Effects of different pollinator cultivars and pollination times on the fruit set and quality of cv. ‘Bloody Mary’ (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Abstract

Commercially grown cultivars of pitaya consist of three different groups: self-fertile, partially self-fertile and self-sterile. 'Bloody Mary' (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a self-sterile cultivar with good results in plant growth/development and also yield and quality in sub-tropical conditions. The objective of study was to determine the most suitable pollinator cultivar(s) and pollination time for the 'Bloody Mary' cultivar. 'Cosmic Charlie' (Hylocereus undatus), 'Red Jaina' (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and 'White Jaina' (Hylocereus undatus) pitaya cultivars were used as pollinators. Three different times (22:00, 24:00 and 06:00) were selected for pollination. Data for fruit set rate and some important quality properties were recorded. Research findings showed that fruit set rate and quality parameters varied according to pollinator cultivars and pollination time. Fruit peel chroma (C*) and Fruit flesh chroma (C*) were statistically affected by pollinator cultivars. However, fruit peel hue angle (h°) was not affected by pollinator cultivar. 'Red Jaina' and 'White Jaina' were found most suitable pollinator cultivars for the ‘Bloody Mary’ the most appropriate pollination time was 24:00 in terms of fruit set. However, pollination times did not effect several quality parameters.