Dragon fruit is a cactus plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Its fruit is oblong or oval in shape, with a beautiful appearance and a unique flavor. In the process of cultivating dragon fruit, pollination is a crucial step. This article will introduce the timing and methods of dragon fruit pollination to help everyone better master pollination techniques and improve the growth and yield of dragon fruit.
I. Choose the Ripening Period for Timing
The flowering period of dragon fruit is generally from April to June, during which the time for pollination should be chosen. For dragon fruit, the fruit ripening period is the most suitable time for pollination. Usually, 20-30 days after the flowers fall, you can observe the stigma of the calyx beginning to wither and the ovules swelling, which is the best time for pollination.
II. Select the Right Pollination Tools
Before pollination, it is necessary to prepare pollination tools. For example, tools such as small brushes, cotton swabs, or feathers can be used for pollination. If a small brush is used for pollination, it needs to be gently rubbed several times between the style and the stamen to collect pollen.
III. Adopt the Method of Artificial Pollination
Using the method of artificial pollination can control the quality of dragon fruit pollination and increase fruit yield. The specific operation method is to take a small amount of the collected pollen and place it on the style, or insert some stamens into the style to ensure full contact with the pollen.
IV. Pay Attention to Selecting Healthy Pollination Materials
The material for pollination must be selected from healthy and mature dragon fruit flowers, because in the process of dragon fruit growth, it is very susceptible to pests and diseases. If poor-quality materials are used for pollination, it is easy to lead to poor fruiting or no fruiting at all.
V. Master the Timing and Frequency of Pollination
To ensure successful pollination, in addition to selecting the right pollination tools and materials, it is also necessary to master the timing and frequency of pollination. Generally, each flower only needs to be pollinated once, not frequently, otherwise it may have an adverse effect on the growth of dragon fruit.
VI. Pay Attention to Hygiene During Pollination
During the process of dragon fruit pollination, attention should be paid to hygiene. For example, when using tools such as cotton swabs or brushes, they need to be disinfected with 95% alcohol first to avoid carrying bacteria to infect the dragon fruit, affecting its growth and quality.
VII. Clean the Flowers Before Pollination
Before pollinating dragon fruit, the flowers need to be cleaned. This is because dust or impurities may adhere to the surface of the flowers, and these substances will affect the pollination effect of the flowers.
VIII. Maintain a Suitable Indoor Temperature
During the pollination process, indoor temperature is also a very important factor. For dragon fruit, the most suitable temperature is 20-28°C. If the room temperature is too high or too low, it will have a negative impact on the pollination effect of dragon fruit.
IX. Pay Attention to the Number of Styles and Stamens
Before pollinating dragon fruit, pay attention to the number of styles and stamens. Generally, each dragon fruit flower has 3 styles and 6 stamens, and appropriate selection and matching are required to ensure the pollination effect.
X. Provide Suitable Nutrients in Time After Pollination
After pollinating dragon fruit, it is necessary to provide suitable nutrients in a timely manner. For example, organic fertilizers or compound fertilizers can be used to promote the growth and development of dragon fruit.
XI. Clean Up Fallen Petals and Styles in Time
During the process of dragon fruit pollination, it is easy for petals and styles to fall off. In order to maintain a good hygiene environment, fallen petals and styles should be cleaned up in time.
XII. Maintain Suitable Humidity After Pollination
After dragon fruit pollination is completed, it is also necessary to pay attention to maintaining suitable humidity. Because in a dry environment, pollen is easy to lose its effectiveness or absorb moisture and swell, leading to pollination failure.
XIII. Pay Attention to the Angle During Pollination
During the process of dragon fruit pollination, pay attention to the angle of pollination. Generally, tools such as brushes or cotton swabs should be kept perpendicular to the style in order to better adhere the pollen to the style.
XIV. Avoid Touching the Flowers After Pollination
After pollinating dragon fruit, avoid touching the flowers. Because touching can cause damage to the flowers, affecting the pollination effect.
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Through the introduction of this article, we have learned about the timing and methods of dragon fruit pollination, as well as the impact of pollination on the growth of dragon fruit. Only by mastering the correct pollination techniques can we better improve the growth and yield of dragon fruit.