Opuntia Research Articles

Oil-Based Double Emulsion Microcarriers for Enhanced Stability and Bioaccessibility of Betalains and Phenolic Compounds from Opuntia stricta var. dillenii Green Extracts.

Opuntia cactus fruit (prickly pear flesh and agricultural residues such as peels and stalks) is an important source of bioactive compounds, including betalains and phenolic compounds. In this work, two double emulsion W1/O/W2 formulations (A and B) were designed to encapsulate green extracts rich in betalains and phenolic compounds obtained from Opuntia stricta var. dillenii (OPD) fruits with the aim of improving their stability and protecting them during the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. In addition, the characterization of the double emulsions was studied by microscopy and the evaluation of their physical and physico-chemical parameters. Formulation A, based on Tween 20, showed smaller droplets (1.75 µm) and a higher physical stability than Formulation B, which was achieved with sodium caseinate (29.03 µm). Regarding the encapsulation efficiency of the individual bioactives, betalains showed the highest values (73.7 ± 6.7 to 96.9 ± 3.3%), followed by flavonoids (68.2 ± 5.9 to 95.9 ± 7.7%) and piscidic acid (71 ± 1.3 to 70.2 ± 5.7%) depending on the formulation and the bioactive compound. In vitro digestive stability and bioaccessibility of the individual bioactives increased when extracts were encapsulated for both formulations (67.1 to 253.1%) in comparison with the non-encapsulated ones (30.1 to 64.3%), except for neobetanin. Both formulations could be considered as appropriate microcarrier systems for green OPD extracts, especially formulation A. Further studies need to be conducted about the incorporation of these formulations to develop healthier foods.

Influence of cactus pear cultivation density on the physicochemical characteristics of the soil

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the planting density of cactus pear cv. Mexican elephant ear under soil physical and chemical properties. Four planting densities were tested: 30,000, 45,000, 60,000 and 75,000 plants distributed in a randomised block design with four replications. After 360 days of cultivation, soil samples were taken in different profiles (0.0–0.10, 0.10–0.20, 0.20–0.30 and 0.30–0.40 m). The physical–chemical analysis included soil density, particle density, porosity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe2+), manganese (Mn2+), zinc (Zn2+), exchangeable acidity (H+Al), sums of bases (SB), cation exchange capacity and base saturation (V). The results were tested using analysis of variance, regression at 5% probability and principal component analysis (PCA). Physical properties along the soil profile and soil chemical properties in the 0–0.10 m profile were not altered (P > 0.05) by the density. There was a decreasing linear effect (P < 0.05) of density on the P content in the 0.10–0.20, 0.20–0.30 and 0.30–0.40 m profiles. Mg, Zn and V in the 0.10–0.20 m profile and Ca in the 0.30–0.40 m profile decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as a function of density. There was an increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) of planting density on Fe in the 0.20–0.30 m profile. The PCA showed that the factor loadings of the chemical properties of the soil in the different profiles were greater than 75% in the first two components. Except for the 0–0.10 m profile, with 55.77%. Minerals that contributed most to PC were Ca, K, P, Mg and Mn. In this sense, increasing the planting density of cactus pear without the use of fertiliser demands more from the soil, recommending lower densities between 30,000 and 45,000 plants ha−1.

Beneficial Effects of Opuntia spp. on Liver Health.

The genus Opuntia spp. includes plants capable of growing in arid, temperate and tropical climates. The vast majority of wild species grow in Mexico, but O. ficus-indica (prickly pear or nopal) is cultivated around the world and it is one of the most studied. This review shows the currently available knowledge concerning the action of O. ficus-indica and other Opuntia species (Opuntia vulgaris, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia streptacantha, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia dejecta) on liver health. The available data demonstrate the positive effects of extracts, vinegar, juices or seed oil of the Opuntia genus on the alterations induced in the liver by inadequate feeding patterns or the administration of chemicals. In this regard, the potential beneficial effects of nopal are related to the attenuation of triglyceride accumulation, oxidative stress and/or inflammation. Nevertheless, there is no information concerning the bioactive compound's characterisation in most of these studies; consequently, it is not possible to link the therapeutic effects of these plants to the presence of specific compounds in the nopal extracts. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm if the positive effects observed in animal models are also found in humans, in order to determine whether Opuntia can represent an effective tool to prevent and/or manage hepatic alterations.

Foodomics revealed the effects of ultrasonic extraction on the composition and nutrition of cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) seed oil

Cactus is a tropical fruit with a high nutritional value; however, little information is available regarding the comprehensive utilization of its byproducts. This study aimed to explore the composition and nutritional value of cactus fruit seed oil (CFO) and reveal the effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction and traditional solvent extraction on oil quality. Foodomics analysis showed that CFO extracted using a traditional solvent is rich in linolenic acid (9c12cC18:2, 57.46 ± 0.84 %), α-tocopherol (20.01 ± 1.86 mg/100 g oil), and canolol (200.10 ± 1.21 μg/g). Compared to traditional solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction can significantly increase the content of lipid concomitants in CFO, whereas excessive ultrasound intensity may lead to the oxidation of oils and the formation of free radicals. Analysis of the thermal properties showed that ultrasound had no effect on the crystallization or melting behavior of CFO. To further demonstrate the nutritional value of CFO, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lipid metabolism imbalance model was used. Lipidomics analysis showed that CFO significantly reduced the content of oxidized phospholipids stimulated by LPS and increased the content of highly bioactive metabolites such as ceramides, thus alleviating LPS-induced damage in C. elegans. Hence, CFO is a functional oil with high value, and ultrasound-assisted extraction is advocated. These findings provide new insights into the comprehensive utilization of cactus fruits.

Potential of parasitoids to control Diaspis echinocacti (Bouché) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on Opuntia spp. cactus pear

BackgroundDiaspis echinocacti (Bouché) is a major pest of cactus pear species worldwide. Over the past three years, this scale insect has seen increasing interest regarding its spread and importance, as well as the efficacy of its primary parasitoids Aphytis debachi Azim, and Plagiomerus diaspidis Crawford, as biocontrol agents. Infestation of cactus pear plants by D. echinocacti and parasitism rates of its two parasitoids were evaluated in fields in Zemamra-Morocco, for three years (2020–2022). Infested cladodes were collected and incubated in the laboratory (27 ± 1 °C) for parasitism study.ResultsInfestation of cactus pear plants by the cochineal increased continuously during the study period to reach 66% in 2022. Parasitism rates were lowest in 2020 and increased thereafter to 74.10 and 38.38% in 2022 for P. diaspidis, and A. debachi, respectively. The most abundant parasitoid was P. diaspidis. The functional response and mutual interference of P. diaspidis and A. debachi attacking D. echinocacti second instar nymphs were studied in the laboratory. Logistic regression for both parasitoids tested had a negative linear parameter indicating a type II functional response. Attack rates were 0.73 and 0.60 and handling times were 0.09 and 0.06 h for P. diaspidis and A. debachi, respectively, were estimated using Holling's disk equation. Search efficiency decreased significantly from 0.060 to 0.002 for P. diaspidis and from 0.067 to 0.003 for A. debachi when the parasitoids density increased from 1 to 8.ConclusionsParasitism potential, functional response and mutual interference of P. diaspidis and A. debachi attacking D. echinocacti were reported. The results of this investigation suggest that both P. diaspidis and A. debachi had the potential to effectively control infestations of D. echinocacti on cactus pear plantations.

Description and antioxidant capacity of prickly pear cladodes at different stages of development

Semi-arid regions are a source of several high nutritional plant species yet underexplored. The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) provides a secure source of nutrients and antioxidants for human consumption. This study aimed to describe and assess the antioxidant capacity of prickly pear cladodes in different development stages. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme with six replications: two cultivars (Gigante and Redonda) and four development stages (1 – cladodes of 4.0 to 8.0 cm; 2 – 8.01 to 12.0 cm; 3 – 12.01 to 16.0; and 4 – 16.01 to 20.0 cm). Diameter, fresh mass, and yield increased significantly according to the cladode stages, especially in the Redonda cultivar, while protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents decreased with advanced stages on both cultivars. The highest chlorophylls, carotenoids, and flavonoid contents were obtained at the third and fourth stages in the Gigante cultivar. The highest total phenols were obtained at the first and second stages also in the Gigante cultivar. Ascorbic acid content increased according to the stages in both cultivars, and antioxidant capacity was higher in dry mass when compared to fresh mass. Prickly pears cladodes are suitable for the human diet at any stage of development. However, due to the concentrations of compounds with antioxidant properties, the third and fourth stages are recommended for fresh consumption.

Buffel grass pre-dried as a modulator of the fermentation, nutritional and aerobic stability profile of cactus pear silage

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate fermentation losses and the fermentation profile of cactus pear silage with buffel grass pre-dried. Five levels of inclusion of buffel grass pre-dried in cactus pear silage (0%; 15%; 25%; 35% and 45% on a dry matter basis) were evaluated with 6 replications, in a completely randomised design. After 90 storage days, silos were opened and silages were analysed. The density, effluent losses, buffering capacity, flieg index, mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients content were quadratically influenced (P < 0.05) of the inclusion of buffel grass pre-dried in cactus pear silage. The inclusion of buffel grass pre-dried promoted a decreasing on gas losses, maximum pH, final pH during stability and CO2 production at the three exposure times, and an increasing on dry matter recovery, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, ammonia nitrogen, dry matter, neutral and acid detergent fibre, and hemicellulose contents in the cactus pear silages. The inclusion of up to 35% buffel grass pre-dried in cactus pear silage represents a viable strategy in the process of nutrient conservation and fermentation quality. In addition to presenting low carbon production during aerobic stability.

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 &lt; 0.001), total digestible nutrients (p &lt; 0.001), water excretion via faeces (p &lt; 0.001) and water balance (p &lt; 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 &lt; 0.001), total water intake (p &lt; 0.001), water excretion via urine (p &lt; 0.001) and water balance (p &lt; 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