Cactus Pear and Pitayas

The Working Group Cactus Pear and Pitayas was created in 1996, to bring together researchers and people interested in Opuntia species and other crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) crops throughout the world. It is responsible for the organization of an International Congress that meets every 3-4 years. Currently there are over 100 active members in the group, belonging to around 35 different countries.

The scope of activities covered by members within the group includes: Geographic distribution of genetic resources and breeding of Opuntia spp. and other Cactaceae; Ecophysiology of fruit production and adaptations of Opuntia and other CAM crops for forage and energy production; Orchard, fruit and postharvest management of Opuntia spp.; Agro-industrial uses of Opuntia and other CAM crops; Pharmaceutical uses of CAM-crops and cochineal; and Rural development and marketing.