Solar air drying for innovative Opuntia ficus-indica cladode dehydration

Providing a case study of general applicability in all world’s semi-arid regions where the plant is increasingly harvested, we describe the use and outcomes of solar air heating and ventilation coupled to a conventional kiln to dehydrate Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. For the first time, the dried cladodes and the ground dehydrated ‘Nopal’ cladodes retain their natural green-yellow color. New applications to functionalize foodstuff and to formulate nutraceutical, personal care and cosmetic products of even higher efficacy and broader scope are anticipated.

Development of a regeneration protocol through indirect organogenesis

An indirect organogenesis regeneration protocol for Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill var “Blanco sin Espinas” is described. One centimeter square cladode explants sections from previously micropropagated prickly pear plants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 20 different combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and benzyladenine (BA). The best calli induc- tion and regeneration response were observed when 2.26 ␮M 2,4-D and 2.21 ␮M BA combination was applied to the nopal explants. Regenerating calli was capable of forming new buds when transferred to MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5 ␮M BA (proliferation medium).