On-farm water management and its impacts on productivity and quality of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)‎

Abstract EN

Opuntia ficus-indica was planted under three irrigation water regimes during 2019-2020 in the north west of Alexandria, Egypt.

The objective was to study the influence of applied irrigation regimes on fruit quality, total yield, and water use efficiency (WUE).

The first irrigation treatment (T1) was 12 liters of water per plant week^-1.

The second and third irrigation treatments (T2 and T3) only applied when soil moisture content in the effective root zone reached below 35% and 30% of field capacity (Ɵ_fc), respectively to be filled up to 40% of Ɵ_fc again.

The obtained results indicated that the highest WUE was in T3 (0.59-0.61 kg ha^-1mm^-1) followed by T2 (0.52 - 0.60 kg ha^-1mm^-1) and the lowest was in T1 (0.06 - 0.31 kg ha^-1 mm^-1) for (2019-2020), respectively.

Very good quality fruits were produced for commercialization taking into account fruit shape, pH, total soluble solids, vitamin C content, and color index.

Fruits produced under T1 had a significant higher total sugars' content than those produced under irrigation regime T2 and T3.

Fruits produced under T3 had higher nutritional value with a significant higher concentration of antioxidants than T1 and T2.

In conclusion, applying irrigation water when soil moisture content falls below 30% of field capacity produced higher fruit quality and saved more irrigation water.

It is recommended that the obtained results be confirmed with third plantation season before dissemination to farmers and stakeholders.