Forage Cactus Research Articles

Intercropping forage cactus genotypes with wood species in a semi‐arid environment

AbstractForage cactus (Opuntia spp. and Nopalea spp.) is a crop tolerant to drought, high temperatures, and less fertile soils, which favors its cultivation in arid and semi‐arid regions and production of cladodes to animal feed. Intercropping may improve water use efficiency and increase agricultural production sustainability. The aim of this research was to evaluate the growth and yield of forage cactus genotypes intercropped with timber species under semi‐arid conditions. Three forage cactus genotypes, erect prickly pear ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ [O. stricta (Haw.) Haw.], ‘Miúda’ [N. cochenillifera (L.) Salm‐Dyck: syn. O. cochenillifera (L.) Mill.], and ‘Baiana’ [N. cochenillifera (L.) Salm‐Dyck] in three cropping systems (monocropping; intercropped with Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.; and intercropped with Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) were studied. All species were irrigated with treated domestic effluent water. Plants were evaluated after 2 yr of cultivation. The forage cactus intercropped with timber species had lower cladode weight, dry matter yield, and lower carrying capacity than forage cactus in monocropped system regardless of genotype. These results suggest that timber species may inhibit the yield of forage cactus, and intercropping is not recommended. In addition, there was no significant difference in the performance of forage cactus when intercropping with M. caesalpiniifolia and P. juliflora. The P. juliflora had greater growth performance when compared with M. caesalpiniifolia intercropped with Miúda and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana. However, when intercropped with the Baiana, the growth of P. juliflora and M. caesalpiniifolia are similar to each other.

PALMA FORRAGEIRA ASSOCIADA À DIFERENTES SILAGENS EM DIETAS PARA VACAS DA RAÇA SINDI EM LACTAÇÃO

ABSTRACT Forage cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) is an important forage resource in the Northeast region of Brazil due to its adaptation to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region, mainly to the drought periods. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of diets with forage cactus combined with different sources of fibers on dry matter and water intakes, digestibility, microbial protein production, balance of nitrogen compounds, and performance of Red Sindhi cows in the Semiarid region of Brazil. The silages used were prepared from plants of Atriplex nummularia Lindi., Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp., and Manihot pseudoglaziovii Pax & K. Hoffm. They were included in forage cactus-based diets at a roughage to concentrate ratio of 58:42. The cows were distributed in a 4×4 double Latin square design with 12 days for each period. Water intake presented differences (p<0.05) when using the diet with A. nummularia silage (19.42 L d-1). The diet with S. bicolor silage resulted in lower (p<0.05) coefficient of digestibility of dry matter (48.71%) than the diet with A. nummularia silage (68.46%). The diet with A. nummularia silage resulted in higher (p<0.05) microbial synthesis than that with G. sepium silage, 115.01 and 80.07 g CPmic kg-1 TDN, respectively. The silages evaluated, combined with forage cactus, can be used as diets for lactating Red Sindhi cows without affecting the daily dry matter intake, milk production, fat content, microbial protein synthesis, and balance of nitrogen compounds.

Does Maturity Change the Chemical-Bromatological Makeup of Cladodes in Spineless Forage Cactus?

In Kutch (Gujarat District, India), there is a growing concern about the lack of good quality forage owing to the arid climate and poor soil health. Opuntia ficus-indica has been increasingly recognized as a drought-resilient forage in arid Kutch. This study seeks to identify the maturity phase of cactus cladodes with the best forage qualities. Five accessions of spineless forage cactus (CBG, No. 1270, No. 1271, No. 1308, and Bianca Macomer) and three cladode maturity phases (young, intermediate, and mature) were examined in a randomized block design experiment in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement. Although only mineral matter and total carbohydrate concentration were significantly different among the accessions, CBG showed better forage qualities than other accessions. Dry matter, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, ether extract, and total carbohydrate accumulations were higher in the intermediate phase. In the mature phase, relatively difficult to digest fiber components such as neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose increase. Our findings indicate that for spineless forage cactus grown in arid areas, the intermediate phase is the best phase to harvest cladodes for feeding livestock.

Soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in semi-arid agroforestry systems integrating forage cactus and tree legumes

ISHS X International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal: Cactus - the New Green Revolution in Drylands Soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in semi-arid agroforestry systems integrating forage cactus and tree legumes

Soil physical attributes and plant root mass in forage cactus production system

Soil physical attributes and plant root mass in forage cactus production system

Selection and control efficacy of Trichoderma spp. against Fusarium solani and Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing root rot in forage cactus

Forage cactus (Nopalea cochinillifera L.) is highly efficient in water use and biomass production for animal feed in arid regions; however, soil fungi Fusarium solani (Fs) and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Lt) pose a threat to this plant. This study evaluated the antagonistic potential of nine Thricorderma spp. against these pathogens. Thricorderma aureoviride URM 6668 (TIA) significantly decreased the growth of the mycelial halo of Fs and Lt by 34% and 89%, respectively (in vitro). TIA inoculation on forage cactus soils was also compared with the use of isolate T. aureoviride URM 5158 (TCP), a chitinase producer, and with Acibenzolar-S-methyl, a plant resistance inducer (PRI). All treatments were effective to control the pathogens, reducing the lesion area at the basal cladode by up to 96%, while Trichoderma spp. induced significant reductions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant tissues. TIA showed potential for inoculant production due to its high efficacy against Fs and Lt in vitro and in vivo, its easy application directly on the plant neck in the form of conidia suspension, and its fast growth in the laboratory.

Preparation and characterization of a biodegradable film from cactus Nopalea sp.

The increasing use of natural biodegradable polymers is a consequence of the concern of society with sustainability. Mucilage of forage cactus of the genus Nopalea is an attractive polymer matrix for the composition of edible films. Most studies on biodegradable films are carried out with the genus Opuntia. This makes Nopalea an important source of interest in the investigation of film formation. The objective was to study the formulation of films and evaluation of physical, optical, and mechanical characteristics of clones of Nopalea and Opuntia, through the addition of water and glycerol. The mucilage was extracted from cladodes of Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck: clones IPA Sertânia (IPA) and Miúda (MIU); and, from Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw., clone Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). The powdered mucilage was hydrated and vacuum filtered, followed by the formulation of the films, without glycerol (just water) and with the addition of glycerol at 15%, 25%, and 14% for IPA, MIU, and OEM clones, respectively. The yield of powdered mucilage was higher for Nopalea. Optical tests with the films revealed that the addition of glycerol generated slightly yellow films (positive b* values), with less transparency than the control films, regardless of the clone and higher L* value in IPA clone films. Moisture content and thickness were increased when glycerol was added. All films, with and without glycerol, showed high water solubility. The microstructure revealed that the films with glycerol presented more compact, smooth, and linear surfaces, forming a homogeneous network. The FTIR spectra revealed that the glycerol films showed the same profile as the control samples, but with higher absorption intensities in some bands. The results found in the present work evidence the potential of the genus Nopalea to produce biodegradable films, as already widely known for the genus Opuntia.

Bacterial Community and Chemical Composition of Mixed Fresh Cactus Forage and Buffel Grass Hay during Aerobic Exposure

The chemical composition of cactus forage becomes a favorable culture medium for accelerated microbial activity when exposed to air, as it contains high content of non-fiber carbohydrates and water. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial community dynamics of different mixtures, using fresh forage of cactus and buffel grass hay as a function of the period of exposure to air. The experimental design used was a 5 × 5 factorial completely randomized (five levels of cactus forage × five times of exposure to air), with five replications. The peak of Escherichia coli population growth was after 16.06 h of exposure to air, observed in treatments of 90% and 100% cactus forage. There was an increase in microbial richness and uniformity of all treatments after six hours. The most abundant genera were Weissella, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium, and Sphingomonas. The diet with 100% cactus forage showed a predominance of Weissella, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc. With 20% cactus forage, there was a greater apparent abundance of Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, and Sphingobacterium. Aerobic exposure of mixtures of cactus forage with buffel grass hay increases the proliferation of microorganisms with pathogenic potential in the diet. Aerobic exposure of mixtures of cactus forage with buffel grass hay increases the proliferation of microorganisms with pathogenic potential in the diet. Therefore, an exposure period of fewer than six hours with 20% cactus forage is recommended to minimize levels of E. coli. Avoiding negative effects of the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms on animal and human health.

Performance of Forage Cactus Intercropped with Arboreal Legumes and Fertilized with Different Manure Sources

The use of agricultural practices such as fertilization and intercropping can improve the production of forage cacti. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of forage cactus intercropped with leguminous trees and fertilized with different sources of manure in the tropical semiarid region of Brazil. The research was carried out at the Agricultural and Livestock Research Enterprise of Pernambuco State during the period from March 2011 to September 2013. The following cultivation systems were used: (i) Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth + forage cactus cv. IPA-Sertania [Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill]; (ii) Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit + forage cactus; and (iii) forage cactus in monoculture. All of these systems were fertilized with different sources of manure (cattle, goat, sheep, and broiler litter). The goat and sheep manure (16.6 and 16.5 Mg DM ha−1 year−1) provided the least production of cactus in the different cropping systems. Cattle manure provided greater production of forage and wood from legumes (1.4 and 4.3 Mg DM ha−1 year−1) and cactus (20.9 Mg DM ha−1 year−1). Gliricidia produced more forage and wood than Leucaena. Total production of the forage cactus-Gliricidia system produced 4.7 and 3.8 Mg DM ha−1 of biomass and wood in two years, respectively. The production and morphological characteristics of the cactus increased at further distance from the trees (3 m), and the opposite effect was observed for the concentrations of N, p, and K. Thus, cropping systems using forage cactus and tree legumes fertilized with manure represent an option for tropical semiarid regions.

Herbicide selectivity on forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera) (L.) Salm - Dick cv miúda

The objective of this work was to evaluate the herbicide selectivity and efficiency on weed control in forage cactus. The treatments were composed of oxyfluorfen, sulfentrazone, ametrine, hexazinone and the weeded control, with 4 replications. The potential quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was evaluated; phytotoxicity levels; productivity of green and dry mass of the aerial part and efficiency of the products in the control of the weeds. It was observed that there was no change in the potential yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) of forage cactus, the values ??were between 0.76 and 0.83 quantum-1 electrons, the plants did not show phytotoxicity, only those that received oxyfluorfen with later recovery. The average productivity of plants that received herbicides was similar to the weeded control. The herbicides oxyfluorfen and ametrine were efficient in the first 45 days after application (DAA), hexazinone showed moderate control until 45 DAA, sulfentrazone obtained low control of weeds that appeared in the experimental period. The herbicides were selective for forage cactus, oxyfluorfen, hexazinone and ametrine are efficient in controlling weeds up to 45 DAA.

The association between morphological characteristics and yield in forage cactus clones varies according to water regimes: a principal component analysis

Forage cactus species exhibit distinct morphological characteristics, which have a relationship to yield and can be affected by different water conditions. The objective was to analyze, with the principal components analysis (PCA), the association between morphological and productivity variables in forage cactus clones in different water regimes. We cultivated, in Serra Talhada, Brazilian semiarid, the Miúda (MIU), Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) and IPA Sertânia (IPA) clones under four water regimes based on crop evapotranspiration – ETc (0%, 40%, 80% and 120% ETc). Between the years 2016 and 2018, morphological and crop productivity data were obtained. Two main components explained >82% of the total variability of the data, and the relationship between morphological and production variables depended on the clone and the water regime. The production of fresh and dry matter was more influenced by the morphological characteristics in the MIU and OEM clones. The IPA clone showed no correlation between the variables analyzed, regardless of the water regime. PCA can be used to understand the growth dynamics of plants and to identify the water conditions that act in the production of cactus clones, favoring better management in the cultivation of culture.

Effect of water regime and palm mass on cultivation of green pepper

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the agronomic behavior of green peppers subjected to different water regimes and masses of forage cactus incorporated into sandy soil in a tropical climate. The treatments were organized in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with water regimes and forage cactus masses incorporated into the soil in a randomized block design. The results allowed us to observe an isolated significant difference for each factor studied. The water regime RH=100% of the vessel capacity (VC) and mass density of 100 g dm−3 of forage cactus incorporated into the soil positively affected the plant height variables, stem diameter, total chlorophyll, and water potential; specifically, these treatments were superior to soil with water restriction and without the addition of forage palm by 63%, 15%, 61%, and 71%, and 87%, 85%, 81%, and 63%, respectively. The doses of soil conditioner masses containing 0 g dm−3 and 100 g dm−3 of palm in the soil showed the best results for the number of fruits (3.25 and 2.00 fruits), number of commercial fruits (2.0 and 1.5 fruits), and fruit length (88.87 mm and 95.92 mm). Forage cactus mass of 100 g dm−1 of Quartzarenic Neosol and 100% VC irrigation water regime is the most recommended treatment for the protected cultivation of green pepper, as it positively influences productivity and the morphophysiological characteristics of the crop.

How to enhance the agronomic performance of cactus-sorghum intercropped system: planting configurations, density and orientation

Clarifying cultivation techniques and making production systems more efficient are practices that have been much sought after in agricultural systems in recent decades. In this context, the forage yield, biological efficiency, and competitive ability, of different cultivation strategies for intercropping forage cactus and sorghum were determined in biosaline production systems from 2018 to 2020 in Brazil. Four experiments were carried out, comprising: 1) cropping configurations for the forage cactus-sorghum intercropping system; 2 and 3) planting densities for the forage cactus intercropped with sorghum with an east-west and north-south row orientation, respectively; and 4) planting densities for the forage cactus and sorghum. Each experiment used a randomised block design with four replications. The intercropped forage cactus and sorghum showed higher productivity than the monocropped systems. The indices of biological efficiency (LER, ATER, LEC and SPI with mean values equal to 1.6, 1.8, 0.6 and 29.0, respectively) and competitive ability (ALGY in average 870.6) show better performance under the intercropped system compared to the single crops. The increased planting density resulted in an increase in productivity under the intercropped forage cactus-sorghum system (on average an increase of 69.4% dry matter). In turn, the orientation had no influence on the productivity of the intercropping system but offered better conditions for the forage cactus when cultivation was in an east-west direction (21.7 Mg ha−1 of dry matter) compared to north-south (17.5 Mg ha−1 of dry matter). Intercropping forage cactus and sorghum using biosaline agriculture is an excellent alternative for a production system in semi-arid environments, especially at higher planting densities (50,000 and 100,000 plants ha−1).

CO2 capture and water use efficiency in Opuntia stricta (Haw.) at different seasons and evaluation times

The forage cactus Mexican Elephant Ear is widely incorporated into the animal productive chain of the northeast region of Brazil. However, there is a lack of studies on the physiological dynamics of this cactus. Therefore, this study was conducted at the Estação Experimental Prof. Ignácio Salcedo of the Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate CO2 uptake and water-use efficiency levels in Opuntia stricta (Haw.) during different seasons and evaluation times. The treatments were distributed using a 24×2 factorial arrangement, which corresponded to the evaluation of gas exchange processes for 24 hours in the rainy (June) and dry (December) seasons. The evaluated parameters were stomatal conductance, transpiration and CO2 uptake rate, internal CO2 concentration, instantaneous water-use efficiency and intrinsic water-use efficiency. The results revealed that gas exchange in the forage cactus was more intense during the rainy season, with good stability, than the low exchange levels during the dry season. Regardless of the season, the CO2 uptake peaked between 24:00 and 02:00. In addition, this range of time is the most suitable to conduct analyses under field conditions.

Performance of forage cactus submitted to different levels of irrigation and organic fertilization in the semi-arid region of Paraiba

The forage cactus represents one of the main sources of fodder for livestock in the semi-arid region. However, although it is cultivated on a large scale in several regions, there are still few studies addressing issues of improved management, especially about irrigation and fertilization of recently used varieties, such as those resistant to false carmine cochineal. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of irrigation and sources of organic fertilizer on the productive performance of forage cactus variety Mexican Elephant’s Ear (Opuntia stricta). The experiment was set up at Fazenda Riachão, municipality of Boa Vista, Paraíba. Two types of manure (bovine and caprine) and the control were used, associated with the absence of irrigation and five different depths, which varied from 1.5 to 5.5 L of water per week per plant. A 3x6 factorial design with five repetitions was used in a randomized block design. The depths of water applied promoted a significant increase in the variables analyzed. The goat manure was the most effective in obtaining better values of the number of cladodes per plant and productivity.

Microbiological Composition of Diets of Cactus Pear-Based with Increasing Levels of Buffel Grass Hay and Relationship to Nutritional Disorders in Sheep.

Simple SummarySmall ruminants fed on cactus pear exclusively in the diet may present nutritional disorders, especially diarrhea. This is due to the high moisture requirements present in this food, related to microbiological factors inherent to poor hygienic quality, such as handling and prolonged exposure of crushed palm to the air, which can cause greater ingestion by animals of certain bacterial groups with pathogenic potential. The aim of this research was to investigate the levels of cactus associated with buffel grass hay on the microbiological quality of diets and the influence on physiological parameters in sheep. Thus, this research revealed that the participation of buffel grass hay was able to reduce the contamination of bacteria that cause diarrhea and depress animal performance.This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological composition of cactus pear-based diets with increasing levels of buffel grass hay, and its effect on the blood and physiological parameters and occurrence of diarrhea in feedlot sheep. Four diets containing different percentages of buffel grass hay were tested. Diets were composed of forage cactus, buffel grass hay and concentrate, and the treatments were represented by different levels of hay in the dry matter of the feed: 7.5% buffel grass hay; 15% buffel grass hay; 30% buffel grass hay; and 45% buffel grass hay on a dry matter basis. There was a significant effect (p = 0.0034) of inclusion levels of buffel grass hay on fecal score. Only at the 45% inclusion level diarrhea was not observed, showing that the level of buffel grass affected more the animals than the collection period, although the collection period has affected the microbial counts. Probably there was a physiological adaptation of animals over time. There were significant changes (p < 0.0001) in the blood parameters of sheep. The reduction of the proportion of cactus and the inclusion of greater than 15% buffel grass hay, on a dry matter basis, provides less contamination of the diet and animal feces by enterobacteria, such as E. coli.

Indicadores de eficiência biológica, habilidade competitiva e benefício econômico de sistemas de produção sustentável de forragem: Uma revisão

O cultivo de espécies adaptadas (e.g., palma forrageira, sorgo, milheto, etc.) pode proporcionar maior produtividade de forragem em ambientes áridos e semiáridos. No entanto, devido às limitações hídricas da região é importante a utilização de irrigação, visto que, quando bem manejada possibilita maiores produções e oportuniza a inserção de cultivos mesmo nos períodos de estiagem. Assim, objetivou-se com essa revisão apresentar os principais índices de eficiência biológica, habilidade competitiva e benefício econômico em diferentes espécies e cultivos forrageiros, bem como, a utilização de práticas resilientes que buscam aumentar a eficiência e sustentabilidade da produção de forragem em ambiente semiárido. Foram utilizados artigos científicos em português e inglês dos últimos dez anos, utilizando as plataformas: Google Acadêmico, Scielo, ScienceDirect, Scopus e Web of Science prezando-se a qualidade e atualidade da literatura citada. A utilização de práticas agrícolas resilientes como a irrigação, plantio de espécies adaptadas, cobertura morta e consórcio são de grande importância para as unidades produtivas do Semiárido brasileiro. Assim como a utilização de índices de eficiência biológica, habilidade competitiva e retorno econômico, que são capazes de auxiliar na determinação das melhores configurações de cultivos consorciados, proporcionando maior confiabilidade e lucratividade da cadeia agropecuária de regiões semiáridas.Palavras-chave: Gliricídia; Leucena; Nopalea; Opuntia; práticas resilientes. Indicators of biological efficiency, competitive ability and economic benefit of different forage production systems in the Brazilian Semiarid Region: A review A B S T R A C TThe cultivation of adapted species (e.g., forage cactus, sorghum, millet, etc.) can provide greater forage productivity in arid and semi-arid environments. However, due to water limitations in the region, it is important to use irrigation, when well managed, it allows for greater production and provides opportunities for the insertion of intercropping crops even in dry periods. Thus, this review aimed to survey the main indices of biological efficiency, competitive ability and economic benefit in different forage species and crops, as well as the use of resilient practices that seek to increase the efficiency and sustainability of forage production in an environment semi-arid. Scientific articles in Portuguese and English from the last ten years were used, using the following platforms: Google Academic, Scielo, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science, paying attention to the quality and timeliness of the literature cited. The use of resilient agricultural practices such as irrigation, planting of adapted species, straw mulch and intercropping are of great importance for productive units in the Brazilian semi-arid region. As well as the use of indices of biological efficiency, competitive ability and economic return, which are capable of helping to determine the best configurations of intercropping crops, providing greater reliability and profitability of the agricultural chain in semi-arid regions.Keywords: Glyricide; Leucena; Nopalea; Opuntia; Resilient practices

Crescimento inicial de clones de palma forrageira submetidos a níveis de adubação potássica

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effect of different levels of potassium fertilization on the initial growth of forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) clones. The experiment lasted six months, arranged in a randomized block design, in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with five levels of potassium fertilization (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 kg of K2O ha-1) and two forage cactus clones (Little Sweet and Giant Sweet), with four replicates. One cladode was planted per pot (experimental unit) with a capacity of 7 kg of soil (24 x 17 x 23 cm). During the experimental period, the plants' structural characteristics were evaluated, such as plant height and width, length, width, thickness, and perimeter of the cladode, as well as accounting for the number of total cladodes, and in order of appearance. At the end of the experiment, biomass was evaluated to determine the fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (DM) yield of the aerial part and the root system. After determining the DM, the potassium content in the plant tissues was determined. The data were submitted to ANOVA and, if necessary, to the Tukey test at a 5% significance level. The potassium fertilization and the forage palm clones did not exert influences based on the variables evaluated during the experimental conduction. Potassium fertilization does not influence the structural and productive characteristics and the potassium content in the N. cochenillifera clones' initial growth.

Initial growth of forage cactus clones at different potassium fertilization levels

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de adubação potássica no crescimento inicial de clones de palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). O experimento foi conduzido durante seis meses, disposto em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2, sendo cinco níveis de adubação potássica (0, 250, 500, 750 e 1000 Kg de K2O ha-1) e dois clones de palma forrageira (Doce Gigante e Doce Miúda), com quatro repetições. Foi plantado um cladódio por vaso (unidade experimental) com capacidade para 7 kg de solo (24 x 17 x 23 cm). Ao longo do período experimental, foram avaliadas as características estruturais das plantas, tais como altura e largura de planta, comprimento, largura, espessura e perímetro de cladódio, bem como contabilização do número de cladódios total e por ordem de surgimento. Ao final do experimento avaliou-se a biomassa, para determinação do rendimento de massa fresca (MV) e seca (MS) da parte aérea e do sistema radicular. Após a determinação de MS, determinou-se o teor potássico nos tecidos vegetais. Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA e, caso necessário, ao teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. A adubação potássica e os clones de palma forrageira não exerceram influências significativas nas variáveis avaliadas durante a condução experimental. A adubação potássica não influencia as características estruturais, produtivas e teor potássico no crescimento inicial de clones de Nopalea cochenillifera.

Nutritional Quality of Opuntia ssp. at Different Phenological Stages: Implications for Forage Purposes

The study aimed to evaluat the chemical composition of forage cactus cladodes of the genus Opuntia spp. at different stages of phenological development. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with a 4×3 factorial scheme, with four species of cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw, Opuntia undulata Griffiths, Opuntia atropes Rose and Opuntia larreri FAC Weber) and three stages of cladode development (young, intermediate, and mature). The chemical composition of Opuntia cladodes varied according to species and phenological stage. Dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations increased, and crude protein (CP) decreased with cladode maturation. The species O. atropes had the lowest levels of organic matter (OM), CP, total carbohydrates, and non-fibrous carbohydrates, as well as the highest values of mineral matter, NDF and ADF. Calcium and phosphorus contents increased with cladodium maturation. The concentrations of boron, copper and manganese were higher in the young and intermediate stages. The cladodes of O. stricta, O. undulata and O. larreri showed better nutritional quality for feeding domestic ruminants. Young and intermediate cladodes are more proteinaceous and less fibrous. These results can be useful in selecting the forage cactus species and in optimizing the use of cladodes for feeding different categories of ruminants in semiarid regions.