An update on the evolution of the cactus pear industry in Mexico
Article
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
Ancient Mexicans developed cactus pear from a wild plant, a source of fruits and tender cladodes, into a semidomesticated plant for the family gardens to secure home consumption. Urbanization pushed farmers to develop cactus pear into a formal crop in less than six decades, adaptable to different environments and production systems. Official reports mention 373,735 t of fresh fruit produced in 51,112 ha; Nopalitos are cultivated in 10,200 ha. Natural hybridization in backyard gardens favored new combinations, selected and propagated by farmers. Registered forms reach 243 of 18 species, conserved in five ex situ germplasm banks. This genetic pool was tapped to cover the needs of the cactus pear industry during the 50%27s. The varieties: Reyna, Burrona and Cristalina (white pulp), Amarilla Montesa and Pico Chulo (yellow pulp) and Rojo Liso, Roja San Martin and COPENA Torreoja (red pulp), prevail in the market of fresh cactus pear and Milpa Alta and Atlixco for nopalitos. Important cactus pear production systems are: a) Extensive, rainfed, low input, frost prone, on temperate climate and poor semiarid lands, producing 7.3 t ha-1, b) Intensive, rainfed, high input, frost prone, on subhumid climate on good semiarid lands, producing 11.4 t ha-1, c) Intensive, rainfed, high input, low frost risk on subhumid climate, on first-second class soils, producing 20-40 t ha -1. Off-season production is driven by globalization. Postharvest technology has improved with refurbished cleaning machines, packing and shipping warehouses and some cold storages. Farmer%27s organizations (COMENTUNA) participate in policy design and definition of research needs. This document portrays the actual situation of the cactus pear industry in Mexico.
Ancient Mexicans developed cactus pear from a wild plant, a source of fruits and tender cladodes, into a semidomesticated plant for the family gardens to secure home consumption. Urbanization pushed farmers to develop cactus pear into a formal crop in less than six decades, adaptable to different environments and production systems. Official reports mention 373,735 t of fresh fruit produced in 51,112 ha; Nopalitos are cultivated in 10,200 ha. Natural hybridization in backyard gardens favored new combinations, selected and propagated by farmers. Registered forms reach 243 of 18 species, conserved in five ex situ germplasm banks. This genetic pool was tapped to cover the needs of the cactus pear industry during the 50's. The varieties: Reyna, Burrona and Cristalina (white pulp), Amarilla Montesa and Pico Chulo (yellow pulp) and Rojo Liso, Roja San Martin and COPENA Torreoja (red pulp), prevail in the market of fresh cactus pear and Milpa Alta and Atlixco for nopalitos. Important cactus pear production systems are: a) Extensive, rainfed, low input, frost prone, on temperate climate and poor semiarid lands, producing 7.3 t ha-1, b) Intensive, rainfed, high input, frost prone, on subhumid climate on good semiarid lands, producing 11.4 t ha-1, c) Intensive, rainfed, high input, low frost risk on subhumid climate, on first-second class soils, producing 20-40 t ha -1. Off-season production is driven by globalization. Postharvest technology has improved with refurbished cleaning machines, packing and shipping warehouses and some cold storages. Farmer's organizations (COMENTUNA) participate in policy design and definition of research needs. This document portrays the actual situation of the cactus pear industry in Mexico.
