Growth and Development Influenced by Size, Age, and Planting Methods of Cladodes in Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of size, age, and planting methods of cladodes on relative growth rate and production of cladodes in cactus pear (Clone 1271). The upright planting of fullsize cladodes (12 months old, 8 to 15 cm width) significantly influenced the relative growth rate (RGR) and dry weight at 2, 4, and 6 months during monsoon (September) and spring (February) seasons. Higher cladode yield was also recorded from planting 12-month-old cladodes as compared to 6-month-old cladodes. Spring (February) planting gave better plant growth.