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Fruits

Cactus Pear

Opuntia ficus-indica

Cactus Pear, also known as prickly pear, is a succulent plant belonging to the cactus family. It is characterized by its flat, paddle-shaped stems and vibrant, edible fruits known as tunas. The plant is drought-resistant and thrives in arid environments, making it an important crop in regions with limited water resources. Cactus Pear is used for food, beverages, and traditional medicine, and its pads (nopales) are consumed as vegetables.

Calculate System for Cactus Pear
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Cactus Pear can be cultivated in various soil types but prefers well-drained conditions. Varieties include spineless types for easier harvesting and those with different fruit colors and flavors.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be prepared to ensure good drainage. Adding organic matter can improve soil structure and fertility.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Cactus Pear thrives in warm climates. Protecting young plants from frost is essential, and mulching can help retain soil moisture.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Cactus Pear Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Cactus Pear field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Cactus Pear

Cactus Pear, also known as prickly pear or Opuntia, is a versatile and resilient crop that can be grown in a wide range of climates. It is highly valued for its edible fruits, known as tunas and its pads, which can be used as a nutritious vegetable. In addition to its economic benefits, Cactus Pear is also a…

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