloricola, D. limonicola and D. tectonae. In detached stem and glasshouse assays, the three Diaporthe species identified were found pathogenic to three dragon fruit species (S. megalanthus, S. undatus and S. monacanthus). Early symptoms observed were similar to the disease of dragon fruit (caused by the same fungal genus) previously reported in Malaysia. The fungi were re‐isolated from the inoculated stems, establishing Koch's postulate. This study confirms three Diaporthe species as contaminants in dragon fruit explants, reports the susceptibility of S. monacanthus and S. undatus to a stem disease, and the tolerance of S. megalanthus to the disease caused by Diaporthe species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pitayas belong to the Cactaceae family, with high economic potential due to their exotic appearance and nutritional and functional properties. Thus, it is essential to compare studies related to their physicochemical characteristics, in addition to demonstrating the innovation of food products based on their compounds. It is a narrative review on the properties of pitayas. We performed searches in databases such as SciELO, Oasisbr, and Google Scholar, and the descriptors were "pitaya" (pitaia), "characteristics of pitaya" (características da pitaia), "Hylocereus polyrhizus", "Hylocereus undatus", "Hylocereus costaricensis", "Selenicereus setaceus", and "Pitaya cultivation in Brazil" (cultivo da pitaia no Brasil). This work aimed to find different studies related to pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, proteins, fibers, lipids, vitamin C, and minerals, in addition to bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenols, and pigments, which are the anthocyanins, betalains, and carotenoids. The physicochemical characteristics of pitayas are of great importance for their consumption and exploration of their compounds for new products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenicereus is a genus of perennial shrub from the family Cactaceae, and some of them play an important role in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medicine. To date, there are few reports on Selenicereus plastomes, which limits our understanding of this genus. Here, we have reported the complete plastomes of four Selenicereus species (S. monacanthus, S. annthonyanus, S. grandifloras, and S. validus) and carried out a comprehensive comparative analysis. All four Selenicereus plastomes have a typical quartile structure. The plastome size ranged from 133,146 to 134,450 bp, and contained 104 unique genes, including 30 tRNA genes, 4 rRNA genes and 70 protein-coding genes. Comparative analysis showed that there were massive losses of ndh genes in Selenicereus. Besides, we observed the inverted repeat regions had undergone a dramatic expansion and formed a previously unreported small single copy/inverted repeat border in the intron region of the atpF gene. Furthermore, we identified 6 hypervariable regions (trnF-GAA-rbcL, ycf1, accD, clpP-trnS-GCU, clpP-trnT-CGU and rpl22-rps19) that could be used as potential DNA barcodes for the identification of Selenicereus species. Our study enriches the plastome in the family Cactaceae, and provides the basis for the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus genus) has the potential for the prevention of diseases associated with inflammatory and oxidative processes. We aimed to comprehensively review dragon fruit health effects, economic importance, and possible use in delivery systems. Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched, and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed. Studies have shown that pitaya can exert several benefits in conditions such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer due to the presence of bioactive compounds that may include vitamins, potassium, betacyanin, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and gallic acid. Moreover, pitaya has the potential to be used in food and nutraceutical products as functional ingredients, natural colorants, ecologically correct and active packaging, edible films, preparation of photoprotective products, and additives. Besides the importance of dragon fruit as a source of bioactive compounds, the bioavailability is low. The development of delivery systems such as gold nanoparticles with these compounds can be an alternative to reach target tissues.

High summer temperatures (day/night: 40 °C/30 °C) are known to cause poor fruiting, reduced fruit/seed weight, and delayed fruit development in the “Da Hong” red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus); however, the mechanisms of these effects are unknown. This study examined how high temperature (HT, 40 °C/30 °C) affects stamen and pistil fertility through pollination combinations and fruit set in “Da Hong” pitaya and evaluated photosystem II (PSII) efficiency in yellowed shoots (cladodes). The in-vitro pollen germination rate was significantly higher at optimal temperature (OT, 30 °C/20 °C) than at HT, which was also associated with a reduced flower length, poor fruit set, small fruit size, and low number of seeds after self-pollination. Meanwhile, fruit set and fruit development were remarkably improved by using the pollens taken from plants grown at OT and moderate temperature (MH, 35 °C/25 °C) after mutual cross pollination, indicating that the reduction in seed number caused by incomplete fertilization due to inferior pollen viability was the main cause of poor fruiting under HT rather than pistil or photoinhibition, although HT treatment was linked to reductions of PSII efficiency at both the adaxial and abaxial ends of shoots. The results suggested that pollen viability was most affected under HT stress; thus, yielding remarkably reduced fruiting.

Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, and Opuntia plants belong to the Cactaceae family. They are mostly known as ornamental plants but also for their edible fruits, which can potentially be sources of betalains, such as betanin, a natural pigment used in the food industry, e.g., under the European label code E 162. The aim of this work was the identification of betalains (using LC-MS/MS), evaluation of total betalain content (spectrophotometrically), analysis of functional groups (using FT-IR), evaluation of antioxidant activity (using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, DCFH-DA, and reducing power methods) and evaluation of antimicrobial activity (S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans) in fruits of Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, and Opuntia taxa. A total of 20 betalains were identified in the studied Cactaceae fruits. The Epiphyllum pink hybrid had the highest values of total betalains amongst all samples. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the Epiphyllum pink hybrid, in Opuntia zacuapanensis and O. humifusa fruits. The antimicrobial activity assay showed that cacti fruits were not able to effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, or C. albicans. Our results prove that these fruits are good sources of natural pigments—betalains. They do not contain toxic compounds in significant amounts and they exhibit antioxidant activity.

The current study was performed to generate a complete polyphenol and pigment profile along with the stability of color pigment extracted from the pulp and peel of two Hylocereus species H. costaricencis (HC) and H. udantus (HU) of dragon fruit. Polyphenol profiles of the pulp of both fruits at four development stages (from seven days after fruit set to fruit maturity) and the peel of mature fruits of both the species were generated using ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography technique (UHPLC). UHPLC chromatograms confirmed the presence of around 15 phenolic compounds among which the ellagic acid was found to be prominent in the pulp of both the species whereas syringic acid (in HU) and ferulic acid (in HC) dominate in the peel. Apart from the polyphenols, the peels of mature fruits of both species were found to contain a comparatively low amount of color pigment betacyanin than the pulp of red-colored matured HC fruit. Further, pigment stability analysis under various physiochemical conditions revealed the stability of color pigment in acidic pH, sugar solutions, antioxidant solutions and low temperatures. • Fruits contain more than 15 polyphenol compounds. • Pulp contains more color pigment than peel. • Color pigment was found to be heat, pH, and salt labile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Open-flow photosynthesis system was assembled using an Arduino development board. • System provided a disinfection condition during air ventilation with near-saturated moisture content. • Accurate sampling was conducted by a real-time clock library programmed on the Arduino board. • In vitro pitaya achieved a positive net photosynthetic rate during the daytime period. • Open-flow system yielded a four-phase gas exchange pattern. A non-facultative crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) profile has been documented in pitaya, in which closed flow photosynthesis systems have been used to evaluate the CAM capacity and characteristics of plants, albeit with overestimation. By contrast, open-flow systems promote measurement reliability and continuously monitor the photosynthetic profile, which has not been reported in pitaya. Therefore, this study aimed to overview the diel gas exchange capacity of Hylocereus polyrhizus 'Da Hong' in an open-flow system, in which the explants were incubated in vitro to prevent measurement deviations caused by microorganism activity. The experimental conditions were 80 µmol/m2/s light intensity at 25 °C under a 16/8 h (D/N) photoperiod. The Arduino-based assembled system contained three subsystems: explant growth, air supplementation, and air sampling and environmental monitoring. The growth vessel had an 83.5% light transmittance with a 3.8 mol/m2/day light intensity. Air ventilation was performed at a flow rate of 1,000 mL/min with 99.9% relative humidity through the filters, which precluded infection and provided a high moisture content environment in the growth vessel during the experiments. A real-time clock library programmed on the development board realized an accurate sampling point and period. The diel gas exchange pattern of pitaya exhibited four phases; explants had a net photosynthetic rate (P n) of 2.63 μmol/m2/s at midnight, and the total net CO 2 uptake over 24 h was 73.98 mmol/m2/day. The positive P n observed during the daytime was noteworthy. This study successfully measured the photosynthetic profile of pitaya in vitro , providing a diel gas exchange reference. An open-flow whole-canopy system could be used in other explants to evaluate the photosynthesis profile in the era of climate change. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Application of CPPU promotes budding of pitaya shoots,through blocks the oxidation of endogenous tZ and iP, two long day length induced cytokinins. • Application of 100 mg•L−1 CPPU to the shoots at 7.5 weeks after spring equinox was able to discriminate mature and immature current shoots. • At least 14.5 weeks of pre-growth was required for the current shoots to be competent for floral induction at spring equinox. For studying the flower physiology of pitaya plants (Hylocereus sp.), determining the maturity of current shoots is essential. N-(2-Chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU), a synthetic cytokinin, functions as a competitive inhibitor of cytokinin oxidase and was used to amplify the function of endogenous cytokinins. Spraying 100 mg•L−1 CPPU on the current shoots of different ages 7.5 weeks after the spring equinox (WASE) may result in budding within 1 week. In our study, typical floral buds emerged on the mature shoots but not immature shoots. Furthermore, the critical shoot age for the pitaya plant to be competent for receiving long day length stimulus at spring equinox was line between 13.5 and 15.5 weeks of pre-growth. Application of CPPU to the shoot older than 1 year at 5.5 WASE resulted in precocious flowering by 2 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dragon fruit cultivation is an emerging industry in Ecuador. In August of 2020, yellow dragon fruit plants (Hylocereus megalantus) showing brown hardened scabs on cladodes and fruits were observed in a field in Guayas, a coastal province of Ecuador (Fig. 1A). Symptoms were observed in ~ 40% of the assessed plants (n=100) with damage varying from mild (necrotic spots) to severe (canker). Ten cladode sections of ~ 10 cm2 with signs of canker were collected from five affected plants (two from each plant). Symptomatic cladode sections were sliced, surface-sterilized with a solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed with sterile water, transferred into potato dextrose agar (PDA) media, and incubated at 28°C for five days in the dark. Three fungal isolates recovered from the cladodes produced colonies with dense dark aerial mycelia that matched the morphological description for Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (Crous et al 2006) (Fig 1B, 1C). Arthric chains of cylindrical conidia were observed under the microscope and presented zero or one septum with sizes between 10.9 ± 0.27 x 4.97 ± 0.36 µm (n=50). Pycnidia produced ellipsoid-shaped conidia, and sizes ranged from 4.5 ± 0.3 x 11.02 ± 0.5 µm (n=50). Cultured isolates were subjected to DNA extractions using the fungal DNA mini kit (Omega, Bio-Tek, Inc) for molecular identification by amplifying the 5.8S rDNA and adjacent internal transcriber spacer (ITS) 1 and 2 regions using primers (ITS1 / ITS4) as described (White et al., 1990). In addition, the β-tubulin and elongation factor 1-α targets were amplified by primers Bt2a / Bt2b (Glass and Donaldson, 1995) and EF1-728 F / EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn, 1999), respectively, following the recommended PCR conditions. Amplified products were cloned using a pGEMT-easy kit (Promega, USA) and sequenced. Sequence comparisons for each target revealed that the three isolates were 100% identical to each other. Sequences obtained from a single plant were submitted to NCBI Genbank and assigned acc. Numbers OP377444, OP381216, and OP381217, for the ITS, β-tubulin, and elongation factor, respectively. BLAST analyses of the three amplified targets confirmed homology to counterparts from N. dimitiatum, with 99-100 % identities to isolates from China (JX524168), United Arab Emirates (MN447201), and Israel (KF020895). To fulfill Koch´s postulates, thirteen 4-month-old healthy plants were inoculated either with the pathogen (n=10) or mock-inoculated (n=3). In addition, two detached yellow dragon fruits and a mock were inoculated following the same protocol as stems. Inoculation was performed by making small wounds on cladodes or fruits using a sterile needle and placing a 2-mm agar plug containing mycelia from a 7-day-old colony. For mock inoculations, 2-mm plugs with clean PDA media were used. The inoculated area was wrapped with black plastic film for seven days at 27 to 32°C. At ten days post-inoculation, brown scab lesions with an orange halo were observed in the inoculated plants but not in the mock-inoculated plants and fruit (Fig. 1D, 1E). N. dimidiatum was re-isolated from experimentally-induced canker lesions, and morphologically identified. Stem canker caused by N. dimidiatum is a severe disease affecting dragon fruit production worldwide (Chuang et al., 2021). In Ecuador, this pathogen was found affecting yellow dragon fruit (H. megalantus) under natural conditions; however, under experimental conditions, red dragon fruit (H. undatus), which is widely produced in several coastal provinces of the country, was also found to be susceptible. Further studies are needed to investigate epidemiological aspects of this important pathogen, which threatens dragon fruit production in Ecuador.

• The improved BBCH can be applied to most species of pitaya. • The principal and secondary growth stages follow the extended BBCH scale. • Spine development and areole maturation follow the shoot growth. • The fruit section showed the flesh coloration. • Flesh coloration began at code 719 and was earlier than the peel coloration. Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) has become a global fruit crop, particularly in Southeast Asia, with two main species cultivated over recent decades; the white-fleshed pitaya (H. undatus) and the red-fleshed pitaya (H. polyrhizus). Although the morphological description of the phenological stages of white-fleshed pitaya (H. undatus) has been recorded using a three-digit numerical system as per the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale rule; however, the description of spine development, an important characteristic of bud burst under the areole is lacking. Additionally, the description scale for flesh color change caused by the accumulation of the betalain pigment, which is important for its nutrition value in red-fleshed pitaya, is lacking. This study investigated the phenological stages of a red-fleshed pitaya, an allied species with remarkable similarity to white-fleshed pitaya, "Da Hong" (also called "Big Red"), using the BBCH scale to provide uniform phenology-related information and develop a more suitable scale for the scientific studies and crop practices of red-fleshed pitaya. Furthermore, at each stage, the development of the spine and flesh color to address fruit developmental characteristics owing to its red flesh was simultaneously assessed and recorded. The flesh started to grow at the first stage of fruit development (code 711). The flesh color changed at the final phase of fruit development (code 719) and at the first phase of fruit peel maturity (code 811). The peel color in the flesh and mesocarp changed completely in the final phase (code 819), indicating the completion of fruit maturity. This important phenological stage scale may be used in growth, development, and physiology studies, and in orchard management, including field practice, nutrition management, and pest and disease control. [Display omitted] The phenological principal growth stages of red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) according to the extended BBCH scale. Seven principal growth stages of red-fleshed pitaya are described in present study. The vegetative growth and reproductive growth are divided into autumn and spring in southern Taiwan. The description of spine development (stage 1) in pitaya increases the completeness for the BBCH scale. The flesh coloration of red-fleshed pitaya has been documented during fruit growth and maturation (stages 7 and 8). The improved BBCH scale can be applied in most pitaya species for scientific study, agricultural practice, and orchard management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High summer temperatures (day/night: 40 °C/30 °C) are known to cause poor fruiting, reduced fruit/seed weight, and delayed fruit development in the "Da Hong" red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus); however, the mechanisms of these effects are unknown. This study examined how high temperature (HT, 40 °C/30 °C) affects stamen and pistil fertility through pollination combinations and fruit set in "Da Hong" pitaya and evaluated photosystem II (PSII) efficiency in yellowed shoots (cladodes). The in-vitro pollen germination rate was significantly higher at optimal temperature (OT, 30 °C/20 °C) than at HT, which was also associated with a reduced flower length, poor fruit set, small fruit size, and low number of seeds after self-pollination. Meanwhile, fruit set and fruit development were remarkably improved by using the pollens taken from plants grown at OT and moderate temperature (MH, 35 °C/25 °C) after mutual cross pollination, indicating that the reduction in seed number caused by incomplete fertilization due to inferior pollen viability was the main cause of poor fruiting under HT rather than pistil or photoinhibition, although HT treatment was linked to reductions of PSII efficiency at both the adaxial and abaxial ends of shoots. The results suggested that pollen viability was most affected under HT stress; thus, yielding remarkably reduced fruiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, and Opuntia plants belong to the Cactaceae family. They are mostly known as ornamental plants but also for their edible fruits, which can potentially be sources of betalains, such as betanin, a natural pigment used in the food industry, e.g., under the European label code E 162. The aim of this work was the identification of betalains (using LC-MS/MS), evaluation of total betalain content (spectrophotometrically), analysis of functional groups (using FT-IR), evaluation of antioxidant activity (using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, DCFH-DA, and reducing power methods) and evaluation of antimicrobial activity (S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans) in fruits of Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, and Opuntia taxa. A total of 20 betalains were identified in the studied Cactaceae fruits. The Epiphyllum pink hybrid had the highest values of total betalains amongst all samples. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the Epiphyllum pink hybrid, in Opuntia zacuapanensis and O. humifusa fruits. The antimicrobial activity assay showed that cacti fruits were not able to effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, or C. albicans. Our results prove that these fruits are good sources of natural pigments—betalains. They do not contain toxic compounds in significant amounts and they exhibit antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]