Articles
THE USE OF CACTUS PEAR AS A FRUIT CROP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN
Article number
582_7
Pages
95 – 99
Language
English
Abstract
Cactus pear was introduced in Spain at the end of the 15th century and from
there spread over the whole Mediterranean Basin.
Since then it has been used for
almost 500 years as a defensive hedge, as a fruit crop and and as a source of forage or
fodder crop for livestock.
It can also play a key role in erosion control and land reha-bilitation,
particularly in arid and semi-arid zones, and as a shelter and feed resource
for wildlife.
This paper briefly discusses some aspects of cactus pear ecology in rela-tion
to fruit production for the arid areas of the mediterranean basin.
there spread over the whole Mediterranean Basin.
Since then it has been used for
almost 500 years as a defensive hedge, as a fruit crop and and as a source of forage or
fodder crop for livestock.
It can also play a key role in erosion control and land reha-bilitation,
particularly in arid and semi-arid zones, and as a shelter and feed resource
for wildlife.
This paper briefly discusses some aspects of cactus pear ecology in rela-tion
to fruit production for the arid areas of the mediterranean basin.
Authors
P. Inglese, G. Gugliuzza
Keywords
Opuntia ficus-indica, arid areas, ecology
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