Effect of Shade Levels on Growth, and Biomass Production of Cactus (Opuntiaficus-india (L.) Mill.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2016-17 in the shade house to study the effect of different shade levels on the growth and biomass production potential of Cactus (Opuntiaficus-india (L.) Mill.) under the arid Kachchh, Gujarat. Cactus in pots were grown for twelve months under 25, 50 and 75% shade; along with under full sun control. Shade level significantly affected plant response; the shading improved plant characters like height, number of leaves, leaf area, and overall plant weight. However, plant survival decreases at under high shade level (75%), mainly due to rotting. The plants grown in 25% and 50% shade levels produced the highest leaf area, no. of leaves and biomass than plants subjected to 75% shade and control. Plants grown under 75% shade level were taller, due to more longitudinal and less wide leaves (cladodes) along with more root length. Overall, up to 50% shading was found best for horti-based or agroforestry based cactus pear cultivation or intercropping.