Defending Your Dragon Fruit Quiz

Explore essential strategies and challenges in protecting dragon fruit crops from pests, diseases, and environmental stresses in horticulture. Sharpen your knowledge of common threats and best practices for healthy, productive pitaya plants.

1. Best Practice for Preventing Stem Rot

   Which method is most effective in reducing the risk of stem rot in dragon fruit plants, especially during rainy seasons?

   1. Planting in full shade
   2. Applying extra fertilizer weekly
   3. Watering more frequently
   4. Improving drainage around the base

   Explanation: Improving drainage helps prevent excess moisture, the main cause of stem rot, by keeping water away from plant bases. Watering more frequently can worsen the problem, while planting in full shade limits growth and increases disease risk. Applying extra fertilizer does not address the primary cause and may even stress the plant.

2. Insect Pest Identification

   Which insect is one of the most common pests attacking dragon fruit by boring holes into stems and causing wilting?

   1. Fruit borer
   2. Aphid
   3. Mealybug
   4. Weevil

   Explanation: Fruit borers bore into stems and fruits, leading to wilting and tissue damage in dragon fruit. Mealybugs and aphids feed externally on sap but do not typically bore holes. Weevils are less commonly a primary pest for dragon fruit.

3. Protecting Flowers from Sunburn

   What is a recommended way to prevent flower sunburn damage on dragon fruit plants in hot climates?

   1. Spraying the flowers with sugary water
   2. Planting more closely together
   3. Using shade nets during peak sunlight
   4. Pruning all side branches in summer

   Explanation: Shade nets protect delicate flowers from intense sunlight and prevent sunburn without impacting overall plant health. Planting closer together can increase disease risk. Excessive pruning removes productive branches, while spraying flowers with sugary water attracts pests and does not prevent sunburn.

4. Managing Fungal Disease Spread

   If a dragon fruit plant shows signs of anthracnose (fungal spots), what is the most important immediate action?

   1. Tie the plant to a thicker stake
   2. Remove and destroy infected stems
   3. Increase irrigation frequency
   4. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer

   Explanation: Removing and destroying affected stems helps prevent further spread of the fungus. Increasing irrigation or fertilizer does not treat the disease and may worsen it. Securing the plant with a thicker stake does not address the underlying pathogen.

5. Netting Use for Animal Protection

   Why is netting often installed around dragon fruit orchards as part of crop protection?

   1. To increase nighttime humidity
   2. To make harvesting easier
   3. To apply pesticides more evenly
   4. To prevent fruit theft by birds and bats

   Explanation: Netting acts as a physical barrier, effectively keeping birds and bats from consuming ripe dragon fruit. It does not primarily affect humidity, assist with pesticide application, or directly aid in harvesting.