*** DRAGON FRUIT ***
***** IN CALIFORNIA *****
***** AND ELSEWHERE. *****
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CHAPTER 2 (pages 2 to 8)
Dragon Fruit in California.
The breeder who created the first self-fertile hybrids.
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Page 7 / 8 of the article.
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(© "Fallbrook and Bonsall Village News", from photograph by Shane Gibson)
Gray Martin, near his young plants.
Gray Martin, grower, hybridizer and producer, took a decisive step in the history of Dragon Fruit with the creation of the first self-fertile hybrids, no longer requiring pollination with other hybrids, but only that of bees, collecting one or more flowers from a single hybrid.
Obtaining a fruit can therefore occur here when a bee gathers only one flower from the same plant, which is a considerable advantage.
At the time of my visit, Gray Martin had 3 hybrids on the market and 40 hybrids in research, all self-fertiles.
Here are some pictures taken in the plantation of Gray Martin.
The plantation consists of two parts: the hill on the left is dedicated to the cultivation of hybrids in research. The part on the right is that of the cultivation of marketed hybrids.
In a shaded area, young plants are waiting to be planted in the research area.
Here are some plants in the research area.
We are here in the marketing area. The fruit is not ripe yet.
An almost ripe fruit.
Ces fruits ont été récoltés au petit matin, avant la grosse chaleur de la journée.
Unnecessary parts are removed from the harvested fruits. These fruits will then be sent to local markets and stores in particular.
The hybrid "Glow" has a strong pink pulp.
The flavour of "Glow" is exquisite, sweet and slightly acidic. Now all we have to do is taste it.
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The article references are on the next page.
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