Effects of NaCl Salinity on Growth and Production of Young Cladodes of <i>Opuntia ficus‐indica</i>

Abstract

The effects of salinity on the growth and production of `nopalitos' (young cladode sprouts) of Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill. cv. Copena V‐1 were investigated. Salinity (NaCl) irrigation levels with electrical conductivities of 2, 5, 10, 13, 18 and 21 dS m –1 were used. In general, all cladode variables (stem area, number of young cladodes, length and width of cladodes, and fresh and dry weights) decreased with increasing salinity. The root‐to‐stem ratio and young cladode water content decreased significantly as salinity increased. Other variables that decreased with increasing salinity included harvest index, relative growth rate, stem area ratio, dry mass accumulation, and Na + and Cl – concentrations. For rooted cladodes, increased salinity decreased fresh weight, succulence, and root fresh weight, dry weight and length. Our conclusions suggest that this species is salt sensitive; however, there is some indication that it could be effectively managed in saline environments. Further studies and evaluation of different cultivars are needed to identify the mechanism of adaptation of salt tolerance in this species.