Prickly Pear Research Articles (Page 1)

Cultivation of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L., family Cactaceae) is of high value in dry-land agriculture in Jordan. In May 2021, symptoms including thickening and severe stunting of the cladodes and deformation of fruits were observed on prickly pear plants cultivated in southern Jordan, Madaba region (31.593565 N, 35.850111 E), with a 15% incidence across three cactus fields. To verify the occurrence of a graft-transmissible disease, wedge grafting was performed on asymptomatic opuntia rootstocks, resulting in thickened cladodes and deformed fruits within five weeks. Samples of cladodes from naturally infected plants were collected from fourteen symptomatic and one asymptomatic plant. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed by using primer pair P1/P7 (Deng and Hiruki 1991; Schneider et al. 1995), followed by R16F2n/R16R2 (Gundersen and Lee 1996), amplified a fragment of the expected size only from the symptomatic samples. Direct amplicon sequencing followed by blast comparison to both, GenBank and EPPO-QBank databases (https://qbank.eppo.int/phytoplasmas/) allowed the identification of a ’Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiae=australasiaticum’ strain (GenBank accession no. PQ319761, designated strain ´Cact1´), with a 100% sequence identity to the reference strain (GenBank accession no. Y10097, ribosomal subgroup 16SrII-D) (White et al., 1998; Rodrigues et al., 2023). The phylogenetic analysis of strain ´Cact1´ with phytoplasma strains of ribosomal subgroups in group 16SrII and detected in cactus in China, Italy and Turkey showed that strain ´Cact1´ is not clustering with any of them (Figure 1). Indeed, comparison with all sequences in GenBank, show that the phytoplasma from Jordan clusters with those enclosed in the 16SrII group under the species ‘Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum’, showing about 99.00% identity to this phytoplasma and having an identity to ‘Ca. P. aurantifolia=citri’ of about 98.50%, that is below the accepted threshold for ‘Ca. Phytoplasma’ strains differentiation (Bertaccini et al. 2022). This identification was confirmed by amplifying and sequencing the leucyl transfer RNA synthetase (leuS) gene (Abeysinghe et al. 2016) (GenBank accession no. PQ349195), that showed 100% sequence identity with 100% coverage to the Parthenium hysterophorus phyllody phytoplasma strain ´PR08´ from India (GenBank accession no. CP097207), identified as a strain of ‘Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum’ (White et al., 1998; Rodrigues et al., 2023). Other phytoplasma strains having 100% identity on the leuS gene but with 95-96% coverage were reported in pearl millet, soybean and alfalfa from India (GenBank accession no. MW020555, MW020562 and MW020559 respectively). The leuS gene sequence has been relevant to confirm the identification of phytoplasmas infecting various agricultural important crops especially in Asian countries (Tiwari et al., 2023). It is thus necessary to investigate insect vector(s) presence and search for other economically important hosts and for alternative host weeds for this phytoplasma considering that the disease and the associated phytoplasmas are present and spreading in other regions of Jordan.

Maximum valorization of red prickly pear peels through green extraction techniques of bioactive compounds and cellulose microfibers.

Nutrition is being increasingly recognized as a modifiable adjuvant factor in symptom management, yet few studies have examined the direct contribution of fruit consumption to chronic disease outcomes. The existing research largely emphasizes broad dietary patterns or isolated nutrients, rather than specific fruit species and their complex bioactive profiles. This gap is particularly evident in conditions lacking disease-specific pharmacological treatments, such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), where patients often depend on lifestyle adjustments and complementary strategies for symptom relief. The therapeutic use of fruits presents methodological challenges, as their biochemical composition is strongly influenced by abiotic and biotic stresses, seasonal and regional variations, as well as post-harvest handling and storage. Such variability complicates reproducibility and obscures causal links in clinical research. While reductionist approaches that isolate single compounds offer dose control, they risk losing synergistic effects inherent to whole fruits. Conversely, whole-fruit consumption preserves integrative complexity but introduces variability. Overcoming these limitations requires rigorous standardization across agricultural, nutritional, and clinical domains, accurate species and cultivar identification, controlled cultivation conditions, chemical fingerprinting, and biomarker validation. In this context, cacti fruits such as Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear), which is rich in betalains and polyphenols, emerge as promise adjuvant agents for FMS symptom management. We propose a protocol designed to systematically evaluate their efficacy and feasibility in clinical application, aiming to strengthen the reliability and accuracy of research outcomes.

Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) is more than a conventional crop in Morocco; it serves as a keystone species sustaining rural livelihoods and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Owing to its remarkable tolerance to drought, poor soils, and heat stress, Opuntia has become integral to sustainable agriculture, land restoration, and national programs such as the Green Morocco Plan aimed at combating desertification. However, this success has been critically threatened by the rapid spread of the cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae), a devastating pest that has decimated cactus plantations nationwide. To quantify the magnitude and spatial extent of this invasion, we performed a high-resolution geospatial analysis in Rhamna Province—one of Morocco’s main cactus-producing regions—between 2014 and 2020. A grid-based visual interpretation method was applied to sub-meter Google Earth imagery, supported by 3,305 ground control points and GIS post-processing. Cactus cover declined sharply from 23,326 ha in 2014 to only 267 ha in 2020 (−98.9%), with remaining stands highly fragmented across roughly ten communes. The corresponding annual revenue loss, estimated from fruit and biomass conversion factors and farm-gate prices, reached approximately 230.6 million MAD (≈ 23.8 million USD). Accuracy assessment based on confusion matrices yielded high overall agreement (overall accuracy and Cohen’s κ with 95% confidence intervals), confirming the reliability of the results. These spatially explicit, accuracy-controlled findings reveal the dramatic contraction of Opuntia cultivation and provide a quantitative baseline for recovery monitoring. The study highlights the urgent need for coordinated pest management and deployment of resistant genotypes, while demonstrating the value of expert-guided visual interpretation for monitoring bio-invasions in fragmented arid agroecosystems where conventional spectral classification often fails to capture fine-scale dynamics.

Potential application of prickly pear vinegar as a surface disinfectant: in vitro and molecular docking studies

In this work, the impacts of Cucumis melo rind powder (CMRP), Red prickly pear (RPP), and Cider apple pomace (CAP) were evaluated in terms of profiling of bioactive compounds. It could be concluded that the addition of different concentrations of RPP, CMRP, and CAP improved the quality criteria and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the values of total phenolic compound (TPC), antioxidant activity, and fiber content of beef burger during frozen storage. The antioxidant effects of RPP, CMRP, and CAP to retard protein and lipid oxidation were investigated in beef burgers during frozen storage at −18 ± 2°C for 6 months. Powders of RPP rind, CMRP, and CAP were incorporated into freshly minced beef at different concentrations (RPP: 1, 2, and 3%; CMRP: 2, 3, and 4%; and CAP: 2, 4, and 5%) and compared with the control sample. Chemical compositions of the prepared beef burg-ers, total volatile nitrogen (TVN), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive substances, TPC, and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were determined. Results indicated that powders showed high phenolic content and antioxidant activity, especially RPP. The addition of different concentrations of RPP, CMRP, and CAP caused high storage stability and reduced values of TBA and TVN in prepared beef burgers during frozen storage compared to the control sample. Enrichment of red meat with CMRP, RPP, and CAP has improved hygienic and safety properties than unfortified products without leading to changes like rapid spoilage and consequent reduction in shelf life.

ABSTRACTThis study systematically examines the impacts of conventional oven and microwave roasting at varied temperatures (100, 140, and 180°C) and power levels (400, 600, and 800 W) across different durations (5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min) on oil yield and quality parameters. Physicochemical properties, bioactive components, and antioxidant activities were analyzed to determine optimal roasting conditions. Results identified oven roasting at 180°C for 30 min and microwave roasting at 600 W for 10 min as optimal conditions for maximizing oil quality. Oven roasting was particularly effective in enhancing oil yield, total phenolic content, and oxidative stability (7.73%, 69.91 mg/kg, 13.62 h respectively). In addition, oven roasting results in higher moisture loss compared to microwave roasting. Whereas, microwave roasting promotes higher antioxidant activity, greater phytosterol and carotenoids content (46.27%, 6229.08 mg/kg, 10.16 mg/kg respectively). Both roasting techniques proved effective in enhancing the extractability of bioactive compounds. However, extended oven roasting (beyond 30 min) had a detrimental impact on oil yield and quality. likewise, excessive temperature and power settings contribute to the degradation of sensitive compounds such as tocopherols. These findings highlight the potential of both oven and microwave roasting as promising methods for improving Opuntia ficus‐indica seed oil yield and quality. Moreover, they offer the advantage of preserving specific target compounds when their retention is desired.

The reuse of by-products from plant processing as feed for animals aligns with the principles of a circular economy. Feeding dairy ruminants agro-industrial by-products often alters the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of dairy items. A dual approach—classic with neuro-sensory techniques—was utilized to evaluate the effect of prickly pear by-products on the diets of dairy ewes. Fresh Pecorino cheeses made from the milk of two groups of sheep fed with and without prickly pear by-product silage were analyzed for chemical composition and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, a neurosensory approach with consumers was used, combining electroencephalography (EEG) and temporal dominance of sensations techniques (TDS). Prickly pear silage in sheep diets did not alter the chemical composition of fresh cheese, but it did modify its fatty acids, with a significant increase in SFA (+2.60%) and PUFA (+0.33%), with a better n-6/n-3 ratio (−0.35%) due to higher omega-3 fatty acid content (+0.23%). The identification of VOCs revealed an increase in caproic acid (+27.27%) and n-caprylic acid (+6.47%) and a greater presence of sweet notes in the prickly pear-based cheeses, which exhibited a different aromatic complexity compared with the control cheeses. Even with a neuromarketing approach, sweetness remained the predominant sensation.

Dactylopius opuntiae is a major pest of prickly pear crops and has therefore been extensively studied with the aim of controlling its proliferation. However, it has largely been disregarded as a potential natural red pigment source, despite producing carminic acid (CA), as does Dactylopius coccus, albeit in lower amounts. CA, an anthraquinone compound, is highly valued for its strong coloring capacity and commercial relevance in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Conventional CA extraction methods are often constrained by long processing times and limited environmental sustainability. In this context, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as an efficient and eco-friendly alternative, offering improved extraction yields. This study aimed to optimize the UAE of CA from D. opuntiae and maximize extract yield. A Box–Behnken experimental design was applied, testing temperatures of 20, 40, and 60 °C; extraction times of 3, 6, and 9 min; and ultrasound amplitudes of 20, 30, and 40%. The highest CA concentration (14.76 ± 0.32%) was obtained at 60 °C, 3 min of sonication, and 20% amplitude, representing a 7.45% increase compared with the conventional method. These findings demonstrate that UAE enables higher CA yields in significantly shorter processing times, providing a sustainable strategy to transform D. opuntiae from an agricultural pest into a valuable natural pigment source.

Correction: Valorization of prickly pear seeds as pasta fortifier

Improving the oxidative and microbial stability of catfish burgers by prickly pear peel powder during cold storage

Sustainable valorization of red prickly pear seeds: Green technologies for antioxidant compounds recovery

Background/Objectives: Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes are rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and minerals, which are known to exert antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms and active constituents have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of continuous N. cochenillifera consumption on lipid metabolism, immune function, and the gut microbiota in mice. Methods: The feed was made using freeze-dried and powdered cladodes of N. cochenillifera. Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to four groups: control diet (C), control diet plus 10% N. cochenillifera (CN), high-fat diet (FC), and high-fat diet plus 10% N. cochenillifera (FN). Results: Cactus supplementation reduced the body and liver weights that were elevated by the high-fat diet. Serum total cholesterol and free fatty acids were increased in the FC group compared with the C group, while cactus intake lowered these levels and enhanced fecal cholesterol excretion. Cactus consumption also elevated fecal total IgA and mucin contents. IL-4 expression in Peyer's patches was significantly increased in the FN group compared with the FC group. Gut microbiota analysis showed significant differences in β-diversity, along with increased α-diversity and higher abundance of Lachnospiraceae, following cactus intake. Conclusions: These findings suggest that N. cochenillifera intake increases gut microbiota diversity, which enhances intestinal barrier function and thereby contributes to improved lipid metabolism and immune regulation.

Opuntia stricta var. dillenii (OPD) fruits are rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, which are recognized for their potential health-promoting properties. This study focuses on the optimization of pulsed electric field (PEF)-assisted solid–liquid green extraction (SLE) from OPD whole fruit, using response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design to obtain green extracts rich in bioactive compounds. The optimal PEF pre-treatment conditions (electric field strength and energy input) were determined based on the cell disintegration index (Zp), followed by optimizing SLE conditions (temperature, time, and ethanol content). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD-ESI-Qtof) was used to characterize the individual bioactive compound profile of the obtained OPD green extracts. Results showed that optimal PEF pre-treatment conditions were at 10.5 kJ/kg and 5 kV/cm, followed by SLE at 35 °C for 165 min, using water as the solvent. Conventional optimal SLE conducted at 45 °C, 8% ethanol, and 128 min was applied as the control process. The combined PEF-assisted SLE process enhanced total betalain and phenolic compound yields by 61% and 135%, respectively. Antioxidant activities (DPPH by 145%, FRAP by 28%) and anti-inflammatory potential (hyaluronidase inhibition by 19%) were also significantly improved. This study underscores the potential use of a PEF pre-treatment to improve obtaining green extracts rich in bioactive compounds with high biological activities from OPD whole fruits, using water as a solvent.

The use of aromatic and medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in the development of new antimicrobial agents for the treatment of infectious diseases has become a very urgent issue due to the emergence of microbial strains resistant to anti-infectious treatments. <i>Opuntia ficusindica</i> (L.) Miller, also known as prickly pear, is a wild plant native to arid and semi-arid regions. It can be considered a source of food or used for various production purposes, and it is widely known for its beneficial properties. The different parts of this plant, such as cladodes, fruits, peels, and seeds, could have remarkable therapeutic potentials due to their content of phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, sterols, and other active compounds, and are safe for human use. This includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, antiulcer, antiviral, and anticancer effects, among others. The antimicrobial action of extracts and phytochemical compounds from different parts of cactus has been shown in different scientific experiments against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their therapeutic potentials have been reported, thus contributing to a decrease in drug resistance. This article presents a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the antimicrobial activity of <i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i> and the role of its phytocompounds in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

BackgroundAnaerobic digestion (AD) or acidogenic fermentation (AF) of biomass can generate either biogas fuel or C2 ‒ C8 volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as feedstocks for synthesis of other petrochemical products. Typical AD feedstocks require large amounts of land that could otherwise be used for food production. Unlike these traditional bioenergy crops, plants using the crassulacean acid metabolism pathway (CAM), such as cacti and succulents, may be cultivated on degraded or semi-arid land that cannot support conventional agriculture. This could allow significant biorefinery feedstock to be sourced with minimal impact on existing agriculture or biodiversity. Several economically important CAM crops (e.g. pineapple, agave, prickly pear) are cultivated globally, with waste biomass that could be valorised as a biorefinery feedstock.ResultsHere, we investigate the fermentation kinetics of this novel feedstock class (CAM plants) against traditional bioenergy crops with two contrasting inocula: AD sludge and rumen fluid. Fermentations were performed under the influence of a methanogenesis inhibitor (bromoethane sulfonate) to isolate the acidogenic fermentation processes. CAM and non-CAM substrates in this study demonstrated distinct degradation kinetics (yields and degradation rates). We demonstrate that regardless of the inoculum type, CAM crops show higher hydrolysis rates for VFA production. Moreover, yields of VFAs from three CAM crops (0.41 ± 0.01 – 0.48 ± 0.02 g/gvs) were higher than for the three non-CAM crops (0.21 ± 0.01 – 0.38 ± 0.01 g/gvs) when AD sludge was used as the inoculum. This superior performance appeared to correlate with a higher abundance of soluble material and lower structural carbohydrate content in CAM biomass.ConclusionsAt industrial scale, the observed kinetic advantages of VFA production from CAM-plant feedstocks could translate into process enhancements that would greatly improve the cost-competitiveness of anaerobic biorefinery. Assuming comparable biomass productivities of CAM and non-CAM crops, this high yield could allow higher VFA production per unit of cultivated land, improving the environmental credentials of CAM biorefinery.Graphical abstract

Significant variations in global temperatures and weather patterns over time are known as climate change. Although it occurs naturally, human activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes—are accelerating these changes, which have various detrimental effects on the environment. This review aims to highlight the edapho-climatic requirements of this cactus and the advantages and challenges of its cultivation to mitigate climate change. The prickly pear cactus is a plant with numerous financial and environmental advantages. It needs well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil to avoid root rot and do best in full sun. With a strong tolerance for dryness, they thrive in arid or semi-arid regions with scorching summers and prefer sparing watering. Despite being suited to tropical climates, some species can tolerate freezing temperatures and sporadic frost. Once established, these hardy plants require little care and thrive in nutrient-poor soils, which makes them perfect for xeriscaping or challenging growing environments. Because of its high water use efficiency ratio and low water requirements, prickly pear can be grown in marginally dry and semi-arid areas. The cactus does contribute to the ecological and socioeconomic fight against climate change. For instance, it supports sustainable agriculture, biodiversity preservation, soil restoration, carbon sequestration, and effective water usage. Demarcating dry and semi-arid zones and fostering employment in these areas is beneficial from a socioeconomic standpoint. The prickly pear's traditional cultural heritage supports its current economic function as a crop that can withstand drought. While ecological threats necessitate balanced management, this adaptability promotes sustainable growth. Innovations in bioenergy and value-added goods build on its historical applications, increasing its socioeconomic advantages and, eventually, its worldwide significance.

Valorization of prickly pear seeds as pasta fortifier

Cadmium toxicity alleviation in rats using lactobacillus-fermented and unfermented opuntia ficus-indica L. juices

Mangroves form the dominant coastal plant community of low-energy tropical intertidal habitats and provide critical ecosystem services to humans and the environment. However, more frequent and increasingly powerful hurricanes and storm surges are creating additional pressure on the natural resilience of these threatened coastal ecosystems. Advances in remote sensing techniques and approaches are critical to providing robust quantitative monitoring of post-storm mangrove forest recovery to better prioritize the often-limited resources available for the restoration of these storm-damaged habitats. Here, we build on previously utilized spatial and temporal ranges of European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel satellite imagery to monitor and map the recovery of the mangrove forests of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since the occurrence of back-to-back category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, on September 6 and 19 of 2017, respectively. Pre- to post-storm changes in coastal mangrove forest health were assessed annually using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and moisture stress index (MSI) from 2016 to 2023 using Google Earth Engine. Results reveal a steady trajectory towards forest health recovery on many of the Territory’s islands since the storms’ impacts in 2017. However, some mangrove patches are slower to recover, such as those on the islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, and, in some cases, have shown a continued decline (e.g., Prickly Pear Island). Our work also uses a linear ANCOVA model to assess a variety of geospatial, environmental, and anthropogenic drivers for mangrove recovery as a function of NDVI pre-storm and post-storm conditions. The model suggests that roughly 58% of the variability in the 7-year difference (2016 to 2023) in NDVI may be related by a positive linear relationship with the variable of population within 0.5 km and a negative linear relationship with the variables of northwest aspect vs. southwest aspect, island size, temperature, and slope.