A preliminary economic assesment of growing cactus for fruit production in south Texas

Abstract

The reports of high production levels of prickly pear fruits on non-irrigated land (Barrios, 1990; Escalante and Vazquez, 1986; Hernandez et al., 1987; Rusell and Felker, 1987; SAG, 1976; and Wessels, 1988) suggested that cactus fruit cultivation might be worthwhile endeavor in Texas. Unfortunately, no cactus fruit plantations exist in Texas and therefore it is not possible to directly measure the economic viability of growing cactus for fruit production.