Articles
Effect of nitrogen fertilization and season (year) on cactus pear seed oil content and fatty acid composition
Article number
1343_36
Pages
283 – 290
Language
English
Abstract
Cactus pear seed oil production is an important emerging industry in South Africa.
The oil is classified as an essential oil containing mainly omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants.
Although the yield of the oil is low, it is classified as a good quality oil with good stability.
As part of an initiative to promote cactus pears as a multi-functional crop, dual-purpose cultivars should be identified and its production increased.
This study forms part of an existing project aimed to increase the yield and quality of the Opuntia ficus-indica Morado produced for its commercially viable green-colored fruit in South Africa.
The main project encompasses a trial using nitrogen (N) fertilization from three N sources and four N application rates.
It was found that fruit production significantly increased with both N source and application rate, however, the N source did not influence fruit quality.
Seeds from approximately 50 fruits per treatment were extracted from the pulp, dried at room temperature and ground with a commercial coffee grinder, after which it was vacuum packed and frozen (not longer than one month). Oil was extracted by means of the Soxhlet method and the fatty acids determined by gas chromatography.
Oil yield and major fatty acids content for 2020-2021 seasons are reported, and compared to published data of the 2019 season.
In general, oil yield increased with increased N fertilization, as did most major fatty acids, although the main fatty, linoleic acid levels provided inconclusive results.
The oil is classified as an essential oil containing mainly omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants.
Although the yield of the oil is low, it is classified as a good quality oil with good stability.
As part of an initiative to promote cactus pears as a multi-functional crop, dual-purpose cultivars should be identified and its production increased.
This study forms part of an existing project aimed to increase the yield and quality of the Opuntia ficus-indica Morado produced for its commercially viable green-colored fruit in South Africa.
The main project encompasses a trial using nitrogen (N) fertilization from three N sources and four N application rates.
It was found that fruit production significantly increased with both N source and application rate, however, the N source did not influence fruit quality.
Seeds from approximately 50 fruits per treatment were extracted from the pulp, dried at room temperature and ground with a commercial coffee grinder, after which it was vacuum packed and frozen (not longer than one month). Oil was extracted by means of the Soxhlet method and the fatty acids determined by gas chromatography.
Oil yield and major fatty acids content for 2020-2021 seasons are reported, and compared to published data of the 2019 season.
In general, oil yield increased with increased N fertilization, as did most major fatty acids, although the main fatty, linoleic acid levels provided inconclusive results.
Publication
Authors
M. de Wit, V. Nkoi, K. Nematshema, N. Thusi, A. Hugo, G.M. Coetzer, G.M. Ceronio, H.J. Fouche
Keywords
fatty acids, nitrogen, Opuntia ficus-indica, season, seed oil, year
Groups involved
Online Articles (75)