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Research on Crops

Influence of Integrated nutrient management on changes in yield, physical and biochemical quality of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis)


DOI: 10.31830/2348-7542.2026.ROC-1327    | Article Id: ROC-1327 | Page : 498-507
Citation :- Influence of Integrated nutrient management on changes in yield, physical and biochemical quality of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis). Res. Crop. 27: 498-507
GURDEEP SINGH, KRISHAN KUMAR SINGH AND BALJINDER SINGH deep.mannu1@gmail.com
Address : Department of Horticulture, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo-151302, Bathinda, Punjab, India
Submitted Date : 22-05-2026
Accepted Date : 21-07-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, during the years 2023–24 and 2024–25 to find out the best RDF combination for fruit yield and fruit quality enhancement of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) variety ‘Siam red’. The experiment was conducted in the southwestern region of Punjab under a randomized block design with four replications. A total of fourteen treatments consisting of organic, inorganic, and bio-fertilizers were analyzed: T1- Control, T2- FYM (100% N), T3- Vermicompost (VC; 100% N), T4- RDF (100%), T5- Azospirillum, T6- PSB, T7 –VC (50% N) + 50% RDF, T8- VC (25% N) + 75% RDF, T9- VC (50% N) + 50% RDF + Azospirillum, T10-VC (25% N) + 75% RDF + Azospirillum, T11- VC (50% N) + 50% RDF + PSB, T12- VC (25% N) + 75% RDF + PSB, T13- VC (50% N) + 50% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB), and T14- VC (25% N) + 75% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB. Parameters affecting plant productivity and quality considerably were noted down, which include fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, number of fruits per pole, fruit yield, and pulp percentage, peel percentage, pulp/peel ratio, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, total sugar, reducing sugar, and non-reducing sugar. According to the study, the treatment VC (25% N) + 75% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB (T14) proved superior in all aspects when compared with all other treat  ments in respect of yield and quality of fruit, with fruit length (13.17 cm), fruit width (11.57 cm), fruit weight (356.66 g), number of fruits per pole (10.25) fruit yield (3.04 t/ha), pulp percentage (78.46%), peel percentage (21.54%), pulp to peel ratio (3.65), total soluble solids (TSS) (14.37 °Brix), titratable acidity (0.21%), total sugars (9.13%), reducing sugars (7.56%), and non-reducing sugar (1.57%). Overall, T14 proved most effective, demonstrating the benefits of integrated nutrient management for dragon fruit yield and fruit quality.

Keywords

Azospirillum dragon fruit FYM fruit quality PSB vermicompost 

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