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- Flowering and fruiting of pitaya ( S. undatus ): insights into reproductive processes and farming potential for the Algarve, PortugalPublication . Trindade, Ana Rita; Matias, Pedro; Zarcos Duarte, Beatriz; Trindade, D.; Duarte, AmilcarThe pitaya (Selenicereus spp.), valued for its unique appearance and health benefits, ranks among the most commercially valuable fruits. However, its complex reproductive biology affects crop productivity, especially outside its native habitat. Understanding this is crucial for optimizing fruit set, fruit growth and yield. The reproductive biology of pitaya involves several key processes. Floral induction, triggered by environmental factors like temperature and photoperiod, signals the shift from vegetative growth to flowering. To better understand the reproductive processes of pitaya, this study explores floral induction to provide insights for optimizing agricultural practices. Flower induction trials were carried out in Algarve, Portugal, in which shading and artificial lighting were tested for their effect on production (extension of the productive period and yield). Shading reduced production, as plants in direct sunlight performed better. While lighting increased floral buds and fruits, it did not extend the productive period, due to temperature constraints. However, plants grown in full sun, without supplementary lighting, yielded significantly more. This study suggests a promising outlook for pitaya cultivation in Algarve’s climatic conditions without artificial lighting or shading.