PITAYA : Evaluation de la conduite culturale du Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) : itinéraire technique, paramètres morphométriques et état sanitaire dans la Wilaya de Ain Témouchent.

Abstract

Dragon fruit (Pitaya) is an emerging fruit crop with increasing economic and nutritional value. In Algeria, its cultivation remains limited. This study aims to assess the adaptation potential of this species to the agro-climatic conditions of the Aïn Témouchent Province and to investigate its technical cultivation practices. The experimental protocol involved six groups of the same variety, distributed between two series (B1 and B2) and three cutting types (Alpha, Beta and Gamma), subjected to a uniform fertilization program. Planting was carried out on 27/10/2025 for B1 and on 11/02/2026 for B2. After an initial phase under greenhouse conditions, the plants were transferred outdoors under a shade net, with progressive repotting and a pest management program. The results showed a flowering rate of 31.8% for B2, compared with 20.7% for B1. Thirteen flowering plants out of 51 were recorded, with three fertilized flowers and five successive flowering waves. The observations also highlighted the importance of controlling environmental conditions, particularly solar exposure and fertilization, in plant development. These preliminary results indicate a potential for dragon fruit adaptation to local conditions. However, multi-year trials incorporating control treatments, replications, and statistical analyses are still required to confirm these findings and to assess yield, fruit quality, as well as the crop's water and nutritional requirements.