Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus pear) seeds are rich in linoleic acid and have beneficial properties for nutritional, industrial and pharmaceutical purposes. The total lipid content and fatty acid composition depends on various factors, including cultivar, degree of maturity, climate, harvesting season as well as agricultural practices. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive seed oil quality analysis by investigating variation among cultivars across locations over two seasons. Seed oil content and fatty acid content, as well as the ratios thereof, differed among cultivars, seasons and locations. Cultivar × location × season interactions were significant for oil content. Levels of oleic acid (C18:1c9) were significantly influenced by the cultivar × location interaction. Mono-unsaturated fatty acid content was significantly influenced by cultivar × location and location × season interactions. Oil content was significantly correlated with levels of palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid. The cultivars ‘Van As’, ‘Turpin’, ‘Roedtan’ and ‘Meyers’ showed good associations with oil content and C18:1c9, while Bloemfontein was the most stable location.
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