Abstract
ABSTRACTThere are scarce and conflicting reports on fruit yield (FY) and cladode nutrient concentrations for cactus pears (Opuntia spp.). The objective of this study was to examine the macro- and micronutrient cladode concentrations, the association between FY nutrient concentrations, and seasonal changes in macro- and micronutrients in fruiting cladodes of “Cristalina” cactus pear plants exposed to a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization matrix over three growing seasons. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design under field conditions. Seven samples of cladode were collected at different phenological stages for the measurement of N, P, K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and boron (B). The analysis suggested that the most important nutrients for FY (20.5 t ha−1) were N and P at 90 and 30 kg ha−1, respectively. The seasonal pattern for macro- and micronutrients is shown and discussed. The latest topic deserves further research for understanding the cactus pear ionome and suggesting mineral fertilization programs to the cactus pear growers.
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