Articles
Enhancing propagation techniques for prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.): evaluation of seed germination and cladode rooting
Article number
1452_26
Pages
199 – 206
Language
English
Abstract
Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is one of the most widely distributed cactus species worldwide, valued for its significant economic and environmental importance.
In Morocco, opuntias are commonly found in rural areas, where they play a vital ecological role and serve as an essential food source.
However, since the emergence of Dactylopius opuntiae in 2014, prickly pear plantations have been severely impacted, resulting in widespread damage and substantial agricultural losses in various regions.
This study aims to explore rapid and efficient propagation methods to support the rehabilitation of prickly pear plantations.
Two propagation approaches were examined: sexual propagation (using seeds) and vegetative propagation (using cuttings). The study assessed the effect of hydrochloric acid pretreatment on seed germination and the influence of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on root development in cladodes.
Seed germination trials were conducted on two substrates (filter paper and peat), with seeds soaked for different durations and incubated at 30°C in darkness.
For the vegetative propagation trials, the basal portions of the cladodes were treated with a 2.5 g L‑1 IBA solution for varying durations (0, 30, and 60 s). The results revealed that a 15-min hydrochloric acid pretreatment led to the highest germination rate on filter paper, while a 5-min treatment was most effective on peat.
Regarding rooting, cladodes soaked in IBA for one minute exhibited the best performance, averaging 59.1 roots plant‑1, with a root length of 12.5 cm and a dry root weight of 3.76 g after three months of cultivation.
In Morocco, opuntias are commonly found in rural areas, where they play a vital ecological role and serve as an essential food source.
However, since the emergence of Dactylopius opuntiae in 2014, prickly pear plantations have been severely impacted, resulting in widespread damage and substantial agricultural losses in various regions.
This study aims to explore rapid and efficient propagation methods to support the rehabilitation of prickly pear plantations.
Two propagation approaches were examined: sexual propagation (using seeds) and vegetative propagation (using cuttings). The study assessed the effect of hydrochloric acid pretreatment on seed germination and the influence of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on root development in cladodes.
Seed germination trials were conducted on two substrates (filter paper and peat), with seeds soaked for different durations and incubated at 30°C in darkness.
For the vegetative propagation trials, the basal portions of the cladodes were treated with a 2.5 g L‑1 IBA solution for varying durations (0, 30, and 60 s). The results revealed that a 15-min hydrochloric acid pretreatment led to the highest germination rate on filter paper, while a 5-min treatment was most effective on peat.
Regarding rooting, cladodes soaked in IBA for one minute exhibited the best performance, averaging 59.1 roots plant‑1, with a root length of 12.5 cm and a dry root weight of 3.76 g after three months of cultivation.
Authors
I. Touaf, O. Bouihate, I. Bachti, R. Idaoud, I. Boudadi, K. Lagram, M.A. Serghini, A. El Mousadik, A. El Finti, R. El Boullani
Keywords
germination, hydrochloric acid, indole-3-butyric acid
Groups involved
Online Articles (65)