Evaluation of yield, water productivity and some agronomic characteristics of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) under the different irrigation periods

In order to evaluate the yield and possibility of cultivating cactus, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications for three years (2016- 2018) in Orzoeyeh region of Kerman. In each year, three different irrigation periods were as follows: 9, 14 and 19 days in the first year, 14, 19 and 24 days in the second, and 16, 21 and 26 days in the third year. The highest number of pads per plant was obtained in the irrigation periods of 14 days in second year & 16 days in third year. In the second year, the highest green mass yield (53.9 t ha-1), dry yield (4.69 t ha-1) and water productivity (4.53 kg m-3) was belonged to the 14-day irrigation period. In the third year, the highest green mass yield (108.74 t ha-1), dry yield (8.42 t ha-1) and water productivity (4.37 kg m-3) were obtained in the 16-day irrigation period. The highest amount of crude protein in the third year was belonged to the irrigation periods 21 days (8.06%) and 16 days (7.75%), respectively. Based on the results, it is possible to cultivate and develop this perennial plant with low water consumption in Orzoeyeh region. In order to fully establish the plant and stable yield, it is also recommended to start the forage harvest from the second year.