Jungui Xu , Zizhong Wang

Guangzhou Wengwengweng Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, 510670, Guangdong, China
Author    Correspondence author
Biological Evidence, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6   doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0029
Received: 28 Oct., 2024    Accepted: 04 Dec., 2024    Published: 15 Dec., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Xu J.G., and Wang Z.Z., 2024, A review of the morphological structure and photosynthetic metabolic characteristics of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), Bioscience Evidence, 14(6): 281-292 (doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0029)

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions due to its unique appearance, rich nutritional value, and economic benefits. This study systematically analyzes the morphological structure and photosynthetic metabolic characteristics of dragon fruit, including its triangular stem segments, vibrant peel and pulp colors, and the adaptation mechanisms of its fleshy stem to arid environments. The research found that dragon fruit utilizes Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, which reduces water loss by fixing carbon dioxide at night, demonstrating high drought resistance. Significant genetic variation among different species in traits such as fruit weight, carotenoid content, and antioxidant potential provides a theoretical basis for species identification and the selection of superior cultivars. The study also explores the growth cycle and physiological characteristics of dragon fruit, including flowering physiology, fruit development, and maturation processes. High temperatures and drought conditions significantly affect the growth and yield of dragon fruit, and the regulation of related genes, such as the expression of heat shock proteins, enhances its adaptability to environmental stress. Additionally, the economic value of dragon fruit cultivation is further enhanced by its potential in the development of health foods and nutritional supplements. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing dragon fruit cultivation management, improving yield and quality, and offers research directions for further investigation into its disease resistance genes and the impact of climate change on dragon fruit production.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.); Morphological structure; Photosynthetic metabolism; Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM); Genetic variation; Micropropagation