Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Pitaya as a New Alternative Crop for Iberian Peninsula: Cultural Practices

Trindade A, Matias P, Lacerda V, Pestana M, Marques N, Duarte A.

Plants (Basel) · 2026

All evidence

Summary

This field-based assessment evaluates the agronomic feasibility of pitaya as an alternative horticultural crop for the Iberian Peninsula, documenting cultivation practices suited to local environmental conditions. The authors appear to have synthesised data on crop establishment, management requirements, and performance indicators to determine commercial viability. The work likely contributes to diversification options for Iberian growers seeking climate-adapted crops.

UK applicability

Direct application to UK cultivation is limited due to contrasting climate; however, the methodological approach to evaluating non-traditional crops under specific regional conditions may inform UK research on climate-adaptive horticulture, particularly for protected cultivation systems or southern regions.

Key measures

Cultural practices (irrigation, soil management, pest/disease control); growth parameters; yield data; climate and soil compatibility metrics

Outcomes reported

The study likely documented cultural practices, agronomic requirements, and adaptation potential for pitaya (dragon fruit) production in Iberian climatic and soil conditions. Evaluation may have included yield performance, cultivation protocols, and suitability assessment for commercial adoption.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Alternative and specialty crop production
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Iberian Peninsula (Portugal/Spain)
System type
Horticulture
Catalogue ID
NRmo9rin9c-0a9

Topic tags

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