Ramiro Lobo

Ramiro Lobo has been the Small Farm and Agricultural Economics Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension in San Diego County since 1997.
His primary responsibility is to conduct research and educational activities to support small-scale agricultural producers in San Diego County. Ramiro’s work
focuses primarily on agricultural business and risk management, new crop development and evaluation, new entry grower/startup information, market development
through agricultural tourism and direct marketing, and farm and pesticide safety education. Current research efforts have concentrated on the evaluation of
pitahaya/dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) cultivars and production systems for field-grown commercial production in California.

Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit Production in California: Overview and Research Update
The presentation will provide an overview of pitahaya or Dragon production and ongoing research activities at South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine and other regions of
Southern California. Specific topics to be discussed include pitahaya germplasm and genetic characterization, pitahaya varieties, growing and trellis systems, pest management, cultural
practices, and issues and challenges related to commercial pitahaya production in Southern California.