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Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the peel extract of Hylocereus undatus (dragon fruit) was carried out for the first time by a green chemistry approach. The peel used for this study, act as a reducing and capping agent for synthesizing ZnO NPs from the precursor salt. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The anti-microbial activity of ZnO NPs were assessed against the microbial pathogens and compared with the crude extract of H. undatus. The synthesized nanoparticles showed more effective against gram positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria than gram negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsella Pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and moderate activity was found against C. albicans. It indicates the biomedical capability of ZnO NPs.

In exploring the application of natural coagulants in industrial wastewater treatment, plant-based coagulants have been gaining more interests due to their potential such as biodegradability and easy availability. Hylocereus undatus foliage as a plant-based coagulant has been proven to be efficient during the coagulation-flocculation process; however, limited research has been reported focusing only on palm oil mill effluent (POME) and latex concentrate wastewater. In addition, no previous study has been carried out to determine the performance evaluation of Hylocereus undatus foliage in treating different types of wastewater incorporating different operating conditions using optimization techniques. Hence, this study employed response surface methodology (RSM) in an attempt to determine the performance evaluation of the coagulant in paint wastewater treatment. Four independent factors such as the pH value, coagulant dosage, rapid mixing speed and temperature were chosen as the operating conditions. Three water parameters such as turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and suspended solids (SS) were chosen as responses in this study. Results revealed that through central composite design (CCD) via Design Expert software, the optimum conditions were achieved at pH 5, coagulant dosage of 300 mg/L, rapid mixing speed of 120 rpm and temperature at 30 °C. The experimental data was observed to be close to the model predictions with the optimum turbidity, COD and SS removal efficiencies found to be at 62.81%, 59.57% and 57.23%, respectively.

The storage quality of Hylocereus undatus was significantly improved by trypsin , a novel preservative. The transcriptomic results revealed that antioxidant signal pathways were induced, while lignin catabolic process was impeded by trypsin. In addition, the results of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network networks suggested that flavone 3’- O -methyltransferase 1 (OMT1), ferulic acid 5-hydroxylase 1 (CYP84A1), cellulose synthase isomer (CEV1), and 4-coumarate–CoA ligase 3 (4CL3) act as hubs of peroxidases, lignin related proteins, and proteins involved in the phenylpropanoid metabolism (PLPs) induced by trypsin. Trypsin also regulated the biosynthesis of lignin, chlorogenic acid , and flavonoids . Caffeic acid might be the hub in the metabolic network of the early pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. It has been hypothesized that trypsin might quickly induce lignin biosynthesis and then up-regulated bioactive metabolites to enhance storage quality of H. undatus.

This research deals with the characterization of dragon fruit for the purpose of consumption in different forms. Dragon fruit is supposed to be very nutritious and is rich source of several Phyto-chemicals. However, till now its utility in country like India is highly underrated. Dragon fruit has been found to be rich in antioxidants as well thus providing a wider scope for the research [1]. The fruit also contains high amount of minerals and balanced content of nutrients. High amount of dietary fiber and carotenoids make it beneficial for chronic heart disorders, cancer, and diabetes [1]. The paper highlights the nutritive attribute of fruit pulp and to increase its use as a dehydrated powder keeping the nutritive value intact. The dehydrated form increases the shelf life and is easy to use and also eases the distribution and transportation of fruit.

The use of the supernatant from a Bacillus subtilis culture mixed with sodium bicarbonate was explored as a means of controlling stem brown spot disease in dragon fruit plants. In in vitro experiments, the B. subtilis supernatant used with sodium bicarbonate showed a strong inhibition effect on the growth of the fungus, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, the agent causing stem brown spot disease and was notably effective in preventing fungal invasion of dragon fruit plant. This combination not only directly suppressed the growth of N. dimidiatum, but also indirectly affected the development of the disease by eliciting the dragon-fruit plant's defense response. Substantial levels of the pathogenesis-related proteins, chitinase and glucanase, and the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway enzymes, peroxidase and phenyl alanine ammonia-lyase, were triggered. Significant lignin deposition was also detected in treated cladodes of injured dragon fruit plants in in vivo experiments. In summary, B. subtilis supernatant combined with sodium bicarbonate protected dragon fruit plant loss through stem brown spot disease during plant development in the field through pathogenic fungal inhibition and the induction of defense response mechanisms.

Introduction. Amylase is a significant enzyme with numerous commercial applications, which is largely used to convert starches into oligosaccharides. Extraction of amylase from plant by-products or cheap sources is cost-effective. Annually, pitaya fruit juice industry produces huge amounts of peels that could be utilized as an alternative source in enzyme production industry. The work aimed to examine and optimize extraction process. Study objects and methods. In this study, we investigated parameters of extraction to optimize the process, as well as activity of α-amylase from white pitaya fruit (Hylocereus undatus L.) peel. For this purpose, a two-level full factorial design was applied. Three variables, namely the pH of sodium phosphate buffer (X1, 4.5–7.5), mixing time (X2, 1–3 min), and a sample-to-buffer ratio (X3, 1:3–1:5), were used to identify significant effects and interactions within the samples. Results and discussion. The results demonstrated that the buffer pH had the most significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on total amylase activity. Based on full factorial design analysis, we revealed the optimal conditions for amylase enzyme extraction ‒ pH of 6, mixing time of 2 min, and a sample-to-buffer ratio of 1:4. Lower and higher values influenced adversely on specific activity of amylase. Conclusion. Optimization increased the enzyme specific activity by a factor of 4.5. Thus, pitaya peel could be used in different industries as a rich natural α-amylase source.

Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit loaded with lots of nutrients contributing to therapeutic benefits. It is the chief source of antioxidants including vitamin C, flavonoids and betacyanins. The most common variety (Hylocereus undatus) of fruit was processed to develop and standardize a healthy refreshing drink for immune boosting. Pulp and peel of the fruit were utilized and mixed with lemon juice in different proportions until desirable sensory scores were obtained. Nine-point Hedonic Rating Scale was used for assessment of sensory characteristics. Three variations T1, T2 and T3 were developed and compared based on sensory attributes to evaluate consumer acceptability. Nutrient composition and cost calculation were also done together with organoleptic evaluation of products. Sample T1 made with both pulp and peel mixed together with lemon juice was “liked very much” and secured highest score (8.1). Moreover, the uppermost score (8.6) found in T1 for colour categorized as “liked extremely”. On the other hand, the lowest score (6.5) was found for texture of T2. Highly significant differences were found between sensory attributes of treatments. The nutritive values found for energy was 87 kcal, carbohydrate 20 g, protein 0.76 g, fat 0.36 g, fibre 1.56 g and vitamin C 44 mg per 100 g having cost ₹26.00 for the same quantity. The drink thus developed was found to be most acceptable having reasonable cost and numerous nutritional benefits.

Trypsin is a novel superoxide scavenger. The storage quality of H. undatus was significantly improved by trypsin. To investigate the mechanism of flavonoid metabolism regulated by trypsin, combined analysis of widely targeted metabolomic and transcriptome were performed. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the transcriptome profiles of H. undatus revealed that some of the flavonoid related biosynthesis pathways were regulated by up or down patterns with the treatment of trypsin. Correlation analysis of flavonoid related genes expression in H. undatus provided a rationale for the functional significance of them. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the most significantly regulated flavonoid was catechin gallate in metabolomic profiles of H. undatus. The major route of flavonoid biosynthesis regulated by trypsin was also illustrated by both transcriptomic and metabolomic data. Finally, the results of PPI network revealed that C4H, HCT, and CYP75B1 acted as hub proteins involved in flavonoid metabolism regulated by trypsin.

The present study was aimed at to examine the therapeutic values of pulp and peel extracts of Hylocereus undatus by comparing the chemical compounds identified by using GC-MS. Antioxidant activities were measured using DPPH•, ABTS•+, superoxide radical, FRAP and phosphomolybdenum reduction assay. Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities were determined using a-amylase inhibition method and heat induced hemolytic technique. The results showed that both the extracts reduced the oxidative stress with pulp extract showing stronger antioxidant activity. The antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities of pulp extract were greater than peel extract with IC50 value of 222.97 and 16.56 µg mL-1, respectively. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of phytosterols, steroids, triterpene, phenolic compounds and esters of fatty acids. The study shows the presence of bioactive compounds in H. undatus pulp and peel extracts with promising health benefits.

The dragon fruit is a relatively new super fruit on the Indian market. Because of its appealing fruit colour and mouth-watering pulp with edible black seed imbedded within the pulp, nutraceutical value, excellent export potential, and highly remunerative in nature, it is gaining tremendous popularity among growers. It produces yield from 14-16 months after stem cutting and yield up to 20 years. This review summarizes the phytochemicals which are present in Hylocereus undatus are: Proteins, Steroids, Carbohydrates, alkaloids, Phenolic Compounds, Tannins, Flavonoid’s and Saponins, and pharmacological aspects of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) are: Antioxidant Activity, Anti-Cancer Activity, Anti- Microbial Activity, Cardio Protective Activity, Pre-biotic Activity.

Lime mortar is one of the oldest building materials. In Mexico, ingredients added to it to enhance its properties may include cactus mucilage, among others. We have evaluated the effect of adding, at two different concentrations, mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear), Acanthocereous tetragonus (fairy castle cactus), and Hylocereus undatus (pitahaya or dragon fruit) in the accelerated carbonation of hydrated lime. The carbonation kinetics were followed by spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform mid-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that mucilage promoted carbonation, functioning as a positive catalyst. Analysis of the infrared (IR) absorption corresponding to the in-plane asymmetric stretching $${v}_{3}$$ of the $${\text{C}}{\text{O}}_{3}^{2-}$$ anion indicated that the carbonation rate increased with the percentage of mucilage, being directly dependent on the concentration of Opuntia and Acanthocereous mucilage at both concentration levels tested. SEM observations confirmed that the inclusion of mucilage promoted the creation of the aragonite polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

This study was conducted to optimize the production of spray-dried white dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) powder using resistant maltodextrin as wall material. The inlet air temperature (140 °C, 150 °C and 160 °C), outlet temperature (75 °C, 80 °C and 85 °C) and resistant maltodextrin concentrations (20%, 25% and 30%) were tested as independent variables. Process yield, moisture content, water activity, solubility, hygroscopicity and bulk density of the powders were analysed as responses. Process yield significantly (p

A Pitaya é um fruto de cactos epífitos do gênero Hylocereus, podendo ser encontradas mais facilmente em território brasileiro em duas diferentes espécies: Pitaya Branca (Hylocereus undatus) casca vermelha e polpa branca e a pitaya vermelha (Hylocerus Polyrhizus) e polpa vermelha. O objetivo do trabalho foi confeccionar filmes poliméricos com adição de polpa de pitaya vermelha afim de detectar possíveis propriedades da polpa que ao serem inseridas nos filmes, dê ao mesmo características relevantes para futuras confecções de embalagens ativas. Foram confeccionadas três formulações distintas: a primeira formulação contendo somente quitosana 2% (em massa); a segunda formulação contendo quitosana 2% acrescido de 1mL de polpa; a terceira formulação contendo quitosana 2%, acrescida de 5mL de polpa. Afim de realizar a caracterização das três formulações de filmes, foram realizadas as seguintes análises: Espessura, Permeabilidade ao Vapor D’água (PVA), teor de umidade e solubilidade em água. Ao final, observou-se que a adição de diferentes concentrações de polpa alterou as características dos filmes biopoliméricos.

Fruits contain nutrients, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, and phytochemicals that are important in terms of human health. When fruits are consumed in a balanced diet, they have a positive effect with regard to reducing disease risk. As a result of heavy metal contamination of the environment, they can be a potential source of toxic elements so it is important to determine the toxic, essential, and trace elements in fresh fruit and commercial fruit products such as fruit juice, marmalade. This study aims to determine the concentrations of Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn, P, and S in tropical fruits (tamarind (Tamarindus indica), star fruit (Averrhoa carambola), golden berry (Physalis peruviana), kumquat (Citrus japonica), dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis)) by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after different microwave acid digestion procedures. The efficiencies of digestion in tropical fruit samples were investigated and compared. Six milliliters of HNO3 + 2 mL of H2O2, 6 mL of HNO3 + 2 mL of HCl, 8 mL of HNO3, 8 mL of HNO3 + 4 mL of H2O2 (30%), 8 mL of HNO3 + 4 mL of HCl, and 12 mL of HNO3 were used for microwave acid digestion procedures. Microwave digestion procedures were applied for the analysis of seventy-two tropical fruit samples purchased in triplicate for each tropical fruit and major, toxic, and minor element contents of tropical fruits were determined. The parameters of the merit evaluated were validated according to limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ), linearity, recovery, and precision. The highest results of LOD and LOQ were found for Ca, K, Na, Mg, and S. The recovery percentages are in the range from 71.01 to 117.31% in tropical fruits. The digestion efficiency was correlated with the residual carbon content, which was determined by total organic carbon analyzer (TOC). Six milliliters of HNO3 + 2 mL of HCl digestion method was chosen as the effective digestion method because of the lowest residual carbon contents and the accuracy results.

High temperatures limit the successful cultivation of the Hylocereus species on a global basis. We aimed to investigate the degree of heat tolerance in three species, namely, the diploids Hylocereus undatus and H. monacanthus, and the tetraploid H. megalanthus, and nine of their interspecific-interploid hybrids. Rooted cuttings were exposed to heat stress (45/35 °C) or control conditions (25/20 °C) for eight days. Initially, the plants were screened for their tolerance to heat stress and ranked into four heat tolerance categories: good tolerance, moderate tolerance, low tolerance, or sensitive, according to the decrease in the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and visual stem damage. The physiological and biochemical performances of the parental species and of three hybrids representing three different heat-tolerance categories were further analyzed in depth. H. megalanthus (classified as heat sensitive) showed a 65% decrease in Fv/Fm and severe visual stem damage, along with a marked reduction in total chlorophyll content, a large increase in malondialdehyde, and inhibition of catalase activity. H. undatus and H. monacanthus, (classified as low-tolerance species) exhibited slight stem “liquification.” The good-tolerance hybrid Z-16 exhibited the best performance under heat stress (21% decrease in Fv/Fm) and the absence of stem damage, coupled with a small decrease in total chlorophyll content, a slight increase in malondialdehyde, high antioxidant activity, and proline accumulation progressing with time. Our findings revealed that most of the hybrids performed better than their parental species, indicating that our breeding programs can provide Hylocereus cultivars suitable for cultivation in heat-challenging regions.

Objective: An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of dragon fruit peel pellet (DFPP) as a rumen enhancer of dry matter consumption, nutrient digestibilities, ruminal ecology, microbial protein synthesis and rumimal methane production in Holstein crossbred bulls.Methods: Four animals, with an average live-weight of 200±20 kg were randomly assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate the influence of DFPP supplementation. There were four different dietary treatments: without DFPP, and with 200, 300, and 400 g/h/d, respectively.Results: Results revealed that dry matter consumption of total intake, rice straw and concentrate were not significantly different among treatments (p>0.05). It was also found that ruminal pH was not different among treatments (p>0.05), whilst protozoal group was reduced when DFPP increased (p3-N concentrations were increased at 400 g of DFPP supplementation (p

La pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus, Britt and Rose) es una planta que pertenece a la familia cactáceae, en Nicaragua esta se siembra principalmente en los departamentos de Masaya y Carazo, se reportan unas 700 hectáreas de pitahaya, indicando que Nicaragua es el principal productor en Centroamérica con una producción nacional de más 6 160 toneladas, de las cuales se exportan más del 50%. En Nicaragua hay poca información con respecto a las principales plagas que afectan el cultivo de pitahaya y no hay reportes exhaustivos de plagas primarias, por tal razón se estableció un estudio con el objetivo de identificar las principales plagas presentes en el cultivo de la pitahaya en el municipio de La Concha, Masaya, la investigación se realizó entre los meses de julio a noviembre del 2017, los genotipos de pitahaya evaluados fueron Orejona, Rosa, Lisa, Chocoya, Sabaneña, y Espinuda. El diseño del estudio utilizado en la investigación cualitativa no experimental que se fundamenta en el método descriptivo, forma de investigación aplicada en donde no hay manipulación de variables. Se encontraron 9 órdenes y 40 familias de insectos asociados a la pitahaya, las familias más dominantes fueron en la Finca Palo Solo Phycitidae y Noctuidae y en la Finca Panamá fue Chrysopidae y Hesperiidae.

Dye wastewater from textile industries shows very low biodegradability due to high molecular weight and complex structures of dyes. So far, the most simple method for treatment of this type of wastewater has been coagulation and flocculation. This study determined the removal of turbidity and other pollutants from dye wastewater by mucilage extracted from the peel of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) and its effect in reducing synthetic chemical polyaluminum chloride (PACl) used in coagulation and flocculation (CF) process. The removal of turbidity in a sequent CF process using PACl and dragon fruit mucilage was investigated based on Jar tests. Maximum coagulation efficiencies of PACl were typically observed at pH 4.0-6.0 and PACl concentrations of about 100-150 mg/L depending on types of wastewater, whereas optimal settling times were 30-60 minutes, respectively. The addition of dragon fruit mucilage (0.5-50 mg/L) after PACl (75-245 mg/L) resulted in turbidity removal efficiencies up to 95%. The addition of mucilage extracted from dragon fruit peels was proven to increase turbidity removal efficiency and decrease PACl use. The increase of turbidity removal was often estimated at 10-32%, whereas PACl used was about 3-10% less compared to total PACl needed for obtaining comparable efficiency when used alone. The flocculation activity of mucilage was also compared to polyacrylamide (PAM)—a synthetically organic flocculant. Since the peel of a dragon fruit is an abundant agriculture waste in Vietnam, using its extracted mucilage as a flocculant is an environmentally friendly method.

Recent reports of plant diseases that result in yield reduction and increasing demand for dragon fruits raise concerns of fruit supply shortage. Emerging plant diseases may play an important role in increasing yield losses and reducing the availability of stem cuttings (source of planting materials). Understanding the aetiology of current and new diseases of dragon fruit is important to address production issues and to formulate effective disease control measures. This study reports Epicoccum sorghinum as a potential emerging pathogen of dragon fruit. Epicoccum sorghinum MBDF0024a was isolated from dragon fruit stems (Hylocereus monacanthus) showing brown spot symptoms. DNA sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS‐rDNA), beta tubulin and actin gene regions of fungal isolate MBDF0024a had high similarities to E. sorghinum stains. Epicoccum sorghinum MBDF0024a was pathogenic to three cultivated dragon fruit species (Hylocereus undatus, H. monacanthus and H. megalanthus) in repeated laboratory and glasshouse trials. Large brown lesions developed on 3‐week‐old inoculated rooted stem cuttings 3 days postinoculation (dpi). Yellowing of the lesion (advance part) started at five dpi, and at seven dpi, yellowing was observed in the stem. As there are no reported control measures for diseases caused by E. sorghinum, this study screened chemicals with antifungal properties. A biopesticide containing B. subtilis (2 ml/400 ml), and chemicals isoprothiolane (2.25 ml/400 ml), mancozeb (2 g/400 ml) and pyraclostrobin (1 ml/400 ml) (chemical control) completely inhibited the in vitro growth of E. sorghinum MBDF0024a. The results establish E. sorghinum as a new and emerging pathogen of dragon fruit that could be a major yield‐limiting disease if left uncontrolled. The biopesticide can be considered a fairly safe option for disease management, but glasshouse and field studies are needed for validation.

In recent years, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum has caused severe white spot disease in Pytaya, while no effective controls have been taken. In this study, two strains of N. dimidiatum NdGV and NdBT were obtained by isolation on water agar medium containing streptomycin, morphological tests, in vitro and in vivo pathogenical tests, and molecular biology tests by sequencing the genes ITS1 and ITS4. By using dual culture technique on potato-glucose agar medium, 100% of Trichoderma spp., 75% of Bacillus spp. and 20% of Streptomyces spp. were able to antagonize N. dimidiatum. The mean antagonistic effect with N. dimidiatum of Trichoderma spp. was higher than Bacillus spp. and the lowest was Streptomyces spp. 56.8%, 55.3% and 54.3% respectively. Especially 5 strains Trichoderma sp. 8.3.5, 8.3.7, 8.3.14, 8.3.19, and 8.3.20 had antagonistic effects of over 60%. The application potential of the 5 selected Trichoderma strains to control N. dimidiatum disease was further strengthened when their antagonistic effect was relatively stable on Pitaya juice agar medium while all Bacillus sp. and Streptomyces sp. were lost the ability to antagonize. It was noteworthy that four of the five strains of Trichoderma sp. were highly compatible, suggesting further studies are needed to apply their combined potency in enhancing the control of N. dimidiatum NdBT and NdGV on Pitaya.

This study evaluates essential and toxic element contents in dragon (Hylocereus undatus (Haworth) Britton and Rose) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and possible health risks through the consumption of these fruits. Total concentrations of 15 chemical elements (Al, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) techniques. This study indicates that these fruits are a vital source of essential elements for human health. It is observed that Pb concentrations were higher in both fruits whereas Cd concentrations were slightly higher than WHO/FAO tolerable levels only in pomegranate. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of the chemical elements was within the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) values. Furthermore, target hazard quotient (THQ) values were also within the safe level (THQ

A pitaia e uma cactacea frutifera originaria das Americas e vem se estabelecendo economicamente em diversos paises, como o Brasil. E uma fruta que possui baixo teor calorico e quantidade expressiva de vitaminas, minerais e compostos antioxidantes. Neste contexto, o estudo tem com intuito determinar a concentracao de acido ascorbico (vitamina C) e carotenoides totais em amostras de polpa de pitaia branca e vermelha comercializadas na cidade de Janauba – Minas Gerais. Empregou-se a titulometria para a determinacao de acido ascorbico e a espectrofotometria UV/visivel para a determinacao carotenoides totais nas polpas de duas especies de pitaias ( Hylocereus undatus e Hylocereus polyrhizus) que foram submetidas a procedimentos de aquecimento e congelamento. Os teores de acido ascorbico nas amostras de pitaias branca e vermelha in natura sao condizentes com a literatura. Para a maior parte das amostras houve uma correlacao positiva entre a temperatura e o tempo de exposicao, exceto para a pitaia de polpa vermelha. Os teores de carotenoides totais para as amostras de pitaia de polpa vermelha decresceram com o tempo de armazenamento em ambos os processos (congelamento e aquecimento). Para a pitaia de polpa branca nao foi possivel determinar a concentracao de carotenoides totais empregando a espectrofotometria UV/visivel. Baseando-se neste estudo, conclui-se que a pitaia branca e vermelha apresentaram quantidades significativas de acido ascorbico, podendo ser agregado a alimentacao devido ao seu efeito protetor para organismo, sendo seu extrato um potencial substituinte dos ingredientes artificiais utilizados na industria.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the viability of the micrografting of yellow dragon fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) on different rootstocks, based on DNA content and anatomical analyses. The used rootstocks were: yellow dragon fruit, white dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), Saborosa (Selenicereus setaceus) dragon fruit, and the Cebra and Orejona red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) varieties. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates of five plants. After 30 days of cultivation, the following traits were evaluated: length and diameter of the micrografts and microrootstocks; and root length, percentage of setting, and fresh mass of the micrografts. Flow cytometry analyzes were performed before and after micrografting to verify genetic stability and the occurrence of endoreduplication. In addition, histological sections were made in the micrografting region to verify the connections of vessels and tissues between the graft and the rootstock. Endoreduplication was observed in all treatments. The amount of DNA in the yellow dragon fruit micrograft increased on the red Orejona variety. The presence of vessel connections was verified between the micrografts and microrootstocks. The yellow dragon fruit was also more vigorous when grafted on Orejona. Based on DNA content and anatomical analyses, in vitro yellow dragon fruit micrografting is feasible in all used rootstocks. Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade da microenxertia de pitaia amarela (Selenicereus megalanthus) sobre diferentes microporta-enxertos, com base em análises de conteúdo de DNA e anatômicas. Os porta-enxertos utilizados foram: pitaia amarela, pitaia branca (Hylocereus undatus), pitaia Saborosa (Selenicereus setaceus), e as variedades Cebra e Orejona de pitaia vermelha (Hylocereus polyrhizus). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições de cinco plantas. Após 30 dias de cultivo, avaliaram-se as seguintes características: comprimento e diâmetro dos microenxertos e dos microporta-enxertos; e comprimento de raízes, percentagem de pegamento e massa fresca dos microenxertos. Realizaram-se análises de citometria de fluxo antes e depois da microenxertia, para verificação da estabilidade genética e da ocorrência de endoreduplicação. Além disso, foram feitos cortes histológicos na região da microenxertia, para verificação das conexões dos vasos e dos tecidos entre o enxerto e o porta-enxerto. Observou-se endoreduplicação em todos os tratamentos. A quantidade de DNA do microenxerto de pitaia amarela aumentou sobre a variedade vermelha Orejona. Verificou-se a presença de conexões de vasos entre os microenxertos e os microporta-enxertos. A pitaia amarela também foi mais vigorosa quando enxertada sobre Orejona. Com base nas análises de conteúdo de DNA e anatômicas, a microenxertia de pitaia amarela in vitro é viável em todos os porta-enxertos utilizados.

The addition of fruit to the diet is very important, and we can use nutraceutical and functional foods for this supplement. A little-known fruit is a red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) that has been widely reported to have a high antioxidant potential. In this study, we analyzed the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity of microencapsulated pitaya extract on the behavior, antioxidant, and nervous system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The worms were treated with fruit extract before and after juglone-induced stress, to determine the protective or curative effects of pitaya. We have been evaluated cholinergic, antioxidant, and behavioral biomarkers. We have evidenced that the pulp of pitaya contains antioxidant compounds and can serve as a potential nutraceutical product. In addition, the fruit extract was effective in preventing and/or reverse the stress-induced damages, even at high levels of chemical stress at all evaluated parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The potential applications and uses aimed by this research are related to the supplementation of foods given the antioxidant effect. Our data suggested that the effect of the pitaya fruit microencapsulated pulp extract was effective to prevent and repair the damage caused by oxidative stress. Besides the use of this microencapsulated extract can be an auxiliary in the treatment of diseases related to oxidative damage as well as promoting senescent aging. Another important use is the application of this extract as a dietary supplement to fortify the antioxidant system.

A pitaia é um alimento exótico e funcional oriundo das florestas tropicais e subtropicais da América Central e do Sul, teve sua entrada no Brasil apenas na década de noventa por meio da Colômbia na região de São Paulo. Esta cactácea apresenta quatro gêneros, dos quais o Hylocereus é o mais comercializado, com destaque para as espécies H. megalanthus, H. undatus e H. monacanthus, que apresentam cores atraentes e são conhecidas popularmente como fruta dragão. O fruto apresenta grande potencial de exploração econômica em virtude de suas características organolépticas e nutricionais. Além disso, possui relevante influência na promoção da saúde (atividades antimicrobianas, antioxidantes, hepatoprotetoras, hipoglicemiante, cicatrizante e antiproliferativa), proveniente da presença de compostos fitoquímicos, principalmente de pigmentos e compostos fenólicos, como as betalaínas, carotenoides, antocianinas e outros bioativos como as fibras. Assim, o presente estudo analisou trabalhos publicados nos últimos dez anos relacionados com as características químicas, nutricionais e funcionais dos frutos de três espécies de pitaias, Hylocereus undatus, Hylocereus monacanthus e Hylocereus megalanthus com a finalidade de contribuir com conhecimentos comparando-as e ressaltando suas particularidades.

Scaling-up techniques in temporary immersion systems are an alternative for commercial micropropagation. In vitro propagation of pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus) using temporary immersion with liquid culture medium improves micropropagation efficiency compared to the conventional method in semisolid medium. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of traditional culture and temporary immersion during micropropagation of pitahaya to facilitate the rapid establishment of new commercial plantations of high genetic and phytosanitary quality. Semisolid culture, liquid media in partial immersion and temporary immersion in an Ebb-and-Flow bioreactor were evaluated. Also, in temporary immersion, different immersion frequencies (every 4, 8, 12, and 16 h) and culture densities (5, 10, 15 and 20 explants per bioreactor) were evaluated. For the multiplication stage, new shoots and length were recorded per explant at 45 d of in vitro culture and in the acclimatization stage, the survival percentage was determined at 30 d of greenhouse cultivation. A temporary immersion of 2 min every 4 h and 15 explants per bioreactor was the best culture system, obtaining on average 10.7 shoots per explant with a length of 1.9 cm. No significant differences were observed among treatments during acclimatization, obtaining survival percentages of 98%–100%. This study reports for the first time a protocol for scaling-up techniques in temporary immersion for commercial micropropagation of pitahaya (and for any species of the Cactaceae family) and its establishment in a productive plantation.

‘Pitaya’ (Hylocereus undatus) is a fruit-bearing, climbing cactus with great food potential for the semiarid region. This study aimed to evaluate the production of ‘pitaya’ seedlings irrigated with low and high salinity water and grown in different light intensities. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two electrical conductivities of irrigation water: S1 - 0.3 dS m-1 (low salinity) and S2 - 5.0 dS m-1 (moderate salinity) in two environments: A1 - black net with 50% shading, and A2 - full sun, with ten replicates. The variables evaluated were plant height, main cladode diameter, above-ground biomass, root biomass, total plant biomass, number of secondary cladodes, root length, and length of secondary cladodes. The 50% shading (black net) promoted higher plant height, number of secondary shoots, and root length of the ‘pitaya’ plants. The irrigation with moderate saline water (5.0 dS m-1) reduced the number of secondary cladodes, length of root, and length of secondary cladodes. The ‘pitaya’ seedlings grown under 50% shading (black net) showed greater root dry biomass when irrigated with low-salinity water. Greater values of diameter of the primary cladode, above-ground dry biomass, and total dry biomass were observed under full sunlight and elevated saline stress. RESUMO ‘ Pitaya’ (Hylocereus undatus) é um cacto trepador, frutífera com grande potencial de alimento para região semiárida. Objetivou-se avaliar a produção de mudas de ‘pitaya’ irrigadas com água de baixa e alta salinidade e cultivadas em diferentes tipos de ambientes. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 × 2, sendo duas condutividades elétricas da água de irrigação: S1 - 0,3 dS m-1 (baixa salinidade) e S2 - 5,0 dS m-1 (salinidade moderada), em dois ambientes: A1 - telado preto com 50% de sombreamento e A2 - pleno sol, com 10 repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule principal, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz, massa seca total da planta, número de brotos secundários, comprimento de raiz e comprimento dos brotos secundários. O telado preto com 50% de sombreamento proporcionou maior altura de planta, número de brotos secundários e comprimento de raiz de plantas de ‘pitaya’. A irrigação com água de salinidade moderada (5,0 dS m-1) reduz o número de brotos secundários, e comprimento da raiz e dos cladódios secundários. As mudas de ‘pitaya’ cultivadas sob 50% de sombreamento (telado preto) apresentaram maior biomassa seca de raiz quando irrigadas com água de baixa salinidade. Foram observados maiores valores do diâmetro do cladódio primário, da biomassa seca acima do solo e da biomassa seca total sob luz plena do sol e elevado estresse salino.

Pitaya (Hylocereus) is the most economically important fleshy-fruited tree of the Cactaceae family that is grown worldwide, and it has attracted significant attention because of its betalain-abundant fruits. Nonetheless, the lack of a pitaya reference genome significantly hinders studies focused on its evolution, as well as the potential for genetic improvement of this crop. Herein, we employed various sequencing approaches, namely, PacBio-SMRT, Illumina HiSeq paired-end, 10× Genomics, and Hi-C (high-throughput chromosome conformation capture) to provide a chromosome-level genomic assembly of ‘GHB’ pitaya (H. undatus, 2n = 2x = 22 chromosomes). The size of the assembled pitaya genome was 1.41 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of ~127.15 Mb. In total, 27,753 protein-coding genes and 896.31 Mb of repetitive sequences in the H. undatus genome were annotated. Pitaya has undergone a WGT (whole-genome triplication), and a recent WGD (whole-genome duplication) occurred after the gamma event, which is common to the other species in Cactaceae. A total of 29,328 intact LTR-RTs (~696.45 Mb) were obtained in H. undatus, of which two significantly expanded lineages, Ty1/copia and Ty3/gypsy, were the main drivers of the expanded genome. A high-density genetic map of F1 hybrid populations of ‘GHB’ × ‘Dahong’ pitayas (H. monacanthus) and their parents were constructed, and a total of 20,872 bin markers were identified (56,380 SNPs) for 11 linkage groups. More importantly, through transcriptomic and WGCNA (weighted gene coexpression network analysis), a global view of the gene regulatory network, including structural genes and the transcription factors involved in pitaya fruit betalain biosynthesis, was presented. Our data present a valuable resource for facilitating molecular breeding programs of pitaya and shed novel light on its genomic evolution, as well as the modulation of betalain biosynthesis in edible fruits.

To determine the possible uses of Hylocereus undatus aerial parts byproducts as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents, the organic extracts were obtained and evaluated using the TPA-induced mice ear edema, and the tube-macro-dilution method respectively. The colorimetric quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds as well as the identification by GC-MS of non-polar metabolites was performed. In the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity, the methanolic extract showed 25.16 % of edema inhibition. In the anti-microbial assays, all extracts showed inhibition against all strains, mostly against C. albicans. On the other hand, all extracts showed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids. Finally, the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of β-sitosterol, and 4-methoxycynnamic acid and other non-polar molecules like fatty acid esters. The study demonstrated that H. undatus byproducts can be used as a source of antifungal agents.

espanolRESUMEN La busqueda de nuevas alternativas en la fertilizacion del cultivo de pitahaya es relevante, ya que va en beneficio de la conservacion del medioambiente y potenciar los rendimientos de este cultivo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la respuesta de la pitahaya roja a la aplicacion de dos abonos organicos solidos en tres dosis de aplicacion en las condiciones agroecologicas de la Parroquia San Carlos, del Canton Quevedo, Ecuador. Se utilizaron 315 plantas del genero Hylocereus undatus, los factores en estudio fueron el humus y compost, en las dosis 8; 4 y 2 t ha-1 Se utilizo un diseno de bloques completos al azar (DBCA) con siete tratamientos y tres repeticiones. Los abonos organicos mostraron un efecto similar cuando fueron utilizados en las mismas dosis; cada una de las variables evaluadas tuvo una tendencia a la disminucion a medida que decrecio la dosis de abono aplicado. La dosis que permitio maximizar el rendimiento en este cultivo en ambos tipos de abono fue la de 8 t ha-1. EnglishABSTRACT The search for new alternatives in the fertilization of the pitahaya crop is relevant, since it is in benefit of the conservation of the environment and to enhance the yields of this crop. The objective was to evaluate the response of the red pitahaya to the application of two solid organic fertilizers in three doses of application in the agroecological conditions of parish San Carlos, canton Quevedo, Ecuador. 315 plants of the genus Hylocereus undatus were used; the factors studied were humus and compost, in doses 8; 4 and 2 t ha-1 A randomized complete block design (DBCA) with seven treatments and three replicates was used. Organic fertilizers showed a similar effect when used in the same doses; Each of the variables evaluated had a tendency to decrease as the applied fertilizer dose decreased. The dose that allowed to maximize the yield in this crop in both types of fertilizer was the one of 81 ha-1.

A survey was conducted in commercially grown dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) orchards at the hills of Khagrachari district of Bangladesh to know the disease status. Stem rot is a devastating disease of dragon fruit, prevailed all over the hills of Khagrachari district that infected about 82% of plants with variable degree of disease severity. The typical symptom of the stem rot disease of dragon fruit was characterized by sunken lesion covered by black pycnidial mass on the surface with yellow margin. Based on the morphological, molecular characterization and pathogenicity test (Koch’s postulates) the fungus was identified as Diaporthe phaseolorum. So far, to our knowledge dragon fruit is the new natural host of D. phaseolorum, is the first report causing stem rot disease in Bangladesh.

The effects of water deficits on the growth and physiology of potted pitaya plants were examined in this study. Soil water decreased from 80% to 15% (severe deficit) over 16 weeks in non-ir...

It has been revealed in our previous studies that trypsin scavenges superoxide anions. In the current study, the mechanisms of storage quality improvement by trypsin were evaluated in H. undatus. Strikingly, the improvement is due not to its antibacterial or antifungal activity but to its superoxide scavenging activity. Moreover, trypsin significantly decreased the levels of ROS, cell permeability and membrane lipid peroxidation. The activities of major antioxidant enzymes were significantly improved by trypsin treatment. Transcriptome profiles of H. undatus treated with trypsin revealed the pathways and regulatory mechanisms of antioxidant genes up or down-regulated following trypsin treatment by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The results of protein-protein interaction networks indicated that CAT is the key among the enzymes of the complicated antioxidant system. In addition, the current results showed that the synergistic effect of trypsin with antioxidant enzymes can regulate the levels of endogenous active oxygen species, reduce malondialdehyde content, improve cell membrane integrity, alleviate cell damage and delay fruit ageing.

Endophytic bacteria reside in the intercellular spaces in different plant tissues without causing damage. This study aimed to select endophytic bacterial strains from Man Trau grass (Eleusine indica) that are able to inbibit the fungus A. alternata causing stem rot disease on pitaya. The result showed that one fungal isolate was pathogenic and caused stem rot disease on dragonfruit. The analysis results based on morphological characteristics and ITS region sequence indicated that the isolated fungal strain is 100% identical to A. alternata. In addition, a total of 16 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from Man Trau grass samples in Binh Thuan and screened for antifungal activity. Ten bacterial strains with antagonistic activity against A. alternata causing stem rot disease on pitaya were detected. Among those, strain MT47 showed the strongest antifungal activity with an efficiency of 36.67%. Moreover, the result also presented that the antagonistic strain MT47 pocesses the ability of biofilm formation significantly higher than the control. The results suggest that these endophytic bacteria can be used in biocontrol of the stem rot disease on pitaya.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of white-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) at harvest and postharvest to determine fruit quality and the feasibility of harvesting the fruits at different outer fruit color stages. The treatments consisted of four peel color stages – S1 (75% red peel) – and two evaluation times (at harvest and one day after full red peel color), which corresponded to 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after harvest for the S4, S3, S2 and S1 color stages, respectively. The total, peel and pulp weights, pulp yield, peel thickness, pulp firmness, pH, total soluble solids and peel, scale and pulp colors were evaluated. The peel and scale colors are reliable indicators of fruit quality. It is possible to extend the postharvest shelf life of the fruits by harvesting at the S1 stage, but this negatively affects yield and final quality; the fruits are smaller and less sweet, making harvesting unfeasible at this timepoint. Despite the higher yield and quality of fruits harvested at a more advanced ripeness stage (S4), the postharvest shelf life is considerably reduced. Thus, fruits at stages S2 or S3 should be harvested to obtain higher yield and quality. El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la calidad de los frutos de pitaia en la cosecha y poscosecha con el fin de verificar su calidad y viabilidad de la cosecha en diferentes etapas de coloración externa del fruto. Los tratamientos consistieron en cuatro etapas de coloración del fruto: E1 (hasta un 25% de color rojizo), E2 (más del 25% y menos del 50% de la coloración de la piel rojiza), E3 (más del 50% y menos más del 75% de coloración rojiza de la piel) y E4 (por encima del 75% de la coloración rojiza de la piel) - y dos períodos de evaluación (en la cosecha y un día después de la coloración rojiza completa de la piel), que correspondieron a 1, 3, 5 y 7 días después de la cosecha para las etapas de tinción E4, E3, E2 y E1, respectivamente. Se evaluó la masa total de fruta, cáscara y pulpa, rendimiento de pulpa, grosor de cáscara, firmeza de la pulpa, pH, sólidos solubles totales, color de piel, escamas y pulpa. El color de la piel y las escamas pueden ser un indicador confiable para determinar la calidad de los frutos. Además, es posible alargar la vida útil poscosecha de los frutos en E1, pero afecta negativamente el rendimiento en producción y calidad final, así como el menor calibre y dulzor de los frutos, haciendo inviable la recolección en este punto. A pesar del mayor rendimiento y calidad de los frutos recolectados en etapas más avanzadas de maduración (E4), la vida útil poscosecha se reduce considerablemente. Por lo tanto, los frutos deben recolectarse en las etapas E2 o E3, con el objetivo de obtener un mayor rendimiento y calidad. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de frutos de pitaia na colheita e pós-colheita visando verificar sua qualidade e viabilidade da colheita em diferentes estágios de coloração externa do fruto. Os tratamentos foram compostos por quatro estágios de coloração do fruto - E1 (até 25% de coloração avermelhada), E2 (mais que 25% e menos que 50% da coloração da casca de coloração avermelhada), E3 (mais que 50% e menos que 75% de coloração da casca avermelhada) e E4 (acima de 75% de coloração avermelhada na casca) - e duas épocas de avaliação (na colheita e um dia após a completa coloração avermelhada da casca), o que correspondeu a 1, 3, 5 e 7 dias após a colheita para os estágios de coloração E4, E3, E2 e E1, respectivamente. Foram avaliadas massas totais do fruto, da casca e da polpa, rendimento em polpa, espessura da casca, firmeza da polpa, pH, sólidos solúveis totais, coloração da casca, escamas e polpa. A coloração da casca e escamas pode ser um indicador confiável na determinação da qualidade dos frutos. Além disso, é possível estender a vida útil pós-colheita dos frutos em E1, porém afeta negativamente o rendimento em produção e qualidade final, bem como menor tamanho e doçura dos frutos, inviabilizando a colheita nesse ponto. Apesar do maior rendimento e qualidade dos frutos colhidos em estágios mais avançados de maturação (E4), a vida útil pós-colheita é reduzida consideravelmente. Dessa forma, deve-se colher os frutos nos estágios E2 ou E3 visando maior rendimento e qualidade.

A pitaya e uma fruta tropical pertencente a familia Cactacea e originaria do Mexico e americas Central e do Sul que tem atraido interesse de pesquisadores pelo seu sabor e coloracao atrativa. Dentre as mais variadas especies, a Hylocereus undatus e a mais cultivada. Geralmente tem sua casca descartada, no entanto, devido a presenca de betalainas que confere pigmentacao vermelha a fruta, pode ser processada e utilizada para coloracao de produtos alimenticios (MELLO, 2015; HO; LATIF, 2016). O pigmento extraido da semente da fruta e rico em gorduras insaturadas que auxiliam na excrecao e controle de peso e a polpa e a casca produzem betalainas que sao um conjunto de pigmentos nitrogenados hidrossoluveis que dao cor a flores e frutos. Ha dois tipos de subgrupos, as betacianinas vermelho-violeta e as betaxantinas amarelo-laranja. Atribue-se a capacidade antioxidante da fruta as altas concentracoes de betalainas (GLANGKARN, 2015; MELLO, 2015). A casca fresca de Pitaya apresenta altas quantidades de compostos fenolicos, sendo o conteudo total, similar ao da pera, ameixa e maca, e superior ao da banana, abacaxi, mamao, e inferior ao da cereja. Os teores de vitamina C da polpa e casca de pitaya encontrados no estudo sobre caracteristicas fisico-quimicas da fruta foram semelhantes ao teor medio encontrados no tomate, manga, maracuja, jabuticaba, jaca, tangerina e umbu (MELLO, 2015; ABREU, 2012). Alem da fruta, galhos verdes e botoes as flores tambem sao comestiveis, utilizadas como vegetais na China, e atualmente comercializada como bebida saudavel (ORTIZ-HERNANDEZ; CARRILO-SALAZAR, 2012; MIZRAHI, 2014).

Dragon fruits are tropical fruits economically important for agricultural industries. As members of the family ofCactaceae, they have evolved to adapt to the arid environment. Here we report the draft genome ofHylocereus undatus, commercially known as the white-fleshed dragon fruit. The chromosomal level genome assembly contains 11 longest scaffolds corresponding to the 11 chromosomes ofH. undatus. Genome annotation ofH. undatusfound ~29,000 protein-coding genes, similar toCarnegiea gigantea(saguaro). Whole-genome duplication (WGD) analysis revealed a WGD event in the last common ancestor ofCactaceaefollowed by extensive genome rearrangements. The divergence time betweenH. undatusandC. giganteawas estimated to be 9.18 MYA. Functional enrichment analysis of orthologous gene clusters (OGCs) in sixCactaceaeplants found significantly enriched OGCs in drought resistance. Fruit flavor-related functions were overrepresented in OGCs that are significantly expanded inH. undatus. TheH. undatusdraft genome also enabled the discovery of carbohydrate and plant cell wall-related functional enrichment in dragon fruits treated with trypsin for a longer storage time. Lastly, genes of the betacyanin (a red-violet pigment and antioxidant with a very high concentration in dragon fruits) biosynthetic pathway were found to be co-localized on a 12 Mb region of one chromosome. The consequence may be a higher efficiency of betacyanin biosynthesis, which will need experimental validation in the future. TheH. undatusdraft genome will be a great resource to study various cactus plants.

This study aimed to characterize the new fungal disease on the stem of red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in Malaysia, which is known as gray blight through morphological, molecular and pathogenicity analyses. Nine fungal isolates were isolated from nine blighted stems of H. polyrhizus. Based on morphological characteristics, DNA sequences and phylogeny (ITS, TEF1-α, and β-tubulin), the fungal isolates were identified as Diaporthe arecae, D. eugeniae, D. hongkongensis, D. phaseolorum, and D. tectonendophytica. Six isolates recovered from the Cameron Highlands, Pahang belonged to D. eugeniae (DF1 and DF3), D. hongkongensis (DF9), D. phaseolorum (DF2 and DF12), and D. tectonendophytica (DF7), whereas three isolates from Bukit Kor, Terengganu were recognized as D. arecae (DFP3), D. eugeniae (DFP4), and D. tectonendophytica (DFP2). Diaporthe eugeniae and D. tectonendophytica were found in both Pahang and Terengganu, D. phaseolorum and D. hongkongensis in Pahang, whereas D. arecae only in Terengganu. The role of the Diaporthe isolates in causing stem gray blight of H. polyrhizus was confirmed. To date, only D. phaseolorum has been previously reported on Hylocereus undatus. This is the first report on D. arecae, D. eugeniae, D. hongkongensis, D. phaseolorum, and D. tectonendophytica causing stem gray blight of H. polyrhizus worldwide.

Pitaya (Hylocereus genus) is a popular plant with exotic and nutritious fruit, which has widespread uses as a source of nutrients and raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the potential of pitaya peel as a natural source of bioactive compounds has not yet fully been explored. Recent advances in metabolomics have paved the way for understanding and evaluating the presence of diverse sets of metabolites in different plant parts. This study is aimed at exploring the diversity of primary and secondary metabolites in two commercial varieties of pitaya, i.e., green pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) and red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus). A total of 433 metabolites were identified using a widely targeted metabolomic approach and classified into nine known diverse classes of metabolites, including flavonoids, amino acids and its derivatives, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic acids, organic acids, nucleotides and derivatives, lipids, and lignans. Red pitaya peel and pulp showed relatively high accumulation of metabolites viz. alkaloids, amino acids and its derivatives, and lipids. Differential metabolite landscape of pitaya fruit indicated the presence of key bioactive compounds, i.e., L-tyrosine, L-valine, DL-norvaline, tryptophan, γ-linolenic acid, and isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside. The findings in this study provide new insight into the broad spectrum of bioactive compounds of red and green pitaya, emphasizing the valorization of the biowaste pitaya peel as raw material for the pharmaceutical and food industries.