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The cactus pear has demonstrated productive potential in arid and semi-arid regions due to its photosynthetic process of crassulacean acid metabolism. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate agronomic characteristics and chemical composition of three genotypes of cactus pear at different locations of a tropical semiarid region classified as non-suitable for cactus pear cultivation. A completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (3 × 7) (three genotypes of cactus pear [Miúda, Baiana ( Nopalea cochenillifera ) and Orelha de Efefante Mexicana - OEM ( Opuntia stricta )] and seven locations) was used. The climatic conditions characterized an environment that restricts the growth of cactus pear genotypes, mainly due to the air relative humidity values. All morphological characteristics of the cactus pear genotypes were influenced by the interaction genotype x location, with higher expression of the characteristics on the different genotypes under hot semi-arid climate and tropical wet and dry climate. An effect of the interaction genotype x location was observed ( p  < 0.05) on water use efficiency, water accumulation and carrying capacity, where the highest values were observed for genotype Baiana at location 1. Also, there was influence of the interaction genotype x location over the chemical composition of the cactus pear. The cultivation of cactus pear is recommended under restricted climatic conditions in semi-arid tropical regions, especially the genotype Baiana, based on growth factors, biomass production and chemical composition.

The genus Opuntia spp. includes plants capable of growing in arid, temperate and tropical climates. The vast majority of wild species grow in Mexico, but O. ficus-indica (prickly pear or nopal) is cultivated around the world and it is one of the most studied. This review shows the currently available knowledge concerning the action of O. ficus-indica and other Opuntia species (Opuntia vulgaris, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia streptacantha, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia dejecta) on liver health. The available data demonstrate the positive effects of extracts, vinegar, juices or seed oil of the Opuntia genus on the alterations induced in the liver by inadequate feeding patterns or the administration of chemicals. In this regard, the potential beneficial effects of nopal are related to the attenuation of triglyceride accumulation, oxidative stress and/or inflammation. Nevertheless, there is no information concerning the bioactive compound’s characterisation in most of these studies; consequently, it is not possible to link the therapeutic effects of these plants to the presence of specific compounds in the nopal extracts. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm if the positive effects observed in animal models are also found in humans, in order to determine whether Opuntia can represent an effective tool to prevent and/or manage hepatic alterations.

Main conclusion During their domestication process, the species of the genus Opuntia lose their ability to survive in the wild. Presence and concentration of secondary metabolites which play a role in the interaction with their surroundings are modified but without an identifiable pattern. A domestication gradient based on morphological characteristics has been previously described for the species in the Opuntia genus. Secondary metabolites are a diverse group of bioactive compounds that relate to a species evolution, both in their natural and artificial (domestication process) selection environments. In addition, these compounds are associated with plant resistance to stress when growing in the wild. A comprehensive characterization of secondary metabolite profiles in the Opuntia genus that accounts for the genotypic differences related to the degree of domestication has not previously been conducted. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of young cladodes from fifteen variants, of O. ficus-indica , O. albicarpa Sheinvar, and O. megacantha Salm-Dyck, identified as species with a highly advanced, advanced and intermediate degree of domestication, respectively, and O. hyptiacantha A. Web, and O. streptacantha Lem. identified as wild-intermediate and wild species. Analyses were carried out using a HPLC-diode array detection technique. Out of the 13 identified and quantified phenolic molecules and terpenoids, only the caffeic, ferulic and syringic acids, and the terpenoid β- amyrin were present in all variants. The flavonoid luteolin was absent in all five species. Gallic, vallinic, p -hydroxybenzoic, chlorogenic and p -coumaric acids were only present in 53–87% of variants; flavonoids quercetin, isorhamnetin, rutin and apigenin in 47–87% of the variants. Both, oleanolic acid and peniocerol, were present only in 60% of variants. Isorhamnetin was absent in O. hyptiacantha and quercetin in O. streptacntha . Differences and similarities in the secondary metabolites content showed no recognizable trend relating to the degree of domestication across the species in this genus.

Abstract Forage cactus has gradually gained economic importance and is a potential alternative for producers in the semiarid region, as it can be used for various purposes for both humans and animals. However, its cultivation is affected by several types of insect pests that affect its production, especially the scale insect. Thus, this study aimed to test the influence of potassium silicate on forage cactus productivity and scale insect infestation. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme with repeated measurements over time of 4 x 4 + 1, corresponding to four concentrations of potassium silicate (0, 5, 9, 18, 28 ml L-1) and four application times (0, 90, 180, 270 days) and an additional control treatment (without silicate application) with four blocks, containing five plants as the experimental unit. At 365 days after the start of the experiment, the plants of the experimental plot were used to perform biometric and infestation analyses. Morphoagronomic variables of the palm were considered, and the level of scale mealybug infestation was also evaluated. There was no significant difference between the different times of product application. The applications of potassium silicate benefited the forage palms, especially at a concentration of 28 mL L1, which provided greater dry matter productivity (84.78 t ha1) and lower scale mealybug infestation (55.4%). It is concluded that there is evidence that the application of potassium silicate induces resistance to scale mealybug with a lower level of infestation in the cladodes. Resumo A palma forrageira vem gradualmente adquirindo importância econômica, sendo uma alternativa em potencial para produtores do semiárido, pois pode ser usada para diversos fins tanto para humanos como animais. No entanto, seu cultivo é acometido por vários tipos de insetos-praga que afetam sua produção, em especial a cochonilha de escama. Dessa forma, objetivou-se testar a influência do silicato de potássio na produtividade de palma-forrageira e na infestação por Cochonilha de Escama. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial com medida repetida no tempo de 4 x 4 +1, correspondente a quatro concentrações de silicato de potássio (0, 5, 9, 18, 28 ml L-1) e quatro épocas de aplicação (0, 90, 180, 270 dias) e um tratamento adicional testemunha (sem aplicação do silicato) com 4 blocos, contendo 5 plantas como unidade experimental. Aos 365 dias após o ínicio do experimento, as plantas da parcela experimental foram usadas para a realização das análises biométricas e de infestação. Foram levados em consideração variáveis morfoagronômicas da palma e também foi avaliado o nível de infestação da cochonilha da escama. Não houve diferença significativa entre as diferentes épocas de aplicação do produto. As aplicações de silicato de potássio beneficiaram as palmas-forrageiras, especialmente na concentração de 28 ml L−1, que proporcionou maior produtividade de matéria seca (84,78 t ha−1) e com menor infestação por cochonilha da escama (55,4%). Conclui-se que existem evidências que a aplicação de silicato de potássio induz resistência a cochonilha da escama com menor nível de infestação nos cladódios.

Consumer interest in foods with enhanced nutritional quality has increased in recent years. The nutritional and bioactive characterization of fruits and their byproducts, as well as their use in the formulation of new food products, is advisable, contributing to decrease the global concerns related to food waste and food security. Moreover, the compounds present in these raw materials and the study of their biological properties can promote health and help to prevent some chronic diseases. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (prickly pear) is a plant that grows wild in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, being a food source for ones and a potential for others, but not properly valued. This paper carries out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of prickly pear and its constituents, as well as its main biological activities and applications. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Many of its natural compounds have interesting biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial. The antioxidant power of prickly pear makes it a good candidate as an ingredient of new food products with fascinating properties for health promotion and/or to be used as natural extracts for food, pharmaceutic or cosmetic applications. In addition, it could be a key player in food security in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where there are often no more plants.

This study aimed to assess the capability of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) as an alternative and green technique compared to Soxhlet extraction for the production of oils from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) seeds originating from Yemen and Italy and Opuntia dillenii (OD) seeds from Yemen. The following parameters were used for SFE extraction: a pressure of 300 bar, a CO2 flow rate of 1 L/h, and temperatures of 40 and 60 °C. The chemical composition, including the fatty acids and tocopherols (vitamin E) of the oils, was determined using chromatographic methods. The highest yield was achieved with Soxhlet extraction. The oils obtained with the different extraction procedures were all characterized by a high level of unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid (≤62% in all samples) was the most abundant one, followed by oleic and vaccenic acid. Thirty triacylglycerols (TAGs) were identified in both OFI and OD seed oils, with trilinolein being the most abundant (29–35%). Vanillin, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillic acid, and hydroxytyrosol were phenols detected in both OFI and OD oils. The highest γ-tocopherol content (177 ± 0.23 mg/100 g) was obtained through the SFE of OFI seeds from Yemen. Overall, the results highlighted the potential of SFE as green technology to obtain oils suitable for functional food and nutraceutical products.

Opuntia species (prickly pear) were deliberately introduced to many countries around the world for fruit, cochineal dye production, living fencing or as ornamentals. They are now some of the world’s most significant weeds, particularly in regions with warm and or dry climates, as they pose threats to economic and environmental assets. In addition, they can cause considerable health issues for humans and animals. Opuntia spp. have prolific reproduction abilities, being able to reproduce both vegetatively and by seed. They have generalist pollination and dispersal requirements, which promotes their establishment and spread. Opuntia stricta, O. monacantha and O. ficus-indica are the most globally widespread of the Opuntia spp. In many countries, biological control agents, particularly the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) and various cochineal insects from the Dactylopius genus, have successfully reduced land-scape scale populations. On a smaller scale, controlling these weeds by either injecting or spraying the cladodes with herbicides can provide effective control. Care must be taken during herbicide treatments as any untreated areas will regenerate. While biological control is the most cost and time effective control method for landscape-scale infestations, further research into the combined efficacy of herbicides, fire, grubbing and pre-burial techniques would be beneficial for land managers to control small-scale and establishing populations. It would also be useful to have greater knowledge of the potential seedbank longevity and seed ecology of these species so that integrated management strategies can be developed to not only deal with initial populations but also the subsequent seedling regrowth.

Damage-repair is particularly important for the maintenance of the water-storing abilities of succulent plants such as cacti. Comparative morphological, anatomical, and biomechanical analyses of self-repair were performed on artificially wounded branches of Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii. Macroscopic observations, contrast staining, and lignin-proof staining were used to investigate morphological and anatomical responses after wounding at various time intervals. Two-point bending tests were repeatedly performed on the same branches under unwounded, freshly wounded, and healed conditions by using customized 3D-printed clamping jaws. Morphologically, both species showed a rolling-in of the wound edges, but no mucilage discharge. Anatomically, ligno-suberized peridermal layers developed that covered the wound region, and new parenchyma cells formed, especially in O. ficus-indica. In all samples, the wounding effect directly after damage caused a decrease between 18% and 37% in all the tested mechanical parameters, whereas a positive healing effect after 21 days was only found for C. bigelovii. Based on our data, we hypothesize a high selection pressure on the restoration of structural integrity in the wound area, with a focus on the development of efficient water-retaining mechanisms, whereas the concept of “sufficient is good enough” seems to apply for the restoration of the mechanical properties.

•Prickly Pear fruit (Opuntia ficus inidca) is proposed to have anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hyperglycaemic effects.•Single consumption of prickly pear with reduced fiber (juice) did not decrease postprandial blood glucose, lipids, heart rate, or blood pressure in response to a high-fat and carbohydrate muffin (hyperlipidemia model).•Single consumption of prickly pear juice with high-fat and carbohydrate muffin (hyperlipidemia model) decreased overall autonomic cardiac regulation, which is potentially related to decreased vagal tone.•Heart rate variability measures are sensitive to macronutrient composition in acute single-consumption investigations. Prickly Pear (PP) fruit is proposed to have anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hyperglycemic effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a single consumption of PP juice on modifiable blood and physiological markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy men using a postprandial hyperlipidemia model. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 17 healthy men (body mass index 22.6 ± 2.04 kg/m2; 29.5 ± 7.19 y of age). Participants consumed PP juice (250 mL; 45 mg betalain content; reduced fiber) or a simple placebo drink (water-based), with a high-fat muffin (50 g fat) to determine potential effects on physiologic and biological responses, for up to 3 h post-consumption (hourly, 2 sessions, 7-d washout period). Blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerides (TGs), low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively), and glucose were measured. Key findings included a lower HRV measure after PP consumption (main effect for group, P ≤0.001–0.020) but no differences for TC, TG, LDL-C, or HDL-C. Consumption of PP (with high-fat muffin), did not alter traditional cardiovascular disease risk responses but rather markers of HRV, beyond an expected increase in glucose attributed to the carbohydrate content of the trials foods. Additionally, macronutrient content is important when understanding HRV responses to meals.

A palma forrageira é uma cultura introduzida no Brasil e tem grande importância na região semiárida do país, por se tratar de uma espécie alternativa na alimentação de rebanhos no período de estiagem. Entretanto, poucos são os estudos de aptidão agroclimática da cultura para as condições brasileiras. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar o zoneamento agroclimático da palma forrageira (Opuntia sp.) para o estado de Sergipe. O zoneamento agroclimático foi realizado a partir das exigências agroclimáticas da cultura. Um Sistema de Informações Geográfica foi utilizado para processar dados normais mensais (33 anos) de precipitação pluvial, temperatura do ar e evapotranspiração potencial. A região plenamente apta para o desenvolvimento da palma forrageira foi de apenas 0,03% da área do Estado de Sergipe. Já a área inapta, foi de aproximadamente 18105,70 km² (82,62%), enquanto a região apta por restrição foi de 17,35% (3802,58 km²). O cultivo da palma forrageira é apto e apto com restrição apenas em parte da região Semiárida do Estado de Sergipe, próximo aos municípios de Canindé de São Francisco, Porto da Folha e municípios vizinhos.