Holistic nutrient management approaches for resilient and sustainable dragon fruit production

Abstract

Abstract Dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) is an emerging high-value tropical fruit crop with growing commercial importance, yet its productivity is severely constrained by inadequate and unsystematic nutrient management practices. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on soil and plant nutrient dynamics, nutrient diagnostic approaches, and integrated nutrient management strategies for dragon fruit, with the objective of providing a science-based framework for holistic and sustainable nutrient management to improve fruit yield and quality across diverse agro-climatic conditions. Achieving maximum marketable yield in dragon fruit plantations remains a major challenge that demands a systematic, evidence-based approach. Effective nutrient management requires accurate diagnosis through soil and plant tissue analysis, a sound understanding of crop phenology, and the adoption of appropriate practices integrating both organic and inorganic inputs. Nutrient requirements vary in type and proportion across phenological stages, depending on soil properties and yield potential. Periodic soil and plant tissue testing is essential to determine the mineral element requirements of specific varieties or species at different growth phases. Standardization of nutrient diagnostic techniques is critically needed for large-scale field application within the framework of 4 R nutrient stewardship, applying the right source of fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Balancing nutrient supply through the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, alongside rhizosphere enrichment with consortia of beneficial microorganisms, not only enhances nutrient uptake, fruit yield, and quality, but also promotes long-term sustainability of dragon fruit cultivation by supporting ecosystem services, reducing ecological impact, and improving efficiency of natural resource use. However, significant knowledge gaps remain in developing cultivar-specific nutrient recommendations, standardized nutrient diagnostic protocols, and long-term validation of integrated nutrient management under diverse agro-climatic conditions. Addressing these gaps will facilitate the development of precision, region-specific nutrient management strategies to improve nutrient use efficiency, fruit productivity, and the sustainability of dragon fruit production.