A new pitaya cultivar Fenhong No. 1

Abstract: Fenhong No.1 is an excellent pitaya cultivar selected from Hongshuijing pitaya through seedling selection. In 2006, 800 vigorous seedlings were preliminary selected from Hongshuijing pitaya according to their growth vigor. After several years observation and investigation, 19 seedlings with good agricultural traits were obtained according to self-pollination ability, fruit size, flesh color and total soluble solid (TSS) content. 69-1 named Fenhong No.1 was finally selected after five years regional adaptability testing at four sites including the Jinsui Orchard in Baiyun district of Guangzhou; Lüfeng Company in Xinxing of Yunfu; Zhanjiang Research Center, Institute of Nanfan & Seed Industry, Guangdong Academy of Sciences in Suixi of Zhanjiang, and the Orchard in South China Agricultural University in Tianhe district of Guangzhou. The cultivar has strong self-pollination ability and vigorous growth. New stems can sprout many times within one year. The young stems are red-green without prick. The annual mature stems are green with an average width of 5.6 cm. Stems are mainly three edges with a large number of spines on the edge protrusion. The lower half of the spines are suberificated and brown. Fenhong No.1 pitaya has many aerial roots on the stem and can attach themselves to the supports. The flower of Fenhong No.1 pitaya is white with the same height of stigma and anther. The stigma is yellow, 21.5 cm in length with 25.3 no-split lobes. The fruit is oval and peel is red with green-red scales. Average fruit weight is 301.3 g. The flesh is pink, and tastes crisp and juicy with 70.1% edible rate. TSS and titratable acid contents were 14.6% and 0.3%, respectively. The fruit development period is 28-35 d after flower-ing in summer and more than 40 d in winter. The fruit mature period is from early-middle June to middle-late December. There are 10-12 fruit crop cycles a year in Guangzhou. The cultivar had a long shelf life. The mature fruits can be stored at room temperature for 7-10 d and more than 30 d at 7 ℃ with 70% relative humidity. Fenhong No.1 pitaya is suitable to plant in pitaya cultivation area in South China. Adequate light, average annual temperature of 22- 25 ℃, and minimum temperature higher than 0 ℃ are necessary for Fenhong No.1 pitaya. Loose and sandy soils with good drainage and irrigation, rich organic matter and slight acidity (pH 5.5-6.5) are appropriate.