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Using biofertilizers has been a good method in this respect. Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 on 6-year-old grapevine cv. “Flame Seedless” grown under arid conditions (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) to evaluated the effects of foliar application with natural sources and chemical of fertilizer on yield and fruit quality. Eight different foliar spray treatments were applied at 4 weeks after fruit set and repeated after another 4 weeks. These treatments were yeast at 4, 6 or 8%; seaweed extract at 1 or 2%; potassium nitrate at 2%; potassium hydrogen phosphate at 2%, and the control (water only). Results indicated that the application of 8% yeast had improved fruit chemical characteristics (soluble solid content, reducing sugars and total sugars) and some physical characteristics (cluster width and weight of 100 berries). Application of 2% potassium nitrate had a significant effect on yield, cluster weight, cluster length, and volume of 100 berries.

Opuntia spp. are among the most important potential crops in the sustainable agricultural development of arid and semi-arid regions. They are mostly known as a fruit crop, and it is slowly achieving the status of the formal crop; however, there is an increased interest in Opuntia fruit and cladode production due to the great demand for human and animal nutrition in the global market. Fruit are harvested based on peel color, fruit size, fullness and flattening of the floral cavity or receptacle. They are non-climacteric and highly perishable with a short shelf life of few days under marketing conditions. Shelf life is mainly affected by decay, which is related to physical damages during harvest and handling. The fruit is also susceptible to chilling injury when exposed to a prolonged cold temperature below 9 °C. For harvested cladodes, the acid content and flavor may fluctuate significantly during the day and can also be affected by postharvest storage temperature. Therefore, to reduce decay, maintain quality, and prolong the shelf life of Opuntia fruit and cladode, this chapter will discuss on harvest methods, as well as postharvest physiology and technology of Opuntia species that are used for the production of fruit, as well as cladodes that are widely used as a type of vegetables for human nutrition, in addition to those used as forage for animal feed.

The genus Opuntia, family Cactaceae, originated in Mexico and spread to arid and semiarid regions worldwide. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is one of the most agro-economically important cactus species due to its fruit value with high nutritional and medicinal importance. Fruit can be consumed fresh, processed, or as a juice. Some Opuntia species are wild, and fruit is not suitable for human nutrition, but plants can be used as forage for animal nutrition. Moreover, Opuntia spp. is used to produce cladodes that are widely used as a type of vegetables. Cultivation of Opuntia spp. is an easy process. To achieve good results, several factors should be considered, such as the location, planting method, environmental conditions, soil type, cultural practices, and harvest stage to produce high yield with good quality.