News in Brief:
– Chinese researchers have introduced a two colour dragon fruit, a hybrid variety promising increased yields and extended fruiting periods.
– Developed through a five-year collaboration, the fruit combines Vietnamese white-fleshed and red-fleshed Da Hong varieties.
The Yangling Vocational and Technical College in Shaanxi has recently introduced a fresh addition to the dragon fruit family – the “Two Color” variety. This innovative fruit, the outcome of a five-year collaboration, marks a significant milestone in agricultural innovation.
A product of meticulous hybridisation, the “Two Color” variety combines the exquisite traits of Vietnamese white-fleshed dragon fruit and the vibrant red-fleshed Da Hong variety, a report says. With an average weight of 363 grams, it boasts a remarkable 19.9% sugar content and a refreshing 0.29% acid content, making it a delight for discerning palates.
For local farmers, this development offers a promising opportunity. With its rapid fruiting cycle, commencing as early as the second year under greenhouse conditions, the New Two Color variety promises increased yields, averaging around 4.2 kilograms per square meter. Such efficiency not only boosts productivity but also enhances the economic prospects of farming communities.
Moreover, the extended fruiting period, spanning from June to December, presents a boon for farmers, ensuring a steady income stream throughout the year. This resilience against seasonal fluctuations is a game-changer for local agricultural economies, providing stability and sustainability.
This achievement builds upon previous triumphs in dragon fruit cultivation, such as the “Two Color No. 1” and “Two Color No. 2” varieties developed by the College of Horticulture of South China Agricultural University. These successes underscore China’s commitment to agricultural advancement, with a keen focus on meeting the evolving needs of farmers and consumers alike.
