Mucilage Yield, Composition, and Physicochemical Properties of Cultivated Cactus Pear Varieties as Influenced by Irrigation

Opuntia spp. plants occupy an important socioeconomic role in arid and semiarid zones where water is scarce. Irrigation increases the productivity of these plants; however, its effect on yield, composition, physicochemical properties mucilage unknown. Three irrigation regimens were tested: non-irrigated (rainwater), supplemental (irrigation between field capacity (0.28 m3 m−3) permanent wilting point (0.14 m−3)), full (100% crop evapotranspiration), four cactus pear varieties (‘Amarilla Olorosa’ (Opuntia spp.), ‘Cristalina’ albicarpa Scheinvar), ‘Dalia Roja’ ‘Roja Lisa’ (O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill)). applied during dry season (March to June northern hemisphere). Composite samples cladodes per replicate treatment collected for extraction. The was characterized color, chemical infrared spectroscopy, viscosity, molar mass. combination with greatest yield ‘Amarilla no (22.2%), while least from undergoing (12.2%). In general, yielded more mucilage, their color brighter less green, they had protein fiber. viscosity mass plants. Total carbohydrate content similar supplementally irrigated Thus, studied here, either or could be a feasible strategy produce good characteristics agro-industrial pharmaceutical use.