Tecnova's Technological Center's experimental headquarters is working to obtain new commercial varieties of pitahaya that are adapted to Almeria's climatic conditions, temperature, and humidity. They are working in greenhouses to adapt subtropical crops (papaya, pitahaya, and soursop), analyzing their growth parameters, fruit quality (in the field and in the laboratory), conducting edaphoclimatic studies, and post-harvest analysis.
They are studying different varieties of pitahaya in order to find the variety that best suits the area of Almeria, yields greater calibers, and has optimal organoleptic qualities. They are conducting manual crosses to develop a variety with higher yields, Brix degrees, and a high concentration of functional compounds (vitamin C, betalains, tyramide, macro and microelements).
Training on pitahaya for Almeria's agricultural sector
The need to carry out this study is marked by the existing incompatibility between the different varieties of pitahayas, which is why researchers aim to achieve an optimal crossing. They are also planning the agricultural tasks, such as pruning, staking, and fertigation, to increase flowering and prolonging it throughout the year. In addition, the analysis of the different forms of cultivation allows offering the sector the qualifications and techniques necessary to manage pitahaya production.
Tecnova's Technological Center carries out training and education sessions for different agricultural sectors and issues. They carry out theoretical and practical classes in an experimental farm, where both technicians and farmers can face, first-hand, the challenges of production.
A crop that can be easily adapted to Almeria's model
Almeria's subtropical climate is perfect for the development of this fruit. In recent years, pitahaya demand has grown considerably, which has led to an increase in its production within the peninsula.
Thanks to its different characteristics, such as its easy adaptation to the soil, low water consumption, and its plant's long useful life (20 or 30 years), pitahaya production isn't very demanding and is very profitable.
The pitahaya, a subtropical fruit that is rich in macro and microelements
This subtropical fruit contains a high content of calcium and phosphorus, macronutrients, and iron, a microelement. This great variety of nutritional advantages are part of the reasons Tecnova is working to adapt the pitahaya crop to Almeria.
For more information:
Centro Tecnológico Tecnova
Parque Tecnológico de Almería (PITA)
Avenida de la Innovación, 23
04131 El Alquián, Almería (España)
Tel. +34 950 29 08 22
www.fundaciontecnova.com