Flower biology and yield of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as affected by Bio M and additional potassium fertilizer application

Thohirah, L.A.; Brian, R.R.; Rosenani, A.B.; Mohd. Rizwan, A.H.

Flower biology and yield of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as affected by Bio M and additional potassium fertilizer application

2009

Thohirah, L.A. | Brian, R.R. | Rosenani, A.B. | Mohd. Rizwan, A.H.

The study aimed to determine the flower development pattern of Pitaya using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and through plant observation using digital camera. Effect of Bio M fertilizer and additional potassium application at different levels on the yield of Pitaya was also studied. Flower shoot meristem and floral buds at various stages of development were tagged, examined and prepared for SEM and digital photograph. For SEM the samples were fixed in 70% FAA, dehydrated, mounted and coated prior to the observations. Micrographs and photographs of the different stages of development from the vegetative to the flowering stage were obtained. It shows the different floral organ of the pitaya. The information obtained from the micrographs and photograph can be used to develop a timeline for flowering and to explain how flowering and pollination affect fruit set in pitaya. Apart from that, this study is beneficial towards the future breeding and hybridization of pitaya in order to create higher number of fruits and seedless fruit. The recommended rate of K in field 10, UPM [Universiti Pertanian Malaysia] was 286 kg/ha/yr (71.4 g/plant/yr). Bio M (NPK 8:8:8) was applied on the experimental plot at the rate of 360 q/plant (1.44 tons/ha/yr) applied 6 times/yr (once every two months). There were four treatments, 0, 25%, 50%, and 100% (0, 17.85g, 35.7 g and 71.4 g, respectively) of potassium. The results showed that at 50% level of K fertilizer application rate, the yield of pitaya was significantly higher compared to yield obtained at 100% level of K fertilizer application rate.

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