Comparison of Growth and Nutritional Composition of Three Prickly Pear Species

Abstract

　Variations in the growth rate and nutritional composition of different prickly pear species is poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted an experiment using three species―Nopalea cochenillifera, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Opuntia mesacantha―and compared their cladode growth rates and fiber and mineral contents. All measured growth characteristics (vertical length, horizontal length, width, average fresh weight, and total fresh weight) were highest in O. ficus-indica among the three species. Yield differences were substantial, with the total fresh weight of the first-daughter cladodes in O. ficusindica being approximately six times greater than that of the other species. The total fiber content of cladodes was highest in O. mesacantha, followed by O. ficus-indica and N. cochenillifera. The mineral contents (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc) of the three species were also analyzed. For example, calcium was the most abundant macromineral. No notable difference was observed between N. cochenillifera and O. mesacantha, whereas O. ficusindica had the lowest calcium content. These findings provide valuable insights into the growth and nutritional characteristics of prickly pear and can guide the selection and expansion of cultivation areas.