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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Research strategies for the improvement of cactuspear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit quality and production
Paolo IngleseT. La MantiaGiuseppe Barberasubject
PEAREcologyAgroforestrymedia_common.quotation_subjectCash cropSubsistence agricultureBiologyAgronomyCactusQuality (business)OrchardProductivityCroppingEcology Evolution Behavior and SystematicsEarth-Surface Processesmedia_commondescription
Abstract Cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is cultivated worldwide for fruit production either in the subsistence agriculture of dryland areas or as a cash crop. However, little horticultural research has been devoted to this species so far. Research needs related to reproductive biology as well as productivity and orchard management are outlined. A better knowledge of the environmental influence on reproductive biology and fruit quality, the control of fluctuations in plant cropping, as well as the reduction of seed number and size, are the major challenges for future research. Cactus pear will transcend the ethnical markets only if adequate marketing strategies can be promoted and fruit quality enhanced and standardized.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995-04-01 | Journal of Arid Environments |