Opuntia Research Articles

Predicting geographic distribution and habitat suitability of Opuntia streptacantha in paleoclimatic, current, and future scenarios in Mexico.

Mexican territory is one of the centers of origin and dispersion of the genus Opuntia, where several of its species have been an important plant resource for people in arid and semiarid zones. Opuntia streptacantha is widely distributed in Mexico; however, precise aspects of its geographic distribution and ecological status are still unknown. Here, we modeled its potential distribution under paleoclimatic, current, and future conditions through maximum entropy and predictions from 824 records and seven environmental variables. Potential distribution of O. streptacantha in the interglacial period was contracted and slightly north than current distribution, with 44,773 km2 of optimal habitat. In other past periods, the central location of potential distribution coincides with the actual current distribution, but the period of the last glacial maximum was characterized by 201 km2 of very suitable habitat, absent in interglacial, current, and future periods. The future model suggests that potential distribution will move toward the south of the Mexican territory. Synthesis and applications. The potential distribution of O. streptacantha can be applied for the conservation and management of the species, and also in the selection of areas with crassicaule scrubs for protection, conservation, and reproduction of species resistant to the hostile conditions of arid and semiarid zones of Mexican territory, where the structure and composition of the vegetation will be affected in the next 100 years.

Effect of removing the spring flush and irrigation on the reflowering and late ripening of cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.

The effect of removing the spring flush and three irrigation doses on cactus pear’s reflowering and late ripening were studied. Removing the spring flush (scozzolatura practice) and irrigation have a significant effect (p ≤ 0,05) on the reflowering and late ripening of cactus pear. In not irrigated and not scozzolaturated plants (NINSP), the flowering extended from March 10 to May 25, 2017, and the ripening extended from May 20 to August 15, 2017. Whereas, in irrigated and scozzolaturated plants (ISP) the reflowering extended from June 15 to August 24, 2017, and the ripening extended from July 21 to November 20, 2017. The number of growths was higher in ISP (92-103 per plant) than in NINSP (81 per plant). Fruit yield was higher in NINSP (56.2 t ha-1) than in ISP (26.2-36.5 t ha-1), but fruit mass (123-131 g) and fruit length (7.83-7.92 cm) were higher in ISP than in NINSP (fruit mass: 103 g and fruit length: 7.72 cm). The rate of juice in fruits was also higher in ISP (49-55 %) than in NINSP (43 %), and the content of sugars was higher in NINSP (15.20 °Brix) than in ISP (13.83-14.56 °Brix).

Nature-Inspired Design of Nano-Architecture-Aligned Ni5P4-Ni2P/NiS Arrays for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)

The projection of developing sustainable and cost-efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is booming. However, the full potential of electrocatalysts fabricated from earth-abundant metals has yet to be exploited to replace Pt-group metals due to inadequate efficiency and insufficient design strategies to meet the ever-increasing demands for renewable energies. To improve the electrocatalytic performance, the primary challenge is to optimize the structure and electronic properties by enhancing the intrinsic catalytic activity and expanding the active catalytic surface area. Herein, we report synthesizing a 3D nanoarchitecture of aligned Ni5P4-Ni2P/NiS (plate/nanosheets) using a phospho-sulfidation process. The durability and unique design of prickly pear cactus in desert environments by adsorbing moisture through its extensive surface and ability to bear fruits at the edges of leaves inspire this study to adopt a similar 3D architecture and utilize it to design an efficient heterostructure catalyst for HER activity. The catalyst comprises two compartments of the vertically aligned Ni5P4-Ni2P plates and the NiS nanosheets, resembling the role of leaves and fruits in the prickly pear cactus. The Ni5P4-Ni2P plates deliver charges to the interface areas, and the NiS nanosheets significantly influence Had and transfer electrons for the HER activity. Indeed, the synergistic presence of heterointerfaces and the epitaxial NiS nanosheets can substantially improve the catalytic activity compared to nickel phosphide catalysts. Notably, the onset overpotential of the best-modified ternary catalysts exhibits (35 mV) half the potential required for nickel phosphide catalysts. This promising catalyst demonstrates 70 and 115 mV overpotentials to attain current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm-2, respectively. The obtained Tafel slope is 50 mV dec-1, and the measured double-layer capacitance from cyclic voltammetry (CV) for the best ternary electrocatalyst is 13.12 mF cm-2, 3 times more than the nickel phosphide electrocatalyst. Further, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) at the cathodic potentials reveals that the lowest charge transfer resistance is linked to the best ternary electrocatalyst, ranging from 430 to 1.75 Ω cm-2. This improvement can be attributed to the acceleration of the electron exchangeability at the interfaces. Our findings demonstrate that the epitaxial NiS nanosheets expand the active catalytic surface area and simultaneously elevate the intrinsic catalytic activity by introducing heterointerfaces, which leads to accommodating more Had at the interfaces.

In situ ruminal degradability of forage cactus-based diets associated with pornunça silage

The knowledge of ruminal degradation kinetics of forage cactus-based diets associated with Euphorbiaceae species of the genus Manihot assist in understanding nutrient quality and use, contributing to the indication of combinations of these ingredients in ruminant diets. This study aimed to evaluate the in situ ruminal degradability of diets with increasing association of forage cactus Elephant Ear (MEE) and pornunça (Manihot sp.) silage, as well as to analyze and evaluate the indigestible neutral detergent fiber (FDNi) content of forage cactus MEE and pornunça silage. The treatments consisted of diets with cactus pear associated with pornunça silage in the roughage portion in the proportions of 375, 250, 125 and 0 g kg-1 of DM. The feed was composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate of dry matter. Incubation times of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 144 hours were evaluated for the ingredients and 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for the diets. Incubation to obtain the iNDF was given for 288 hours. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with three replications. Regarding roughage ingredients, MEE showed higher average disappearance, potential degradability (PD), and effective degradability (ED) in relation to pornunça silage, as well as lower NDFi content. The proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and 125 g kg-1 pornunça silage provided higher fractions a, b, and c, increasing ED considering the three passage rates, with higher PD. In conclusion, the association between MEE and pornunça silage at a proportion of 375 g kg-1 MEE and125g kg-1 pornunça silage of the roughage portion increases the in situ degradability of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber.

Assessment of technological and functional features of Lactiplantibacillus and Fructobacillus strains isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica fruits

Opuntia ficus-indica fruits are outstanding for their sensory attributes and multiple health benefits. However, this fruit is highly perishable, and substantial efforts have been carried out to extend its shelf-life. Lactic fermentation of fruits by-products using autochthonous bacteria arises as relevant technology for preserving vegetables and their by-products. In this study, autochthonous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Fructobacillus fructosus strains previously selected from Opuntia ficus-indica fruits of Northwestern Argentina were characterized according to their technological and functional properties to select the most suitable for the production of fermented cactus pear products. L. plantarum strains showed better acidifying activity, decreasing the pH of the juice by about 2.9 units in 24 h. All the strains studied produced lactic and propionic acids, and L.plantarum S-811 and S-TF2 strains and F. fructosus S-TF7 strain were the better lactic acid producers, with values around 9.5 g/l. These strains also displayed antimicrobial activities against undesirable pathogen bacteria, showed a safety profile typical of lactic acid bacteria, and the juice fermented with these strains preserves the phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity of unfermented juice. The obtained results showed the potential of L.plantarum S-811 and S-TF2, and F. fructosus S-22 for their use as starters for the fermentation of cactus pear by-products, standing out L.plantarum S-811 for its potentiality to elaborate a fermented cactus pear beverage. The cactus pear juice fermented by L.plantarum S-811 showed physicochemical and microbiological stability that favors juice shelf-life. Besides, fermentation conferred distinctive sensory features to the cactus pear juice without influencing consumers' overall acceptability.

Cactus Pear Silage to Mitigate the Effects of an Intermittent Water Supply for Feedlot Lambs: Intake, Digestibility, Water Balance and Growth Performance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, water balance and growth performance of lambs receiving diets containing cactus silage under an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six male, uncastrated Santa Inês lambs with an initial weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and age of 6 months were distributed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with three proportions of cactus pear in the diets (0 (control diet containing Tifton hay), 21% and 42% of dry matter) and three periods of intermittent water supply (0, 24 and 48 h), with four repetitions. Lambs that received diets non-isonitrogenous with cactus silage showed higher intakes of dry matter (p < 0.001), total digestible nutrients (p < 0.001), water excretion via faeces (p < 0.001) and water balance (p < 0.001). Lambs that received diets with cactus silage showed higher digestibility of total carbohydrates, non-fibre carbohydrates (p = 0.005), water intake via food (p < 0.001), total water intake (p < 0.001), water excretion via urine (p < 0.001) and water balance (p < 0.05), when compared to the control diet. Lambs that received diets with cactus silage promoted growth performance (p = 0.001). When using 42% forage cactus silage in place of Tifton hay and water offered at 48 h intervals, intake, digestibility, and performance of feedlot lambs were improved.

Rapid and Efficient In Vitro Propagation Protocol of Endangered Wild Prickly Pear Growing in Eastern Morocco

The Opuntia genus is widely recognized as a significant member of the Cactaceae family. The eastern Moroccan prickly pear’s wild ecotype is renowned for its production of fruits of superior quality, which are in high demand. Nonetheless, the white cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae) has emerged as a significant hazard to the persistence of the indigenous wild prickly pear population in the majority of the country’s territories. Conventional plant propagation techniques may facilitate the transmission of pathogens to successive generations and thus fail to satisfy market requirements. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to develop a rapid and efficient protocol for large-scale production of the eastern Moroccan wild ecotype using axillary buds as the starting material. Sterilization of the starting material is a crucial but challenging step in this species, as the meristem is located just beneath the spine. The protocol developed for this study produced moderately satisfactory results, with 20 to 30% contamination in each experiment. The obtained shoots were incubated on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with varying concentrations of BAP (0, 1.5, 3, 5, and 7.5 mg/L). The treatment with BAP at 5 mg/L exhibited a statistically significant increase in the average number of regenerated shoots per explant (19.42). The effect of kinetin on the rooting of prickly pear was evaluated by transferring the shoots to a MS medium supplemented with varying concentrations of kinetin (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mg/L). The use of kinetin increased the number and length of roots while also shortening the root development period from 21 days to 10 days. The best results were obtained at a concentration of 1.5 mg/L of kinetin. Furthermore, satisfactory acclimatization of plants was achieved by using plastic containers with a gradually increasing opening of the lids. The outcomes of this experimentation have significant potential to facilitate the preservation of this botanical variety, reduce the risk of white cochineal infestation, and address the need for superior quality fruit supply in the market.

Water footprint of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear with deficit irrigation using wastewater and blue water plus cattle manure

This study aims to evaluate the water footprint of cactus pear cultivated under different irrigation strategies. Treatments were: no fertilization and no irrigation (T1); no fertilization and deficit irrigation (DI) with wastewater (0.6 L plant-1 week-1) (T2); no fertilization and DI with wastewater (1.2 L plant-1 week-1, once a week) (T3); no fertilization and DI with wastewater (1.2 L plant-1week-1, divided in two weekly applications) (T4); with organic fertilization (60 Mg ha-1 of bovine manure) and DI with blue water (1.2 L plant-1 week-1) (T5); and with organic fertilization (60 Mg ha-1 of bovine manure) and no irrigation (T6). Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized blocks design, with five replicates. Productivity, nutrients applied and consumption of green and blue water were evaluated. The water footprint was lower in treatments irrigated with wastewater than in the other treatments. The DI, using blue water, makes it possible to increase crop productivity without increasing water footprint; in the absence of irrigation, organic fertilization does not reduce the water footprint; the DI, using wastewater, makes it possible to increase crop productivity while decreasing water footprint.

Synchrotron micro-computed tomography unveils the three-dimensional structure and origin of staminodes in the Plains Prickly Pear Cactus Opuntia polyacantha Haw. (Cactaceae).

Floral appendages display an array of shapes and sizes. Among these organs, staminodes are morphologically diverse structures that have lost the ability to produce pollen, but in some instances, they produce fertile pollen grains. In the family Cactaceae staminodes are uncommon and range from simple linear to flat to spatulate structures, but studies describing their structural attributes are scanty. This study highlights the advantages of synchrotron radiation for sample preparation and as a research tool for plant biology. It describes the internal morphology of floral parts, particularly stamen, tepal, and staminode in the Plains Prickly Pear Cactus, Opuntia polyacantha, using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR-μCT). It also shows the different anatomical features in reconstructed three-dimensional imaging of reproductive parts and discuss the advantages of the segmentation method to detect and characterize the configuration and intricate patterns of vascular networks and associated structures of tepal and androecial parts applying SR-μCT. This powerful technology led to substantial improvements in terms of resolution allowing a more comprehensive understanding of the anatomical organization underlying the vasculature of floral parts and inception of staminodes in O. polyacantha. Tepal and androecial parts have uniseriate epidermis enclosing loose mesophyll with mucilage secretory ducts, lumen, and scattered vascular bundles. Cryptic underlying structural attributes provide evidence of a vascularized pseudo-anther conjoint with tepals. The undefined contours of staminodial appendages (pseudo-anther) amalgamated to the tepals' blurred boundaries suggest that staminodes originate from tepals, a developmental pattern supporting the fading border model of floral organ identity for angiosperms.

Opuntia setocarpa (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae): Phylogenetic Hypothesis and Notes

Opuntia is a genus of plants known as prickly pear cactus (nopales), with about 200 species, and is taxonomically complicated. The present study was focused on characterizing micromorphology and providing a phylogenetic hypothesis to place Opuntia setocarpa (described in 2017) in relation to other related species. Three individuals were characterized and collected in Neverías in the Sierra of Cacoma of the municipality Autlán de Navarro in Jalisco, Mexico. The micromorphology of spines, epidermis and stoma was characterized with scanning electron microscopy. The phylogenetic hypothesis was performed with maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference including other Mexican species. Opuntia setocarpa is recovered as a supported species within Opuntia s.s.

Fruit Production and Seed Dispersal of Opuntia phaeacantha (Cactaceae) in the Southwest Mojave Desert

Mode of reproduction in the genus Opuntia varies among species but often includes both vegetative and sexual reproduction, with the latter often facilitated by animal seed dispersal. In this multi-year study, we examined fruit and seed production and seed dispersal in the Mojave prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha) at two sites in the southwest Mojave Desert. Between 2015–2020 we counted fruits on randomly selected cactus patches, quantified fruit losses from those patches over time, collected fruits, and extracted and counted seeds. To assess seed dispersal, we collected fresh mammal pellets in belt transects at one site from 2016–2018; pellets were examined for Opuntia seeds. To assess animal fruit consumption and removal, we installed camera traps at one site. We baited selected patches with fruits and photographed animals that consumed or removed fruits. Fruit numbers varied widely among years and sites, although fruit production was not significantly correlated with climatic variables. Fruit losses were high at both sites, occurring more slowly in years of high fruit production. Seeds per fruit also varied with means ranging from 65 to 125 seeds. Rabbit and deer (Odocoileus hemionus) pellets were abundant at one site where we found 0.02 seeds per rabbit pellet but none in deer pellets. Camera traps baited with fruits revealed that they disappeared more quickly from patch edges than from patch interiors. Desert cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii) and California jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) dominated photographs at patch edges while nearly all interior photographs were of white-tailed antelope squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurus). In summary, although the number of seeds produced by O. phaeacantha is highly variable, the total number per site is high in some years, and fruits are consumed and seeds spread by animal dispersers.

Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw. (Cactaceae) in the Bulgarian flora

Abstract Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw. (Cactaceae) is the smallest and most cold-hardy species of genus Opuntia in North America. In Bulgaria it is grown as an ornamental plant, but in 2019 a population of this species was discovered by other researchers in natural habitats in Lozenska Mt (Western Bulgaria) at 630–660 m a.s.l. on an area (extent of occurrence) of ca. 100 m2. In July 2020, we established a population of this species on the Black Sea coast near the town of Primorsko (Eastern Bulgaria) at 5 m a.s.l. on an area of ca. 300 m2. The distance between the two populations is 360 km in a straight line and their origins are independent of each other. The two localities of this species are so far the only ones described not only for the territory of Bulgaria, but also for Europe. Data are given on the conditions characterizing each of the localities. The possible reasons for the appearance in natural habitats of this alien plant species for the Bulgarian flora are considered. The impacts and threats this species may have on biodiversity in natural habitats are indicated. Measures have been proposed to control the populations of the species.

Morphological and physio-biochemical responses of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) organogenic cultures to salt and drought stresses induced in vitro

Morphological and physio-biochemical responses of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) organogenic cultures to salt and drought stresses induced in vitro

Mucilage Yield, Composition, and Physicochemical Properties of Cultivated Cactus Pear Varieties as Influenced by Irrigation

Opuntia spp. plants occupy an important socioeconomic role in arid and semiarid zones where water is scarce. Irrigation increases the productivity of these plants; however, its effect on the yield, composition, and physicochemical properties of the mucilage is unknown. Three irrigation regimens were tested: non-irrigated (rainwater), supplemental irrigation (irrigation between field capacity (0.28 m3 m−3) and permanent wilting point (0.14 m3 m−3)), and full irrigation (100% of crop evapotranspiration), on the four cactus pear varieties (‘Amarilla Olorosa’ (Opuntia spp.), ‘Cristalina’ (Opuntia albicarpa Scheinvar), ‘Dalia Roja’ (Opuntia spp.), and ‘Roja Lisa’ (O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill)). Irrigation regimens were applied during the dry season (March to June in the northern hemisphere). Composite samples of cladodes per replicate and treatment were collected for mucilage extraction. The mucilage was characterized for yield, color, chemical composition, infrared spectroscopy, viscosity, and molar mass. The combination with the greatest yield was ‘Amarilla Olorosa’ with no irrigation (22.2%), while the least yield was from ‘Cristalina’ undergoing full irrigation (12.2%). In general, non-irrigated plants yielded more mucilage, their color was brighter and less green, and they had more protein and fiber. The viscosity and molar mass were greatest in non-irrigated plants. Total carbohydrate content was similar between non-irrigated and supplementally irrigated plants. Thus, for the cactus pear varieties studied here, either no irrigation or supplemental irrigation could be a feasible strategy to produce mucilage with good characteristics for agro-industrial and pharmaceutical use.

Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit: A Systematic Review of Its Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Activities.

The use of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits in the agro-food sector is increasing for a multiplicity of players. This renewed interest is, in part, due to its organoleptic characteristics, nutritional value and health benefits. Furthermore, industries from different sectors intend to make use of its vast array of metabolites to be used in different fields. This trend represents an economic growth opportunity for several partners who could find new opportunities exploring non-conventional fruits, and such is the case for Opuntia ficus-indica. O. ficus-indica originates from Mexico, belongs to the Cactaceae family and is commonly known as opuntia, prickly pear or cactus pear. The species produces flowers, cladodes and fruits that are consumed either in raw or in processed products. Recent publications described that consumption of the fruit improves human health, exhibiting antioxidant activity and other relevant pharmacological activities through enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Thus, we provide a systematic, scientific and rational review for researchers, consumers and other relevant stakeholders regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of O. ficus-indica fruits.

A Narrative Review on Ethnomedicinal Relevance and Species Diversity of Opuntia Genus in India

Opuntia genus belonging to Cactaceae family has been considered as a weed in various parts of world. It grows extensively all over India particularly in dry areas. Folklore practitioners across India make use of various parts of this plant in innumerable disease conditions. The present review aims to collect all available ethnomedicinal information on various species of Opuntia in India. Review has been done on the ethnomedicinal uses of Opuntia genus reported in India has been collected from books on ethnobotany and ethnomedicinal research articles which have been compiled from library sources and web-based search engines like Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, J-Gate etc from Feb.2021-Nov. 2021. Each particular species of Opuntia reported along with vernacular name, place of reporting along with the therapeutic indication, with specific method of administration and other uses if any were also noted. From 122 articles reviewed, members of Opuntia genus are found to be available in 16 states across India, with well-established folklore claims. It has reported to be used in 85 different clinical conditions with some potential leads for reverse pharmacological studies. It is also noted that all parts of certain species like Opuntia dillenii Haw. are used, whereas Opuntia vulgaris Mill. are less used when compared. Conclusion: Opuntia genus has been claimed for multifaceted ethnomedicinal uses. These ethnomedicinal claims serves as “a lead” for many pharmacological activities which has to be substantiated with suitable in vivo and clinical evaluations.

Ants associated to prickly pear cactus crop in Texcoco, State of Mexico

In Mexico, center of domestication of prickly pear cactus species (also called “nopales”) few studies exist on insects associated with this crop. The studies are scantier on ants, since the majority are not considered to be pest. For this motive, the population dynamics of the ants was studied in experimental prickly pear crop in the installation of Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico. The sample was fortnightly performed from February 2013 to March 2014. Ants were gathered with pitfall traps and arboreal traps, all of them with three baits and others without bait. Also recorded raiding, the nests in crop and inside to the cladodes. We collected a total of 10,953 individuals (74 % on ground and 26% on prickly pear cladodes), and seven species were determined: Hypoponera opacior (Forel), Neivamyrmex nigrescens (Cresson), Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith), Linepithema humile (Mayr), Camponotus atriceps (Smith), Pheidole obtusospinosa Forel and Monomorium minimum (Buckley). The last four were more abundant and frequent. We discuss the presence and nesting of ants in crop and their association with other insects of prickly pear crop.

Carcass traits and meat quality of goats fed with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage subjected to an intermittent water supply

The effect of different proportions of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (p = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical–chemical characteristics were not affected (p > 0.05) by the CPS or IWS. The IWS reduced (p = 0.04) the elongase enzyme activity. The CPS inclusion in the diet reduced C22:0 (p = 0.01), some branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), C20:1 (p = 0.03), c13-C18:1 (p = 0.01) fatty acids. Therefore, in situations of water scarcity, an intermittent water supply of up to 48 h and diets with up to 42% cactus pear silage, can be adopted in goat feedlot, without affecting carcass traits and meat quality.

Mucilage from Yellow Pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) Fruit Peel: Extraction, Proximal Analysis, and Molecular Characterization.

Mucilage is a hydrophilic biopolymeric material of interest in the food industry due to its high content of dietary fiber, antioxidant activity, and gelling and thickening capacities, which is present in high concentration in agricultural by-products, such as the peel of cacti fruits. In this work, the powdered mucilage extracted from the peel of yellow pitahaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) fruit was characterized using a multi-technical approach that included proximal analysis (proteins, lipids, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrates), as well as structural (FTIR, NMR, UPLC-QTOF-MS, and X-ray diffraction), colorimetric (CIELab parameters), morphological (SEM), and thermal (DSC/TGA) methods. Likewise, its total content of dietary fiber and polyphenols, as well as its antioxidant activity, were determined. This dried mucilage presented a light pale yellow-reddish color, attributed to the presence of betalains (bioactive pigments with high antioxidant activity). The FTIR spectrum revealed functional groups associated with a low presence of proteins (5.45 ± 0.04%) and a high concentration of oligosaccharides (55.26 ± 0.10%). A zeta potential of -29.90 ± 0.90 mV was determined, denoting an anionic nature that favors the use of this mucilage as a stable colloidal dispersion. UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed a major oligosaccharide composition based on galacturonic acid units in anionic form. SEM micrographs revealed a cracked morphology composed of amorphous and irregular particles. According to the DSC/TGA results, this mucilage can be introduced as a new source of hydrocolloids in food processes since it has high thermal stability that has been manifested up to 373.87 °C. In addition, this biopolymer exhibited a high content of polyphenols (25.00 ± 0.01-g gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100-g sample), dietary fiber (70.51%), and antioxidant activity (1.57 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox equivalents/kg of sample). It was concluded that this mucilaginous material presents sufficient physicochemical and functional conditions to be used as a nutritional ingredient, thus giving valorization to this agricultural by-product.

Participatory inventory and nutritional evaluation of local forage resources for smallholder free-range beef production in semi-arid areas of South Africa

Feed scarcity is a major challenge facing free-range beef farming in semi-arid areas. Specifically, low quality and quantity of forage in rangelands and higher feeding costs are the main constraints limiting smallholder free-range beef farmers’ participation in mainstream beef markets. Using farmers’ participatory approaches, this study identified major locally available forage resources (LAFRs) and evaluated their nutritional value. A total of 40 free-ranging commercially orientated smallholder beef farmers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and tasked to identify LAFRs in the Cradock and Middelburg areas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Chemical analysis was conducted for the most cited forages such as African sheepbush (Pentzia incana), sweet thorn (Vachellia karroo) leaves and pods, reed (Phragmites australis), lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay, natural pasture grasses (NPGs) and barbary fig, or prickly pear cactus, (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes collected from twelve participants’ farms. Feed shortage was ranked by more than 53% respondents as the main constraint to smallholder beef production. Regardless of the farming area, crude protein content of V. karroo leaves and pods averaging 18.8 and 19.5%, respectively, was higher than other LAFRs. However, V. karoo pods had relatively low ash content than other forages in both farming areas. Opuntia ficus-indica attained high in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility at 12, 24 and 48 hr incubation periods, due to low neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin. Integration of participatory inventory and chemical analysis proved to be reliable in identifying LAFRs, with V. karroo leaves and O. ficus-indica cladodes being the main potential forage resources for inclusion in beef cattle diets. Further research is recommended to substantiate their supplementary nutritive value and level of inclusion in beef cattle finishing diets.