VEGETATIVE RESPONSE OF PITAHAYA (Hylocereus spp.) TO THE APPLICATION OF VERMICOMPOST AND FERTIGATION

Abstract

Background. The pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) in Mexico it is an endemic fruit with great adaptation to different environments and like a cactus requires little water. In Santiago Tangamandapio, Michoacan, Mexico, is a backyard crop and its intensive production is of recent introduction. The pitahaya, for its nutritional requirements can be adapted to conventional and organic management with fertilizers, however, the nutrition of the crop has been little investigated. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vegetative growth of pitahaya, in response to the application of vermicompost and fertigation. Methodology. Two experiments were established with species of Hylocereus undatus e H. ocamponis. For each species a design randomized with eight treatments and 10 replications was used. The eight treatments were vermicompost doses (0, 50, 100 and 150 t ha-1) with and without fertilization (200 mg· L-1 of N, P and K) in drip irrigation. The variables evaluated were the number of outbreaks and the total length of stems, assessed monthly, and the nutritional content of stem compound samples eight months after the plantation was established. Results. The plants with fertigation + 50 t ha-1 of vermicompost, and fertigation + 150 t ha-1 of vermicompost stimulated the highest production of shoots and stem elongation. In addition, the application combined of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer had higher concentrations of potassium, calcium and nitrogen in stems. Implications. This study evaluated the vegetative stage, it continues with the study in stages of flower and fruit development; to have a complete knowledge of the management of these cultivars, in organic and conventional nutrition systems. Conclusion. Both species respond to the application of organic amendments and fertigation.

Keywords

• vermicompost
• fertirriego
• hylocereus undatus
• h. ocamponis.