Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development

Profitability analysis of prickly pear cactus in different production systems in the state of Mexico

Liliana Guadalupe Alfaro-Martínez — 2026-02-04

The production of prickly pear in the State of Mexico covers an area of 15,953 ha with a yield of 11.3 t ha^-1. However, the prickly pear production chain faces technical, social, and economic problems that are reflected in low prices and reduced profitability, where organic prickly pear production is seen as an alternative to the above problems, as well as to the growing demand for this organic fruit nationally and internationally. This research consisted of measuring the productivity and profitability of prickly pear cactus in San Martín de las Pirámides and Axapusco, State of Mexico, during the 2019 production cycle. To evaluate productivity, the A×B factorial experimental design with random block arrangement was used, and to determine profitability, the following expression was used: CT=P_x X. Based on the analysis of the results, organic production had the highest number of productive cladodes (83), number of fruits per plant (242), and total fruit weight (140.9 g), variables that defined the yield at 21.5 t ha^-1 compared to intermediate and conventional management (8.2 and 11.8 t ha^-1). In addition, organic production obtained a profitability of 150.35% and 88.92% when land rent is included, compared to the intermediate and conventional approaches, which reached 44.14% and 48.15%, respectively, and -22.04% and -10.63%, taking land rent into account. It is concluded that organic production improves the quality of prickly pear in the long term and leads to high yields, highlighting that it generates greater opportunities to address the low profitability of the crop in the region.

A State of the Art and Research Trends on the Rhipsalis Genus: A Bibliometric Analysis

Jorge Alberto Alejandre-Rosas — 2026-02-04

The genus Rhipsalis belongs to the Cactaceae family and comprises 33 registered species, which exhibit unique biological and evolutionary characteristics attributed to their wide biogeographical distribution. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the current state and research trends on this group. A bibliometric analysis of 110 research articles published from 2001 to 2024 in Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) was performed using the R Bibliometrix package. Co-occurrence networks, collaboration networks, and factor analyses were used to study authors, countries, keywords, and references. The results do not suggest a clear trend in scientific output or the number of citations; however, the publication of reports remained constant throughout the period. The main source of publications comes from Brazilian institutions, characterized by a high rate of self-collaboration. Among the 25 most cited references, topics related to biology and cactus systematics predominate. Three thematic clusters correlated with the keywords were identified: the first on ecology and evolution, the second on ethnobotanical and pharmacological uses, and the third on molecular and phylogenetic studies. This research is currently in a consolidation phase, focused on resolving complex taxonomic and evolutionary questions while simultaneously prompting metabolite bioprospecting with therapeutic potential. Active lines of research are using Rhipsalis baccifera, considered a relevant species within the genus, as a model organism. Phytochemical characterization is being studied to support its uses in traditional medicine, as well as its antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential. This study synthesizes the main genus research advances, offering a framework to guide future explorations and their possible applications.

Cactus pear management alternatives in Brazilian savannah: agronomic aspects, chemical composition, macro and micronutrient content

João Paulo Matos Pessoa — 2026-02-04

The cactus pear is a plant that can survive and produce under the soil and climatic conditions of tropical regions, but its management is still relatively little known in the Brazilian savannah. The objective of this study was to evaluate management alternatives for the cactus pear variety Doce, subjected to different cutting intensities, preserving the matrix, primary or secondary cladodes, and two harvest ages (annual and biennial), under rainfed conditions in the Brazilian savannah. A completely randomized design was adopted in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with eight replications. Morphometric and production variables, chemical composition, as well as macro and micronutrient contents were assessed. Greater amounts of green forage mass yield (GFMY) and dry forage mass yield (DFMY) were found when up to the primary cladode was preserved, but the crude protein content was like that found in the matrix cladode cutting intensity. Managing the cactus pear under biennial harvest provided higher height, GFMY, DFMY, potassium, and micronutrient accumulation. The management alternative that provides the most benefits in terms of agronomic characteristics and production is the one that preserves up to the primary cladode associated with biennial harvest. In addition, biennial harvest provides better chemical composition and greater accumulation of macro and micronutrients in cactus pear cultivar Doce.

Cold Storage Effects on Quality of Parthenocarpic and Pollinated Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) fruits

Berenice Karina Flores-Hernández — 2026-02-04

Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) is a fruit with high nutritional and functional value, but it is highly perishable. Parthenocarpic cactus pear fruits (CP30-P, CP40-P) are a viable commercial alternative because they have almost imperceptible seeds and longer shelf life. However, their response to cold storage, compared to pollinated prickly pear fruits, has not been reported. This study evaluated the effect of cold storage at 10?±?1?°C and 85?±?2% relative humidity on the quality of parthenocarpic (CP30-P and CP40-P) and pollinated (CP30 and CP40) prickly pear fruits. The variables such as weight loss, total soluble solids (°Brix), acidity, antioxidant activity, electrolyte leakage, and enzymatic activity (CAT and APX) were assessed during cold storage. The parthenocarpic fruits had higher weight loss compared to pollinated fruits (15% vs. 8%), greater electrolyte leakage, and lower catalase activity, indicating increased susceptibility to water loss and altered cell membrane permeability. However, these fruits also exhibited higher antioxidant activity at 30 and 45 days, suggesting a physiological response to oxidative stress induced by cold storage. No significant changes were observed in total soluble solids or titratable acidity, demonstrating that these parameters remained stable throughout the study. Cold storage is an effective strategy to preserve the postharvest quality of prickly pear, particularly regarding composition stability. Nevertheless, parthenocarpic fruits require additional strategies to minimize dehydration and improve resistance under prolonged storage conditions.