Response of the red pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus) to the application of two solid organic fertilizers in the San Carlos Area, Los Ríos, Ecuador

Abstract

The search for new alternatives in the fertilization of the pitahaya crop is relevant, since it is in benefit of the conservation of the environment and to enhance the yields of this crop. The objective was to evaluate the response of the red pitahaya to the application of two solid organic fertilizers in three doses of application in the agroecological conditions of parish San Carlos, canton Quevedo, Ecuador. 315 plants of the genus Hylocereus undatus were used; the factors studied were humus and compost, in doses 8; 4 and 2 t ha–1 A randomized complete block design (DBCA) with seven treatments and three replicates was used. Organic fertilizers showed a similar effect when used in the same doses; Each of the variables evaluated had a tendency to decrease as the applied fertilizer dose decreased. The dose that allowed to maximize the yield in this crop in both types of fertilizer was the one of 8 t ha–1.