Setting up a dragon fruit plot and want to know the spacing, number of poles and how the support structure is built.
What spacing and pole structure does dragon fruit need per acre?
NNaga Raju6mo ago · 302 views
5 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus that needs vertical support, so the standard system is a cement or RCC pole for each plant with a ring or crossbar on top for the stems to drape over. Common spacing is roughly 2.5 to 3 m between poles in rows about 2.5 to 3 m apart, giving around 1700 to 2000 poles and plants per acre depending on layout, with usually 3 to 4 cuttings planted around each pole. The pole structure is the single biggest cost and is a long-term, one-time investment, so build it sturdy. Drip irrigation runs along the rows. Spacing affects light, airflow and disease, so do not pack plants too tight. Confirm the recommended spacing, pole height and structure design for your variety and soil with your KVK and experienced growers before you build.
NNaga Raju6mo ago
I used cement poles with a tyre-ring on top. Make the structure strong, the mature plants get heavy and a weak pole or ring will sag and break.
KKrishna Mohan5mo ago
Do not crowd the rows. My first plot was too close and disease spread fast in the wet season. Wider rows are easier to work in too.
SSuresh Babu5mo ago
Plan row direction and width for your sprayer and labour to move through. Too tight and every job becomes harder.
RRamana Reddy5mo ago
Make the rings and crossbars strong from the start. Fixing a sagging structure once the plants are heavy is a nightmare.