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[Display omitted] • The invasion of false carmine cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae) threatens cactus pear in the Mediterranean. • Introducing Hyperaspis trifurcata reduced cochineal populations in Israel, but often too late to prevent major damage. • Accelerated establishment of H. trifurcata in new hotspots and a "predator-prey dual introduction" approach helped protect cactus pear. • Cochineal's rapid spread in the West Mediterranean vs. limited spread in the East highlights the need for similar biological control steps. • Bird phoresy likely accelerates cochineal spread; similar controls in Tunisia could prevent acclimatization in Sicily and further north along bird migration routes. The invasion of false carmine cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera; Dactylopiidae) in the Mediterranean region presents a serious threat to cactus pear cultivation. The cochineal was first identified in Israel in 2013, and it soon became clear that biological control is the only long-term solution to protect the cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica. Releases of the introduced predatory beetle Hyperaspis trifurcata Schaeffer (Coleoptera; Coccinellidae) began in 2016, demonstrating high efficacy and leading to a decline in cochineal populations and plant survival. While H. trifurcata can autonomously reach new cochineal hotspots, it often arrives too late to prevent substantial damage to cactus pear. Human intervention is therefore necessary to expedite the predator's establishment in new infested sites. To facilitate the spread of the beetle, we consider two approaches: transferring beetle seeding stocks from northern locations through a volunteer network organized by the research team, and applying the 'predator – prey dual introduction' concept to preemptively mitigate new hotspots expected to emerge as the cochineal spreads southward via winds or birds. These activities have led to a major decrease in the rate of spread of the cochineal population in the East Mediterranean, and in the damage that it inflicts to cactus pear hedgerows. Implementing a similar approach in North Africa can prevent or slow the spread of the cochineal to the northern coast of the central Mediterranean and avoid the heavy damage experienced in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for food has resulted in an increased generation of plant waste residues. These waste materials contain various bioactive compounds, but their concentrations are typically low, rendering their extraction economically unviable. In this study, we assessed the impact of abiotic stress induced by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the compounds derived from red and green prickly pear peels. Six different AgNP lots were tested at varying concentrations. The total phenol content was consistently higher than that of the control group across all lots. Notably, the AgNP systems exhibited selectivity in inducing the formation of specific compounds, such as caffeic (10.36%), vanillic (6.71%), p -coumaric (6.63%), malic (4.86%) acids, and catechin (46.15%). Moreover, the betanin content in red prickly pear increased by up to 2.4 times compared to the control group. However, the data analysis indicated a tendency towards increased variability in phenolic acids and flavonoids. This suggests that the AgNP systems might be activating these metabolic pathways. These findings are highly relevant as they demonstrate the potential of AgNP systems to enhance the accumulation of bioactive compounds in agro-industrial waste materials, which can then be utilized in the development of functional ingredients. [Display omitted] • Argovit™ silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) induced abiotic stress, accumulating phenolic compounds in prickly pear peels. • Six Argovit™ AgNP lots increased phenol content, with selective compound formation. • A specific Argovit™ AgNP increased 2.4x betanin content in red prickly pear peel. • AgNPs demonstrate potential in enhancing the accumulation of specific bioactive compounds in plant waste. • Stress induced by AgNPs allows for the conversion of plant wastes into biofactories of high-value commercial compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, prickly pear vinegar (PPV) was spontaneously produced by surface culture using different matrices. The influence of prickly pear (PP) peel and the addition of sucrose on the evolution of both phenolic and volatile compounds during the fermentation process has been investigated. The main findings showed that produced PPV samples had a high number of functional compounds since 116 individual volatile compounds belonging to different chemical families and 20 phenolic compounds have been identified. To study the effect of matrix (juice or vinegar), PP fruit variety (red/yellow), PP peel (presence/ absence), and sugar addition (with/without) on phenolic and volatile compounds, data were submitted to statistical analysis (analysis of variance, principal component analysis and cluster analysis). Results showed that the use or not of PP peel in the PPV production process was the variable with the most influence on the phenolic composition of the samples. In the case of volatile compounds and taking into account all samples (juice and vinegar), the two main factors affecting the volatile composition were the matrix (juice or vinegar) and the peel (presence or absence) (p < 0.05). However, sugar addition had no significant effect on the analyzed data. • 116 volatile and 20 phenolic compounds have been identified in prickly pear samples. • Prickly pear peel was the variable with the most influence on the phenolic composition. • The two main factors affecting the volatile composition were the matrix and the peel. • Neither fruit variety nor sugar addition affected phenolic or volatile composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia species have been used in traditional medicine for decades and research on Opuntia plants and their by-product valorisation are also on the increase. This study investigated the phenolic compound profiles and biological activities of Opuntia prickly pear fruit and peel extracts and the effect of drying methods on extract yields and bioactivities. Ethanolic, methanolic and hexane extracts of freeze-dried Opuntia peels showed better in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to oven-dried peel and fruit pulp extracts. In most cases, freeze-dried samples also showed better extract yields. Antibacterial activities of the extracts were better against Gram-positive (inhibition zone range of 8.0–18.8 mm) compared to Gram-negative (inhibition zone range of 10.0–14.0 mm) bacterial strains. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 2.50 to 18.75 mg/mL. The presence of pinellic acid is reported for the first time in Opuntia fruit extracts. Phenolic acids, flavonols and flavonoid derivatives were also identified. Opuntia peel and fruit pulp extracts were rich in biologically active phenolic compounds and could have potential nutraceutical and food industry applications. • First report of relatively high occurrence of pinellic acid in Opuntia. • Processing methods impact Opuntia fruit and peel phenolic compounds profile. • Fruit and peel extracts show significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gummy candies were selected as model food system to incorporate betalain-rich capsules (BC) obtained by ionic gelation with calcium alginate from a betalain-rich extract of Opuntia-ficus-indica fruit. Ten formulations were obtained by a factorial design (2 × 5) with two types of gelatin (GA and GB), and five betalain-rich capsules/gelatin (BC/G) ratios (from 70/30 to 30/70). The rheological and morphological properties of all formulations were studied, finding that the viscoelastic, gel strength, and stress relaxation properties were dependent on the G type content in the ratio BC/G. Optical micrographs also showed that G type, bloom, and BC/G ratio had a marked influence on the gummy candies structure. These data suggested that the G addition in higher concentrations allows to develop a more rigid gel. The betanin stability in the food system was evaluated during storage at 4 °C for 30 days and there was no significant variation in total colour parameters for all samples (ΔE ∗ values less than four). Thus, the stability of the betalain colour in the gummy candy was confirmed, exhibiting this food product a vivid red-purple colour, such representing a promising application for these natural pigments in food industry. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Natural coloured gummy candies were obtained from gelatin and betalain-rich capsules. • The novel food system was characterised by rheological, optical, and colour analysis. • Betalain stability of gummy candies were confirmed after storage at 4 °C in darkeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Profiles of betalains and phenolics of 6 prickly pears cultivars were provided. • 9 betaxanthins and 5 betacyanins were quantified in whole fruit, pulp and peel. • Isorhamnetin and quercetin glycosides were the most abundant flavonoids. • Piscidic acid was quantified for the first time in Opuntia ficus-indica. • Purple cultivars stood out for their high content in betalains and phenolics. Abstract Betalain and phenolic profiles of whole fruit, pulp and peel of 6 Mexican and Spanish prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) cultivars were characterized and quantified using a single extraction and HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF protocol. A total of 14 betalains were detected, where betanin and indicaxanthin were the most abundant. The purple cultivars Spanish Morada and Mexican Pelota showed the highest concentration of betacyanins (1,372-2176 μg/g dry whole fruit), whereas the greatest betaxanthin values were obtained in red Spanish Sanguinos and yellow Mexican Diamante cultivars (435–488 μg/g dry whole fruit). The detected 17 phenolics corresponded mostly to flavonoid (isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol) glycosides and a phenolic acid, piscidic acid. The highest phenolic content was found in Spanish Morada cultivar (49,012 μg/g dry peel). The proposed HPLC methodology is a useful tool for the simultaneous and accurate analyses of betalains and phenolic compounds in O. ficus-indica fruit tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Selection against invasiveness allows breeders to continue trading with plant cultivars when the wild species is otherwise invasive. However, to ensure the benefits of a species over the medium-to longer-term, it is necessary to determine whether the selected non-invasive traits are stable characters in the developed cultivars. This is especially true for Opuntia ficus-indica which provides a variety of benefits, especially in the arid and semiarid areas of the world. It does, however, also have a long history of invasion outside its native range, where it causes a wide range of negative impacts. Since the 19th century, spineless cultivars of O. ficus-indica have been developed through plant breeding. Due to their lack of spines, these cultivars can be easily grazed by herbivores and so are generally thought not to cause invasions. Spineless forms are currently widely cultivated worldwide. Nevertheless, if these cultivars were to revert to the spiny form, they could lead to future invasions. We performed germination experiments to explore the likelihood of reversion to spiny forms of nine common spineless O. ficus-indica cultivars. All seedlings grown from spineless cultivars were spiny. Overall, we suggest that further research and a risk analysis process for spineless O. ficus-indica cultivars should be developed. Highlights • The majority of spineless varieties of O. ficus-indica will revert to spininess when grown from seeds. • Passing through the digestive tract of an animal is not required for the germination of O. ficus-indica seeds. • Seeds from the cultivar 'Rossa' did not germinate in this experiment. Further studies need to be carried out to understand this perceived seed sterility. • A risk analysis process for spineless O. ficus-indica cultivars should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indicaxanthin is a bioactive and bioavailable betalain pigment extracted from Opuntia ficus indica fruits. Indicaxanthin has pharmacokinetic proprieties, rarely found in other phytochemicals, and it has been demonstrated that it provides a broad-spectrum of pharmaceutical activity, exerting anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulator effects. The discovery of the Indicaxanthin physiological targets plays an important role in understanding the biochemical mechanism. In this study, combined reverse pharmacophore mapping, reverse docking, and text-based database search identified Inositol Trisphosphate 3-Kinase (ITP3K-A), Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), Leukotriene-A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), Phosphoserine phosphatase (HPSP), Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), AMPA receptor (GluA3 and GluA2 subunits) and Kainate receptor (GluK1 isoform) as potential targets for Indicaxanthin. These targets are implicated in neuromodulation, and inflammatory regulation, normally expressed mostly in the CNS, and expressed (or overexpressed) in cancer tissues ( i.e. breast, thyroid, and prostate cancer cells). Moreover, this study provides qualitative and quantitative information about dynamic interactions of Indicaxanthin at the binding site of target proteins, through molecular dynamics simulations and MM-GBSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to obtain a betalain-rich extract (BRE) from Opuntia ficus-indica peels and protect them through a holistic approach involving microencapsulation via spray-drying. To enhance the stability of the microencapsulated betalains, an antioxidant-rich extract (ARE) obtained through hydrothermal extraction from the residual material remaining after the conventional extraction of betalains was used as a stabilizer during the spray-drying process. The antioxidant activity of the ARE was evaluated by measuring its IC 50 value for 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of 65.8 μg/mL, its Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of 60.4 g Trolox eq. /100 g, and its reducing power of 16.6 g butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) eq./100 g. Spray-drying parameters were optimized using a Box-Behnken design to enhance the total betalain content and minimize by-product formation. The results demonstrated that the addition of the ARE significantly improved the stability of betalains during spray-drying, leading to the formation of microparticles with high betalain content and enhanced stability. The optimal conditions (0.72% starch, 1.50% BRE and 0.25% ARE) resulted in microparticles with a maximum concentration of 6.74 ± 0.09 mg Betalains /g. The predictive model exhibited high accuracy in estimating experimental values. This research provides a natural and sustainable solution for food coloring by effectively utilizing discarded Opuntia ficus-indica peel. Moreover, it offers new scientific understanding on the production of betalain-rich microparticles as a possible substitute for food coloring, with considerable benefits in terms of sustainability and high antioxidant capacity. • Holistic approach using O. ficus indica peels for stable, natural colorant. • Antioxidant-rich extract enhances betalain stability, yielding stable microparticles. • Box-Behnken design optimizes spray-drying, maximizing betalain concentration accurately. • Opuntia peels offers sustainable source for betalain-rich microparticles, reducing waste. • Microparticles as alternative for synthetic coloring, with high antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, an optimization of an environment friendly extraction method of cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladode dietary fibers was conducted. For this purpose, a central composite experimental design with two factors (temperature and time) and five levels was established. The basic objective of this optimization was to maximize fiber yield using hot water as an extraction eco-solvent. The optimum extraction time (330 min) and temperature (100 °C) were determined with a constant medium agitation rate. Additionally, this study also aimed at establishing the validation of the statistical model to carry out the extrapolation of the extraction process at the pilot scale. The fibers extracted at the pilot scale showed yields (45.2 ± 0.01%) in agreement with those obtained through the optimization and validation lab-scale steps (44.97 ± 0.02). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were conducted to investigate the structure and microstructure of pilot scale-produced fibers. FTIR spectrum and XRD pattern were typical to lignocellulosic fibers results. Sharp and thin peaks characteristic of cellulose were detected. Pure and crystallized phases were recorded with a 45% crystallinity index. SEM analysis presented elongated and organized cells with a uniform structure comparable to cellulosic fibers microstructure. [Display omitted] • The optimal time and temperature led to maximize the fiber yield of cactus racket. • The laboratory eco-extraction process was successfully optimized and transferred into the pilot-scale. • The pilot scale fibers yield and microstructure were comparable to those obtained at the lab-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid fermentation of cactus fruit ( Opuntia ficus-indica ) juice constitutes an important biotechnology process for its preservation. The present study shows the isolation and selection of potential probiotic autochthonous strains for the preparation of a fermented cactus fruit juice. 17 strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from O. ficus-indica fruits that grow in arid regions from Argentina. Isolates were screened for probiotic traits such as gastrointestinal stress tolerance, cell surface properties and antimicrobial activity, and also for their effects on functional properties of fermented juices. Among 17 isolates, 4 showed singular properties to be used as starters in cactus pear juice fermentation. These strains were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum S-811, L. plantarum S-TF2, Fructobacillus fructosus S-22, and F. fructosus S-TF7. The selected strains have potential for their use in the fermentation of cactus pear juice contributing to its preservation and the conservation of its health-promoting features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among most propagated and worldwide cacti used for commercial (food) production is Opuntia ficus-indica . The present study aimed at investigating aroma compound and metabolites distribution in cactus fruits from 3 cultivars (cvs): red ‘Rose’, yellow-orange ‘Gialla’ and greenish-white ‘Bianca’ represented by both its pulp and skin samples. Two methods were applied including UV-vis fingerprinting versus gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Betalains predominated in red fruits, whereas carotenoids and chlorophyll were more abundant in orange and green fruits, respectively, as revealed from their crude extracts UV absorption spectra. Volatiles were profiled using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to GC-MS. 40 Volatiles were identified with short chain aldehydes (25–32%) and acids (25–29%) as the major volatile classes. Cultivars exhibited comparable aroma profiles suggesting that volatiles cannot serve as a chemical fingerprint to distinguish between cvs. Primary metabolites mediating for fruit taste and nutritional value viz . sugars and amino acid were profiled using GC-MS post silylation with 82 identified metabolites. Glucose (62%) and fructose (16%) were found to predominate sugar composition, whereas proline was the major amino acid (3–8%). Multivariate data analyses revealed for betalain and disaccharides enrichment i.e ., turanose and sucrose in fruit skin versus proline, talopyranose and lyxopyranose abundance in pulp tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dactylopius opuntiae fitness is reduced under elevated CO 2. • Decline in Opuntia stricta plant quality is related to fitness. • Dactylopius opuntiae herbivory resulted in slower plant mortality under elevated CO 2. • Dactylopius opuntiae may be a less effective biocontrol agent in the future. Opuntia stricta var. stricta (Haworth.) Haworth (Cactaceae) is an important invasive alien plant (IAP) in South Africa, that invades both disturbed and undisturbed habitats mainly within grasslands and savannas. Fortunately, substantial control has been achieved using the biological control agent, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), a sap sucking scale insect. With rising atmospheric CO 2 concentrations, many plants alter their growth traits, most notably leaf nutritional quality which in turn affects their arthropod herbivores. Therefore, we tested whether D. opuntiae fitness and its subsequent efficacy as a biological control agent is altered by O. stricta plants grown at elevated CO 2. Using walk-in Conviron growth chambers, O. stricta was grown at three CO 2 concentrations; 250 (sub-ambient – sCO 2). 400 (ambient - aCO 2) and 600 ppm (elevated – eCO 2). After 70 days of growth, plants were inoculated with 20 first instar D. opuntiae crawlers and we subsequently measured parameters to assess their fitness. Plant traits were measured regularly throughout the 6.5-month experiment. Dactylopius opuntiae fitness index was significantly lowered on eCO 2 plants which slowed the rate of herbivory. Dactylopius opuntiae fitness index was negatively correlated to cladode carbon/nitrogen ratios indicating reduced plant quality was a potential driver. However, despite reduced D. opuntiae fitness and slowed rates of damage , O. stricta growth at eCO 2 was still inhibited by the insect, and final plant biomass did not differ from aCO 2 plants, unlike that observed for the control plants. Furthermore, irrespective of CO 2 treatment, all plants succumbed to D. opuntiae herbivory with plants grown at eCO 2 taking approximately-three weeks longer than sCO 2 and aCO 2 plants to die. Despite mortality of O. stricta plants grown at eCO 2 due to D. opuntiae feeding, the long-term potential cumulative effects of reduced agent fitness and their subsequent efficacy may hinder the management of this IAP with rising atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides were identified from raw prickly pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica L.). Five autochthonous strains were selected based on the kinetics of growth and acidification on prickly pear fruit juice, and the capacity to synthesize exo-polysaccharides. All selected Leuc. mesenteroides strains showed an in vitro mucilage-degrading capability. A protocol for processing and storage of fermented prickly pear fruit puree (FP) was set up. Unstarted FP and chemically acidified FP were used as the controls. Starters grew and remained viable at elevated cell numbers during 21 days of storage at 4 °C. Contaminating Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts were found only in the controls. Viscosity and serum separation distinguished started FP compared to the controls. Colour parameters, browning index, sensory attributes, antimicrobial activity, vitamin C and betalains levels were positively affected by lactic acid fermentation. Increase of free radical scavenging activity in ethyl acetate soluble extract suggested an effect of selected strains on phenolic profiles. Started FP markedly inhibited the inflammatory status of Caco-2/TC7 cells, and also contributed to maintaining the integrity of tight junctions. Started FP scavenged the reactive oxygen species generated by H 2 O 2 on Caco-2 cells. All selected strain variously affected the immunomodulatory activity towards anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal ion, pesticide and dye wastewaters cause severe ecological contamination with conventional treatment methods proving inadequate, unsuccessful or expensive to apply. Several biomaterials have recently been explored for the biosorption and biocoagulation-flocculation of pollutants from wastewaters. In the past 10 years, there has been an extensive research output on the use of biological materials such as agricultural wastes, chitosan, Moringa Oleifera , Eichhornia crassipes , bacteria, algae, Cactus plants etc. in environmental remediation. The present paper reviews the scattered information about the green technology involving Opuntia ficus-indica derived biomaterials in wastewater decontamination. Its characterization, physicochemical compositions, its application in biosorption and flocculation of dyes, pesticides and metallic species focussing on equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic properties are reviewed. The main results obtained in the depollution of a variety of contaminated wastewaters using cladodes, fruit pulp and peels mucilage and electrolytes show very high and promising pollutant maximum sorption capacities and removal percentages in the range −125.4–1000 mg/g and 0.31–2251.56 mg/g for the biosorption of dyes and metallic species respectively and removal % ranges of 50–98.7%, 11–93.62% and 17–100% for turbidity, chemical oxygen demand and heavy metals respectively by coagulation-flocculation process. The biomaterials proved to be efficient in pollutant removal that there is need to explore the scaling up of the study from the laboratory scale to community pilot plants and eventually to industrial levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage cactus (Nopalea cochinillifera L.) is highly efficient in water use and biomass production for animal feed in arid regions; however, soil fungi Fusarium solani (Fs) and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Lt) pose a threat to this plant. This study evaluated the antagonistic potential of nine Thricorderma spp. against these pathogens. Thricorderma aureoviride URM 6668 (TIA) significantly decreased the growth of the mycelial halo of Fs and Lt by 34% and 89%, respectively (in vitro). TIA inoculation on forage cactus soils was also compared with the use of isolate T. aureoviride URM 5158 (TCP), a chitinase producer, and with Acibenzolar-S-methyl, a plant resistance inducer (PRI). All treatments were effective to control the pathogens, reducing the lesion area at the basal cladode by up to 96%, while Trichoderma spp. induced significant reductions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant tissues. TIA showed potential for inoculant production due to its high efficacy against Fs and Lt in vitro and in vivo , its easy application directly on the plant neck in the form of conidia suspension, and its fast growth in the laboratory. [Display omitted] • Trichoderma spp. were antagonistic to the pathogens F. solani and L. theobromae. • T. aureoviride was most efficient in controlling the phytopathogens in vitro. • T. aureoviride reduced the necrotic area in forage cactus cladodes by up to 96%. • Disease progress was directly related to increased ROS activity in cactus tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L). Mill.) vinegar has been produced by submerged culture using scale laboratory fermenters at three acetification temperatures (30 °C, 37 °C, and 40 °C). Pure thermotolerant Acetic Acid Bacteria (AAB) which had been previously submitted to molecular identification by PCR–RFLP of the 16S–23S rDNA regions and 16S–23S ITS rDNA sequencing, were used. The AAB used were identified as Acetobacter malorum and Gluconobacter oxydans. The acetic fermentation achieved by A. malorum at 30 °C and 37 °C was more efficient, in terms of acidity, than that accomplished by G. oxydans. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of 85 individual volatile compounds and 17 polyphenolic compounds. The concentration of approximately half the volatile compounds was significantly affected by fermentation temperature, with clearly lower concentrations as temperature increased, whereas few significant differences were observed when comparing the vinegars produced by the two AAB species. Regarding phenolic compounds, significant increases were registered when temperature changed from 30 °C to 40 °C. Furthermore, the vinegars produced by A. malorum presented a greater concentration of phenolic compounds than those produced by G. oxydans. • Submerged culture for prickly pear vinegar was studied at three temperatures. • Two thermotolerant acetic acid bacteria were identified by molecular identification. • Higher temperatures decreased volatile composition and increased phenolic content. • Acetobacter malorum produced vinegars with a greater concentration of polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high consumption of maize tortillas in Mexico has prompted the widespread use of instant maize flours in the food industry, lowering the fibre and calcium contents in tortillas compared to the traditional nixtamal process. The inclusion of food sources such as cladodes could improve the nutritional value of maize tortillas. The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical (rheology, puffing, rollability, and colour) and nutritional (chemical composition and in vitro intestinal bioaccessibility of calcium) parameters of maize tortillas made from commercial flour, substituted with 3% and 6% cladode flour. Partial substitution of maize flour with dried cladodes proved to be a good alternative to conventional tortillas both from a sensorial and a physical point of view. An improved rheological behaviour was observed in the dough, in addition to good puffing and rollability characteristics and an attractive colour of maize tortillas. The substitution of 6% maize flour with dried cladodes increased soluble fibre and calcium contents, and improved calcium intestinal absorption (bioaccessibility 48%), giving a value closer to that of traditional nixtamal maize tortillas. The introduction of cladode-supplemented instant maize flours on the market could help improve the fibre and calcium intake –and thus the health status– of the Mexican population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1913, a cochineal insect species, Dactylopius ceylonicus (Green) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), was released in South Africa as a biological control agent against drooping prickly pear Opuntia monacantha . Later, in 1938, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) was used, together with several other biological control agents, to suppress populations of mission prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica . Both programmes achieved considerable success in alleviating these weed problems. In common with some other cochineal insect species, D. opuntiae is oligophagous which has led to allegations that it has competitively displaced D. ceylonicus on O. monacantha in South Africa. An investigation into this supposition showed that D. ceylonicus is still present at all of the seven sites where O. monacantha was monitored and that D. opuntiae was not found to occur on O. monacantha at any of the sites. Although D. opuntiae is able to use both O. monacantha and O. ficus-indica as hosts, under laboratory conditions its performance (developmental duration, survival and body mass of the females at maturity) was significantly inferior to that of D. ceylonicus on O. monacantha . These observations show that there is no evidence of the actual or potential displacement of D. ceylonicus by D. opuntiae on O. monacantha . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica ) pulp (CP) was encapsulated with a soybean protein isolate (SPI) and an SPI blend with maltodextrin (MD) or inulin (I). A 2 2 statistical factorial design for each system (CP-SPI, CP-(SPI + MD) and CP-(SPI + I)) was used. The independent variables were the CP/encapsulating agent ratio (1:1–5:1) and inlet air temperature (100–140 °C), and the dependent variables were the polyphenol, betacyanin and betaxanthin encapsulation efficiencies. The CP total polyphenol, betacyanin and betaxanthin contents were 73.2 ± 1.0 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, 22.4 ± 0.31 mg/100 g and 7.6 ± 0.12 mg/100 g, respectively. A 5:1 ratio of CP/encapsulating agent at 100 °C and 140 °C inlet air temperatures were the optimal conditions for the CP-SPI and CP-(SPI + MD) systems, respectively; for the CP-(SPI + I) system, the ratio and the inlet optimal air temperature were 4:1 and 105 °C, respectively. The stability of the powders obtained under optimal conditions for each system was studied at 60 °C in the dark. Increased polyphenols and decreased betalains were observed in all systems during storage, and the yellow pigments (betaxanthin) were more stable than the red pigments (betacyanin). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (OF) has emerged as a species that has a growing role in the area of agro-energy for their use as substrate in anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas and methane. In order to improve Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP), the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different feedstock ratios of cladodes in co-digestion with cow manure (CM) (OF:CM, 0:100 to 95:5) to determine the best co-digestion condition that improves BMP. Two co-digestion systems had BMP statistically significantly higher than the mono-digestion system, with improvements in the range of 80–92%. No statistical differences were found among the tested co-digestion treatments. These results demonstrate that the co-digestion of and CM biomass enhanced methane production through anaerobic digestion, with important implications for bioenergy production. • Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes in co-digestion with cow manure enhances BMP. • Maximum methane yield was obtained at C:N 16.30 in co-digestion. • The highest BMP obtained was 152.7 mL CH 4 g VSfed −1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of Opuntia genus are among the main Cactaceae consumed in semi-arid regions of the world and recently they are often used in the formulation of different new foods. Cladodes and fruits are notable for their contents of mucilage and healthy water-soluble compounds besides some essential fatty acids and terpenoids. The carbohydrate polymers, polyphenols and betalains of Opuntia have shown beneficial effects against metabolic disorders along with anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The Opuntia mucilages are generating new nutritionally healthier ingredients with good technological characteristics. This review shows that the genetic, environment and physiological stages of the fruits and cladodes can widely influence the Opuntia phytochemical complexity, also reflecting on their benefits for human health and technological characteristics. Important phytochemicals have been shown to be specific for some Opuntia , while other compounds can be widely found in different glycosylated or esterified forms. Carbohydrate, ash, and polyphenol contents can be influenced by both environment and ripening stage. In addition, extraction conditions need to be better standardized for mucilages and flavonols while other compounds, such as alkaloids, deserve to be studied by more sensitive and specific analytical techniques, with the aim to increase the knowledge of the Opuntia chemical complexity and related biological and technological properties. [Display omitted] • Genetics shows qualitative and quantitative effects on Opuntia cladodes and fruits. • The environment mainly influences the mucilage and polyphenol compositions. • Physiological stages influence betalain, carbohydrate, fatty acid, ascorbic acid. • Successive extractions have shown more complete flavonol glycoside profiles. • Coumarins and alkaloids must be evaluated by more sensitive analytical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia flowers belonging to two species of prickly pear were evaluated at four flowering stages: vegetative, initial flowering, full flowering and post-flowering stage, for possible use as a potential source in the food enrichment. Chemical composition including moisture, ash, protein, fat, soluble sugars, total fibers, mineral amounts and fatty acid profiles of Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia stricta flowers were investigated. Functional properties (swelling capacity (SWC), water holding capacity (WHC), water solubility index (WSI) and oil holding capacity (OHC)) were also studied. Results showed that during the maturation of flowers, there is a decrease in protein contents whereas fat contents increase, for both species. High minerals amounts were noticed in Opuntia flowers and they can be considered as an excellent source of minerals. The fatty acids profiles were dominated by the palmitic acid (38–59%). The techno-functional properties (SWC, WSI, WHC and OHC) were found to be important and they can be modulated according to the temperatures. Owing to its chemical profile and functional properties, Opuntia flowers could be used as an ingredient to improve different physical and nutritional properties of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemicals may exert chemo-preventive effects on cells of the gastro-intestinal tract by modulating epigenome-regulated gene expression. The effect of the aqueous extract from the edible fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI extract), and of its betalain pigment indicaxanthin (Ind), on proliferation of human colon cancer Caco-2 cells has been investigated. Whole extract and Ind caused a dose-dependent apoptosis of proliferating cells at nutritionally relevant amounts, with IC50 400 ± 25 mg fresh pulp equivalents/mL, and 115 ± 15 µM (n = 9), respectively, without toxicity for post-confluent differentiated cells. Ind accounted for ~80% of the effect of the whole extract. Ind did not cause oxidative stress in proliferating Caco-2 cells. Epigenomic activity of Ind was evident as de-methylation of the tumor suppressor p16INK4a gene promoter, reactivation of the silenced mRNA expression and accumulation of p16INK4a, a major controller of cell cycle. As a consequence, decrease of hyper-phosphorylated, in favor of the hypo-phosphorylated retinoblastoma was observed, with unaltered level of the cycline-dependent kinase CDK4. Cell cycle showed arrest in the G2/M-phase. Dietary cactus pear fruit and Ind may have chemo-preventive potential in intestinal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is one of the most serious constraints that prevents plants from attaining their full potential, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Among notable drought-tolerant plants, prickly pear stands as a plant capable of tolerating daring water stress conditions, thanks to its water storage and CO 2 uptake capabilities. However, its full potential remains constrained under drought stress. The use of biostimulants such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost (Vc) can help the plant to mitigate drought. The present study provides insights into the effects of an AMF, a vermicompost at a dose of 5%, and their combination on growth, and biochemical responses of prickly pear cladodes under severe water stress (SWD), moderately watered (MD), and well-watered (WW) treatments (15, 30 and 50% of field capacity (FC), respectively). AMF + Vc treatment showed the highest values of AMF colonization and growth parameters under drought stress. The application of these biostimulants increased physiological and biochemical parameters, under water deficit, and led to a decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), notably on plants treated with AMF + Vc. Overall, the results pointed out the role of AMF and vermicompost as strategic applicable tools in better mitigation of drought stress in the prickly pear. • Growth performance of prickly pear cactus was significantly affected by drought. • A dual application of AMF and/or vermicompost improved water uptake in cactus. • AMF and/or vermicompost application can reduce drought damage in cactus. • Biostimulants application reduced oxidative marquers in cactus plant under drought. • AMF and/or vermicompost application can assist in drought tolerance in cactus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sicilian nopal (O.ficus-indica) was characterized for its macro- and micronutrients. • Solar-dried samples from different cultivars and pruning seasons were considered. • Sicilian nopal was a precious source of fibre, sugars, minerals, and polyphenols. • Although very low in fat, healthy short and long chain fatty acids were revealed. • Pruning season had a greater effect on chemical composition of nopal than cultivar. Sicilian dried nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) was for the first time chemically characterized in relation to the cultivar (i.e., Sanguigna, Surfarina and Muscaredda) and the pruning season (i.e., January-February and June-July 2019). To this purpose, a variety of analytical techniques were employed for elucidating its proximate composition, fatty acid composition, sugars, element fingerprint, and single polyphenols. Sicilian nopal was rich in dietary fiber (44.11–49.55 %), inorganic elements -such as Ca (4780.31–5041.47 mg/100 g) and K (4899.25–6612.95 mg/100 g)- phenolic acids (4.10–5.3 g/Kg) and flavonoids (3.80–4.85 g/Kg), including the characteristic kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside. It was also a good source of carbohydrates, with predominant monosaccharides such as glucose (9.30–12.00 g/100 g) and galacturonic acid (6.16–7.90 g/100 g) and demonstrated to be low in fat (0.76–2.46 %). In particular, its fatty acid composition was characterized by the predominance of short and long chain fatty acids, such as caprylic acid (3.48–7.65 %), linoleic (20.81–24.27 %) and linolenic acids (11.02–16.83 %). Additionally, obtained results pointed out that macro- and micronutrients were affected by both cultivar and pruning season, however, the influence of the pruning season being more pronounced. Such variability should be taken into account when evaluating the employment of Sicilian nopal in food and nutraceutical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The young stems of Opuntia spp., known as cladodes are widely consumed in Mexico, and appreciated for their high content of fiber and beneficial effects in the metabolism of glucose. Since, boiling process is often applied to these vegetables, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of this process on the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties of two cladode cultivars. The components most affected were the soluble compounds (sugars, minerals, vitamin C and phenolics), while proteins, lipids and fiber showed a high retention. The losses of phytochemicals were related to the decrease of the antioxidant capacity. Cladodes presented good hydration properties inducing a non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior in suspension. Heat treatment reduced the viscosity and gel consistency and these changes affected the physiological properties related to capacity of cladodes to hold glucose and control the glycemic response. The intake of these compounds and the estimation of some properties may be overestimated when data of raw sources are used. Further research to determine boiling conditions to minimize the changes on composition of these vegetables is necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The content of calcium oxalate and calcium in powder from Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal pad) was investigated. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to evaluate the calcium and calcium oxalate contents. The results suggest a positive relationship between calcium content and the maturity stages of nopal pads. For pads that were from 40 to 135 days old, the range was from 17.9 to 30.7mg/g dry matter: the older the nopal, the higher the calcium content. The oxalate content also shows an apparent cyclic tendency during the period of study; nopal pads aged from 40 to 135 days of maturity showed an oxalate range from 11.5 to 4.3mg/g dry matter. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that oxalates were present in the samples, and that they were located mainly in the parenchyma tissue, with druse morphology. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed their composition as calcium oxalates. The X-ray analysis showed that there were different contents of calcium oxalates at different phases of maturity. This result is in agreement with data obtained by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. In addition, the molar ratio between oxalate and calcium in all states of maturity was lower than 1, with a range from 0.348 to 0.067. This finding therefore suggests that the bioavailability of this mineral has not been compromised. The results indicate that nopal powder from more mature nopal pads can be a natural source of calcium that might be included in human diets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study was performed to investigate the anti-allergy potentials of glycoprotein (90kDa) isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica var. saboten MAKINO (OFI glycoprotein) in vivo (ICR mice) and in vitro (RBL-2H3 cells). At first, to know whether the OFI glycoprotein has an inhibitory ability for allergy in vivo, we evaluated the activities of allergy-related factors such as histamine and β-hexosaminidase release, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in compound 48/80 (8ml/kg BW)-treated ICR mice. After that, we studied to found the effect for anti-allergy in vitro such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, arachidonic acid, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in compound 48/80 (5μg/ml)-treated RBL-2H3 cells. Our results showed that the OFI glycoprotein (5mg/kg) inhibited histamine and β-hexosaminidase release, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in mice serum. Also OFI glycoprotein (25μg/ml) has suppressive effects on the expression of MAPK (ERK1/2), and on protein expression of anti-allergic proteins (iNOS and COX-2). Thus, we speculate that the OFI glycoprotein is an example of natural compound that blocks anti-allergic signal transduction pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Morin et al. Decline of the invasive plant Asparagus asparagoides within the first seven years after release of biological control agents in Australia. [Display omitted] • Changes in A. asparagoides in large-scale Before-After agent release experiment. • Prostrate above-ground biomass steadily decreased following agent releases. • Shoots climbing on trellises did not uniformly decreased across sites. • Leafhopper damage incidence was generally lower than that of rust infection. There is ample anecdotal evidence and expert opinion on the adverse impact of imported biological control agents on populations of invasive plants, but still a paucity of quantitative data. Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper), a perennial climber with an extensive below-ground network of rhizomes and tubers, was considered one of the most invasive plants of natural ecosystems in southern Australia in the 1990s. A long-term experiment was conducted at 15 sites invaded by A. asparagoides across Australia to determine whether its growth and reproduction declined following the release of two biological control agents: a leafhopper (undescribed Erythroneurini formerly referred to as Zygina sp.) and rust fungus (Puccinia myrsiphylli). Data on A. asparagoides were collected annually at each site for up to 3 years before the release of one or both agents in 2000 or 2001, and up to 7 years after release to capture spatial and temporal variability. Our results showed a steady decrease in A. asparagoides seedling and shoot density, and total above-ground biomass in quadrats across all sites in the years following the release of the leafhopper and/or rust fungus. The number of fruits produced in quadrats greatly varied between sites, although for most sites, fruit numbers before the release of agents were higher than after release. Changes in A. asparagoides climbing onto standardized trellises, however, were not consistent across sites during the same period, with major reductions in plant measurements recorded at some sites but not others. Differences in climatic conditions between sites during A. asparagoides growing season did not explain these variable results. Incidence of leafhopper damage on A. asparagoides cladodes in quadrats and trellises was generally lower than that of rust infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the last 10 years a great interest in spineless cactus pear was shown in the drier areas in terms of both fresh fruit and fodder production. However, there is a lack of knowledge on quantitative data on root dynamics of these plants needed to fully understand its potential under water limiting conditions. This study aimed at quantifying the effects of water stress on the growth of tap roots, side roots and rain roots of the species Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (cultivar Morado—green cladode) and O. robusta Wendl. (cultivar Monterey—blue cladode). One-year-old cladodes were planted in root boxes and pots (2002/2003 season) that were kept in the greenhouse at day/night temperatures of 25–30°C/15–18°C. Placing the cladodes flat on the soil, more areoles came in contact with the soil and therefore more roots developed in both species with an average of only 3.4% areole complexes not rooting. Each areole complex formed on average 3 roots. The highest daily tap root growth was 42 and 36mm for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta, respectively. Tap root growth increased in the morning with water stress for both species but decreased in the afternoon. Side root growth increased with water stress, with that of O. robusta more per tap root than O. ficus-indica. O. robusta showed a finer root system than O. ficus-indica. The side roots grew as much as 8 and 5mm per day for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta, respectively. Whitish rain roots developed on the established roots within the first hour after rewetting the soil and grew for only 3 days. Rain roots grew up to 7 and 5mm within a day for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta, respectively. Considering all studied aspects of their roots systems, O. robusta appears to be better adapted to drought (less sensitive to water stress) than O. ficus-indica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A randomized complete block field design for Opuntia ficus indica fruit production and quality in Argentina compared 19 of the most promising fruit accessions identified from previous Texas field trials to 8 individual selections of the naturalized Argentine “Santiagueña variety” and one South African clone. The genetic material originating from Texas consisted of recently collected fruit varieties from high elevation sites in northern Mexico which should possess increased cold hardiness and the best accessions from among 100 accessions evaluated over a 15 year period in Kingsville, Texas. The Argentine accessions were selected for high yield from on-farm field trials and university field plots. The Argentine varieties were established about half a growing season after the Texas varieties. The yields ranged from 3000 to 22,000kgha-1 for the 4th growing season for the accessions from North America and from 2100 to 6400kgha-1 in the 3rd growing season for the Argentine naturalized genetic materials. The Argentine varieties had the greatest fruit pulp firmness (about 2kg) and sugar contents (13.4–15.2) but had a lower percentage pulp (40–47%) than the North American materials. For the first time this work demonstrated significant differences in yield and sugar content among the naturalized Argentine varieties leading the way to the first selected varieties. In some of the accessions, even at maturity, the inner pulp lacked structural integrity and easily broke apart on peeling. These accessions had both a low pulp firmness (less than 1kg) and a low percentage of pulp to peel firmness. The ratio of pulp to peel fruit firmness at maturity varied greatly among the accessions obviating the possibility of evaluating pulp firmness from peel firmness measurements. The highly significantly negative correlation between fruit firmness (p=0.005) and pH among the accessions is reminiscent of auxin-induced pH decreases that lead to increased cell wall plasticity. Two of the spineless Texas accessions (1279 and 1300) with dark purple fruit could not be distinguished on the basis of cladode or fruit color or overall plant morphology. In agreement with prior Texas evaluations, clone 1300 had significantly greater yield but significantly lower sugar than the other indistinguishable clone 1279. These significant quantitative intravarietal differences in clones 1279 and 1300, combined with intravarietal differences in the externally indistinguishable Santiagueña clones, points to the need to select and maintain individual plant selections within morphologically indistinguishable varieties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes are a source of dietary fiber, vitamins and antioxidants that could be utilized by the food industry for both their nutritional and technological properties. In the present study, cladodes were dried at 45°C for 24 h, followed by a 18 h vacuum drying at 45°C or 60°C. The dried cladodes were then ground in a grain mill, resulting in two coarse cladode flours (C45 and C60, respectively). A portion of the two flours was further ground with jet mill, yielding two fine flours, J45 and J60, respectively. Color, bulk density, water and oil holding capacities, solubility and dietary fiber content were determined. In addition, rheological properties and sedimentation kinetic of aqueous cladode flour suspensions were evaluated. An increase of insoluble fiber was observed with micro-grinding. All samples exhibited shear thinning behavior, while jet milling led to substantial decrease in apparent viscosity values. Coarse fractions sedimented quickly, achieving almost maximum sedimentation within 10 min, while the micro ground samples sedimented half as fast. In conclusion, particle size significantly alters the technological properties of cladode flour, broadening the range of applications cladodes could be used for. • Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes whole flour successful production. • Drying temperature increase diminishes the particle size of cladode flours. • Coarse grinding results of higher density, darker particles of uneven size and shape. • Microgrinding increases the insoluble:soluble fibers ratio in cladode flour. • Microgrinding decreases viscosity and pseudoplasticity of cladode flour suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent increase of irrigation practices in forage cactus crops makes appropriate irrigation management criteria necessary. In this study, the morphological and yield characteristics of forage cactus cultivars were evaluated for some soil-based irrigation management criteria. Five experiments were carried out simultaneously under semiarid conditions in a randomized block design, with forage cactus cultivars Orelha de Elefante (OE), IPA-Sertânia (IPA), Doce (DC), Gigante (GG), and Orelha de Onça (OO). For each cultivar, irrigation management was performed using four upper thresholds of matric potential (−0.2, −0.33, −1, and −3 atm), as well as a non-irrigated (rainfed) treatment. Forage cactus crop yield was evaluated after 12 months and responded positively and similarly to irrigation management using any of the thresholds, with a significant increase in the cladode area and, overall, a positive effect on growth and yield parameters. Very high irrigation water productivity up to 75 kg m−3 was obtained especially in the −3 atm threshold treatment, whereas an increase of the threshold potential caused a sharp reduction of water productivity. We conclude that irrigation management of forage cactus grown in semi-arid climates is highly beneficial and that unconventionally low matric potential thresholds may be used. • Upper matric potential thresholds for forage cactus irrigation were investigated. • Even with low thresholds, irrigation resulted in significant yield increase of cactus. • A low threshold of −3 atm resulted in a very high water productivity. • Recommended thresholds for forage cactus irrigation are unconventionally low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultrasound treatment for improving the bioactive compounds and quality properties of a Brazilian nopal beverage was studied. Physicochemical characterization and possible changes in nutritional, microbiological, and sensory parameters throughout the shelf-life were evaluated, and compared with heat treatment. Five products were prepared and analyzed during 28 days of shelf-life: control without treatment (C0), beverage submitted to heat treatment for 10 min (HP10), and beverages submitted to ultrasound treatment for 10 (US10), 20 (US20), and 40 (US40) min, with these times being defined based on a previously conducted pilot study. The US40 beverage presented the highest levels of oligosaccharides (31.99%), organic (48.93%) and ascorbic (26.09%) acids, and minerals (83.59%) compared to those found for HP10. The US40 also showed better antioxidant activity and 81.80% more phenolic compounds when compared with the HP10. The US40 presented greater stability for bioactive compounds and showed fewer changes in the color parameters, lower microorganism count, and greater acceptability regarding quality during shelf-life, while the HP10 sample presented the worst results. Therefore, the US40 beverage has higher functional potential, and ultrasound represents a promising technique to preserve or improve the quality of this product during its processing and shelf-life. [Display omitted] • Effect of high-power ultrasound on nopal beverage was evaluated for the first time. • Ultrasound provided better antioxidant potential during processing and shelf-life. • 40 min of ultrasound (US40) produced the best quality parameters during shelf-life. • US40 increased the content of oligosaccharides, organic acids and minerals. • US40 improved the shelf-life of the beverage in 14 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thickening or stunting of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes is one of the most striking diseases of the crop. It is characterized by the development of abnormally thickened cladodes, dwarfism and malformations. To describe the histological changes and to quantify hormones and nutritional elements in thickened cladodes, microscopic histological sections were compared, and hormones and nutritional elements were quantified from thickened and healthy cladodes. Greater heterogeneity was found at the cellular and tissue level in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic cladodes. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia were found in some areas of the thickened cladode tissues. Moreover, an increase in tracheids and vessel elements was observed, and several of these vascular bundles were damaged. On the other hand, the presence of a greater amount of amyloplasts and calcium oxalate crystals was found in the parenchyma of thickened cladodes than in the healthy ones. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the accumulation of the ABA, IAA, AG3 and zeatin hormones between thickened and healthy cladodes from plants established in the greenhouse with experimental nutritional conditions. On the contrary, the potassium, nitrogen, sodium and zinc elements were accumulated with lower quantity in thickened than in healthy cladodes, with levels of 68.3%, 67.6%, 55.3% and 36.2%, respectively, while phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron were accumulated in greater amounts in thickened cladodes compared to healthy cladodes, with levels of 20.3%, 17.2%, 16.1%, 256.1% and 200.2%, respectively. These findings improved our understanding of the physiological and anatomical mechanisms of this disease. Opuntia thickening is a very striking disease of which no real causal agent was confirmed. Cladode thickening induced histological changes and alterations of nutritional elements. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia were characteristic of the thickened cladode. The thickened cladode contained large amounts of amyloplasts and calcium oxalate crystals. The thickened cladode did not alter the accumulation of hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects of the fungal endophytes were investigated on bell pepper fitness. • The impact of inoculum quantities on the plant growth and biocontrol was examined. • Consortium of the bio inoculants promoted the plant growth and resistance to P. capsici. • The percentage of colonized root pieces was not affected by inoculation ratios. • The plant reacted negatively when exposed to high levels of inoculum. Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) is one of the most widely grown vegetables worldwide. Human health and environmental issues have raised the tendency to use biofertilizers⁄biopesticides as valuable tools in sustainable agriculture. The application of bioinoculants with the potential of plant growth promotion and biocontrol activity against diseases should be a promising alternative for the future of production systems. A combination of two compatible micro-organisms, Serendipita indica and Trichoderma simmonsii, were evaluated for their plant growth promotion/and biocontrol activity against Phytopthtora capsici on bell pepper. We also examined the impacts of varying inoculum concentrations of S. indica on the vegetative growth and against the pathogen at different phenologic stages of the plant. While we recorded a constant range of "percent root colonization" (55–56%) in response to varying inoculum concentrations across all the treatments, light microscopy observation showed the significant effect of the inoculum levels on the root colonization density by the fungus. Seed germination and germination earliness were not affected by individual or the consortium of the bioinoculants, however, a significant negative effect on seed germination was recorded with the increase of inoculum concentrations. Seed inoculation with lower inoculum concentrations (1–3% w/w) of S. indica brought about a significant increase in the vegetative growth of the plant in the greenhouse and field conditions. However, greater concentrations either did not significantly stimulated the plant growth or had less positive effects in comparison to lower ones. Greenhouse and field trials showed S. indica to have a greater impact on the growth parameters in comparison to T. simmonsii or combined use of the bioinoculants. Both the consortium of the fungi and S. indica brought about a significant increase of up to 67% in the bell pepper yield. In the case of bioprotection of the plant against P. capsici pre-emergence seed rot and plantlet blights, the most effective was the consortium of the bioinoculants in terms of declining the disease index. Therefore, we suggest this combination can provide a promising feature as a complement for crop nutrition and enhancing the plant tolerance to P. capsici. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing interest in the use of natural food colorants to substitute synthetic dyes that are health harmful. In this study, encapsulation conditions of yellow-orange cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica pulp (P), were determined using maltodextrin (MD) as the encapsulating agent (EA). The effect of three encapsulating agents (cactus mucilage (M), MD, and mucilage-maltodextrin (M+MD) blend) on microparticle's characteristics, stability, and performance as a colorant in yogurt was assessed at optimal conditions determined by Response Surface Methodology. Optimal conditions for encapsulation with MD were inlet air temperature 150 °C and a 3:1 ratio, where pulp:encapsulating agent ratio had more influence than the temperature in the yield during encapsulation. Indicaxanthin encapsulation efficiency and yield were 100% and 51.2% (P-MD), 87% and 7% (P-M), and 93% and 11% (P-M+MD), respectively. P-MD system showed higher indicaxanthin stability and less color change stored at 60 °C. However, P-MD and P-M+MD microparticles were successfully tested as colorants in yogurt, and both colorants showed similar performance and stability (over 80% indicaxanthin retention). Cactus cladode mucilage with the addition of maltodextrin could be the encapsulating agent for yellow-orange cactus pear pulp, thus providing pigment protection as a yellow colorant for yogurt. Image 1 • Cactus pear yellow pulp was encapsulated to produce a natural food coloring. • Indicaxanthin encapsulation efficiencies were over 85% for all the system studied. • Maltodextrin microparticles showed the lowest loss of indicaxanthin at 60 °C (10%). • Indicaxanthin microparticles showed high retention as yogurt colorant (over 80%) during storage at 4 °C. • A not-noticeable color change was observed during yogurt storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edaphoclimatic conditions determine variations in availability of water and nutrients, susceptibility to erosive processes and expression of the genetic potential of the cactus pear. Thus, management systems consistent with environmental specificities influence the expression of the plant's structural characteristics, its yield and the forage quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the soils of traditional cactus pear production systems and to correlate it with the productivity and mineral and chemical composition of cladodes in agroecosystems in the semiarid region of Bahia. For that, five stratified agroecosystems were selected based on the distinction of the characteristics of soils, vegetation, relief, altimetry, typology of producers and production systems of cactus pear. The crop yield data were obtained based on the harvest of cladodes from all plants in each repetition, carried out between August and September 2017. Each of the three replications, in the 20 properties, had an average useful area of 14 m2 and an average quantity of 16 plants. For the evaluation of bromatological characteristics, at the time of collection, an average of 34 samples of cladodes were collected per repetition, with approximately 40 g each. Soils with better natural fertility, that is, with higher values of sum of exchangeable bases (SB), effective cation exchange capacity (t), cation exchange capacity at pH 7.0 (T) and base saturation index (V), do not necessarily determine better structural performance of plants compared to less fertile soils, but they influence higher productivity. Other factors associated with management and climate influenced plant structure, productivity and chemical quality of cactus pear cladodes. Image 1 • Soils with more aptitude may not determine better performance of cactus pear. • Mild temperatures associated with fertilization improve bromatological quality. • Site-specific management systems provide greater agri-food sustainability. • The environment, man and plant influence the success of the cropping of cactus pear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the bromatological composition, carbohydrate fractionation, in vitro digestibility and gas production of varieties of forage cactus of the genus Opuntia , associated with different phenological phases. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement consisting of five forage cactus varieties of the genus Opuntia ((IPA-20 (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill), Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill), Erect Prickly Pear (EPP) (Opuntia stricta Haw), African Prickly Pear (APP) (Opuntia undulata) and F-08 (Opuntia atropes Rose)). and three phenological phases (young, intermediate and mature). The concentrations of neutral detergent fiber and the C ratio of carbohydrates were lower in the Erect Prickly Pear (EPP) variety, in this same variety, a higher proportion of pectin was observed along with the giant variety and higher in vitro digestibility, with similar digestibility for the African Prickly Pear (APP) and F-08. The concentration of total carbohydrates was higher in the IPA-20 variety since the gas production adjusted by the bicompartmental model was higher for APP. Was observed in all varieties greater concentration of neutral detergent fiber and the C fraction of the carbohydrates in the mature cladodes. In vitro digestibility of mature phase was also superior in all varieties except APP. The Erect Prickly Pear and African Prickly Pear varieties present best nutritional value for feeding ruminants and mature phase is the least relevant. • The forage cactus Erect Prickly Pear and the giant has higher content of pectin. • Mature cladodes of forage cactus has greater proportions of neutral detergent fiber. • The forage cactus varieties giant and IPA-20 have lower in vitro digestibility. • The proportion of total carbohydrates is higher in the IPA-20 variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of acidic, neutral and alkaline medium extraction of polysaccharides from Opuntia macrorhiza fruit peels was evaluated. The extraction yields ranged from 6.8 to 13.7%, and the highest content in uronic acid was observed in the acidic extract (50.5%). Likewise, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy showed the presence of uronic acids in the methyl ester and free forms, with a degree of esterification of 46.9, 39.3 and 48.3% for the acidic, neutral and alkaline extracts. Monosaccharide composition showed that the extracted polysaccharides were principally composed of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose and glucose, with an average molecular weight of 208,000, 1460,000 and 1380,000 g/mol, respectively. Therefore, this finding indicates that extracts are a low methoxyl pectic polysaccharides. Finally, all polysaccharides exhibited good antioxidant activity, especially acid extract significantly inhibits lipid peroxidation and in vitro protein glycation in BSA-glucose glycation model and alkaline extract inhibits α-amylase with a competitive type. • Polysaccharides from Opuntia macrorhiza fruit peels were extracted. • Effect of acidic, neutral and alkaline medium extraction was evaluated. • The extracts are a low methoxyl pectic polysaccharides. • Acidic polysaccharides showed strong antioxidant and antiglycation activities. • Alkaline polysaccharides exhibited higher competitive inhibition of α-amylase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peels of prickly pears represent around half of the fruit and are generally discarded, thus becoming an environmental problem. Due to the high content of bioactive compounds, prickly pear peels could be conveniently used as a nutraceutical and functional ingredient in some food preparations, such as bakery products. This study was aimed at assessing the aptitude of prickly pear peel flour to be mixed (10 g, 20 g, and 30 g/100 g) with wheat flour for biscuits preparation through the analysis of the physical and chemical properties of doughs and biscuits and through sensory evaluation. The composition of prickly pear flour showed a significantly higher concentration of fibre (20.70 g/100 g d.w.), ash (14.57 g/100 g d.w.), and phenolic compounds (2776 mg/100 g d.w.) compared to the control wheat flour, thus improving technological properties such as the aptitude to kneading, the flavour retention, and the antioxidant capacity. The acceptance sensory test showed that biscuits prepared with 20 g/100 g and 30 g/100 g of prickly pear flour were more appreciated for smell, taste, colour, and overall acceptability. • Prickly pear peels were successfully used as key ingredient in biscuits formulation. • Fibre and ash showed increased values in prickly pear peel biscuits. • Total betalains were the main bioactive compounds provided by prickly pear biscuits. • 20 g/100 g PPF biscuit had the highest score for taste and overall acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decentralised energy from feedstock cultivated on marginal land can address various problems of many developing countries. Plants like Opuntia ficus-indica (L) Mill. (Cactaceae) and Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Euphorbiaceae) are adapted to thrive on marginal land and hence ideal for feedstock production without competing for arable land. This study explored the potential of intensive cultivation of these plants under various planting densities on marginal land blocks, each having an area of 900 m2, and compared the specific methane production potential of their biomass. Biomass samples from the wild mother plants and those from the cultivated blocks were analysed for their elemental and plant composition. The Hohenheim Biogas Test (HBT) was employed to test their biogas/methane yield potential of the biomass samples. The study showed that high density planting did not negatively affect the plant growth and biomass production. During four month growth time, the plantations at highest density (Euphorbia tirucalli at 266667 plants/ha and Opuntia ficus-indica (L) Mill. at 20.000 plants/ha) were able to generate a methane yield of approximately 1791 m³ in the case of Euphorbia tirucalli L. and 1860 m³ in the case of Opuntia ficus-indica (L) Mill. from 1 ha of marginal land. • Cultivation trials were carried out with energy crops for biogas production in Kenya. • The suitability of Opuntia ficus-indica (L) and Euphorbia tirucalli for biogas production was evaluated. • Different cultivation systems were analyzed. • Specific methane yields and biogas composition determined for Opuntia ficus-indica (L) and Euphorbia tirucalli based on samples grown in Kenia. • The results of a multi-year study are presented in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An antiviral protein, designated Opuntin B, was purified from Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller) Cladode by heat treatment of the extract, protein precipitation by ammonium sulfate treatment followed by ion-exchange chromatography. Assessment of enzymatic activity of the purified protein showed that it degrades total plant genomic RNA, while causing electrophoretic mobility shifting of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) RNAs. However, heat-denatured viral RNA became sensitive to degradation upon treatment with antiviral protein. Opuntin B had no DNase activity on native and heat-denatured apricot genomic DNA, and on PCR-amplified coat protein gene of CMV. Using CMV as prey protein and Opuntin B as bait protein, no interaction was found between the antiviral protein and viral coat protein in far western dot blot analysis. • Opuntin B shows RNase, but not Dnase activity. • Viral RNA became sensitive to Opuntin B after heating. • Opuntin B-treated viral RNA was not amplified in RT-PCR. • Opuntin B targets viral genomic RNA, not the virus particles. • Opuntia plant is an encouraging source for development of new crop protection products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• H. trifurcata and L. bellula were introduced from Mexico to control D. opuntiae. • Biocontrol with C. montrouzieri mass reared on the citrus mealybug was unsuccessful. • Naturalized C. montrouzieri may play a significant role in restraining the cochineal. • Both introduced predators were recovered and H. trifurcata appeared effective. • Comparison of D. opuntiae biocontrol between Mexico and Israel is required. The cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) was first reported in Israel in 2013 in a restricted area in the upper Galilee from where, by 2018, it had spread throughout Galilee and the northern Coastal Plain. It infests and kills the Indian-fig prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae), a prominent plant in the landscape of Israel and other Mediterranean countries. Inundative releases of industrially mass-reared Cryptolaemous montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), intended to control early cochineal outbreaks have been unsuccessful. Two insect predators of D. opuntiae – Hyperaspis trifurcata (Coccinellidae) and Leucopina bellula (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) – were collected in Mexico and sent to Israel, where both were tested against the target prey and several non-target prey species. Approximately 2500 H. trifurcata individuals were released in the summer of 2017, and 1300 L. bellula individuals in the following summer, mostly at different sites. In midsummer of 2017, a buildup of large populations of naturalized C. montrouzieri was observed in the northern Coastal Plain of Israel where, in 2018, it played a significant role in restraining the cochineal populations. Other local predatory species did not attack the cochineal. Approximately 18 months after release of H. trifurcata , most lightly to moderately infested prickly-pear hedges survived the cochineal attack. Leucopina bellula has been recovered so far at one release site. The establishment in Israel of both predators is a promising solution to the problem, although it is too early to determine how successful this endeavor will be. Further consequences of the acclimatization of the cochineal and its Mexican predators in Israel are discussed including their possible spread into other countries, particularly in Africa where D. opuntiae is being successfully used for biological control of invasive Opuntia species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nine fatty acids were identified in prickly pear fruits and cladodes. • Polyunsaturated fatty acids predominated in fruit peel and pulp and old cladodes. • Young cladodes showed higher SFA percentage than the other botanical parts. • Linolenic acid predominated in fruit peel and pulp and old cladodes. • Palmitic acid predominated in young cladodes. The aim of this research was to determine the fatty acid profile of the botanical parts (young and old cladodes, fruit pulp and peel) of six Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. cultivars grown in Spain to evaluate their potential uses for human nutrition, animal feeding and/or industrial use. Nine fatty acids were identified in fruit peel and young cladodes, eight in fruit pulp, and seven in old cladodes. Linoleic acid (C18:2), which is an essential fatty acid, was the main compound in the profile of the old cladodes, fruit peel and pulp. However, young cladodes had palmitic acid (C16:0) as the major compound. Old cladodes showed higher percentages of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids than young cladodes. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were the prevailing group of fatty acids in fruits. These results suggested that prickly pear fruits have a good nutritional profile of fatty acids, rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of complex coacervation between gelatin (G) and cactus mucilage (CM) extracted from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica was studied as a function of the pH and the G/CM ratio. The complex was freeze-dried and structural (FTIR), morphological (SEM) and thermal (DSC/TGA) properties were analyzed. Optimal values of pH and G/CM ratio for complex coacervation were determined to be 4.0 and 1:1, respectively. The morphology and thermal behavior of the microcapsules revealed intermolecular attraction between G and CM by the presence of a network structure and thermal stability. FTIR analysis showed that G-CM complex formation occurred via electrostatic interactions. Thus, G/CM complex coacervates can be recommended for use as wall systems to protect bioactive compounds of interest in the food industry. Image 1 • The complex coacervates were obtained by the interaction gelatin and cactus mucilage. • The capsules were characterized by structural, morphological and thermal analysis. • The thermal stability of complex coacervates were confirmed by DSC/TGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]