Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) intensive production in Italy: An overview

Abstract

Modern specialized plantations of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) in Sicily are located in three main areas characterized by different environmental conditions. In Santa Margherita area about 300 ha are cultivated on Lithosols and Mediterranean Red soils; in San Cono area about 1,300 ha are cultivated on Euthrich Fluvisols and Chromic and/or Pellic Luvisols on sandy or conglomerate soils; in the area surrounding the Etna Volcano about 400 ha are located on Volcanic soils.