International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

The intensification of environmental stressors due to climate change has positioned the Cactaceae family as a vital frontier in sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture. These plants rely on Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), which confers exceptional water-use efficiency and allows them to match the yields of conventional crops while requiring significantly fewer inputs. Their structural adaptations, such as specialised succulent stems and areoles, enable survival in xeric landscapes. Several species, such as dragon fruit, prickly pear, and saguaro, possess notable nutritional and medicinal value owing to their high antioxidant and betalain content. Among these, dragon fruit has gained increasing importance among farmers worldwide, driven by its rising market demand, profitability, and suitability for cultivation on marginal lands. Genomic advances and innovative breeding strategies, such as polyploidy induction and light-based photoperiod management, highlight the importance of studies on this topic, particularly studies of their role in overcoming biological barriers such as self-incompatibility to enhance productivity. Despite ongoing challenges in post-harvest handling and market infrastructure, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern biotechnology positions Cactaceae fruit crops as essential tools for global food security and the economic resilience of rural communities in arid regions. This review explores the botanical diversity and economic potential of these "living jewels," with a primary focus on the global rise of dragon fruit as a commercially significant crop.