Description of twenty prickly pear genotypes selected from the eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye

The prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.), a cactus plant, is a fruit that is widely grown in the Mediterranean region, especially in the coastal zone of Türkiye and is especially popular and consumed in southern coastal areas.
It is mostly found as a hedge plant, on the edge, or outside of the main agricultural areas as scattered or collective plantations, while the number of commercial orchards in Türkiye is small.
This study aimed to determine the yield, phenological, morphological, and pomological characteristics of 20 prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) genotypes selected from the eastern Mediterranean region and to determine the best prickly pear genotypes to registered in Türkiye first.
For this purpose, phenology, yield, morphological, and pomological characteristics of genotypes under Mersin-Erdemli ecological conditions were examined in 2023. Significant differences were observed among the 20 prickly pear genotypes in terms of yield, fruit weight, pulp ratio, soluble solids content, and acidity.
Genotype 33DI57 showed the highest yield (17.3 kg tree^-1) and fruit number, while 33DI17 and 33DI07 exhibited superior fruit size and pulp-related traits.
As a result of the trial, several genotypes, particularly 33DI57, 33DI17, and 33DI07, exhibited superior yield and pomological attributes, suggesting their potential for both fresh consumption and processing industries.

VI International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits

C. Yılmaz, C. Türkay, H. Kelebek, S. Selli

Opuntia ficus-indica L., adaptation, pomological traits, yield performance, phenological characteristics

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1464.3