NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF TENDER CACTUS STEMS PRODUCED UNDER MINERAL AND ORGANIC FERTILIZATION

Abstract

The nutritional quality of tender cactus stem is related to its mineral composition, which is variable due to several factors. Fertilization source is one of them. In tender cactus stems (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.), response to application of organic and inorganic fertilizers are mainly focused on yield and to a lesser extent to the nutritional quality. The objective was to determine the effect of mineral and organic fertilization including the use of compost and inoculation with mycorrhiza on mineral composition of tender cactus stem harvested for human consumption. The studied treatments were: 1) Cow manure plus 17N-17P-17K fertilizer (E + T 17); 2) Compost and Glomus mosseae mycorrhizal fungi (C + M); 3) Mineral fertilizers (FM); and 4) Control, no fertilizer, compost or mycorrhizal fungi added. Drip irrigation was applied once a week or when the soil moisture tension reached 35 cbar. Fertilization source had a significant effect on the concentrations of Mn, Zn and B but not on N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Cu in dry matter tender of cactus stem. The highest concentration of Mn (81.38 mg kg^-1) was achieved with the FM treatment. Highest content of Zn (44.11 mg kg^-1) was reached with the fertilization of E + T 17, and for B (156.09 and 151.77 mg kg^-1) with FM and E + T 17 respectively.