Advantages of hydroponics in edible cacti production

Abstract

The stem of the cactus Opuntia (genus Opuntia, subfamily Opuntioideae, family Cactaceae), commonly referred to as the nopal cactus or prickly pear, is a major source of fruit, vegetable and forage in areas, where the soils are poor or are becoming poor and result in very low yield of traditional cultivars.1 In some countries, Opuntia species are also used as remedies and folk medicine for a variety of health problems including burns, edema, and indigestion.2,3 Edible Opuntia is also produced in Japan, where they are produced mainly in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, although production scale is still small. We are working with Kasugai City to promote production and consumption of edible Opuntia in Japan. Opuntia species are so important commercial crop that cultivation technics which lead to higher production and quality are needed. Opuntia plants are commonly produced through soil or pot culture. Major problems in growing vegetables, including edible Opuntia, using soil are soil-borne disease, salt accumulation, and difficulty in fertilizer management.4 In hydroponic culture, plants are grown using nutrient solution (water and fertilizer), with or without the use of an artificial medium. Soilborne disease and weeds are eliminated in hydroponic culture because there is no soil and precise fertilizer management is also possible.4 Therefore, hydroponic culture conveys many advantages for edible Opuntia production, and we have shown that edible Opuntia can be grown by simple hydroponic culture.5