Impact of irrigation during flowering and fruit growth on fruit yield and quality of the cactus Opuntia spp.

Most plantations of cactus pear are not irrigated in Morocco and fruits tiny. The impacts irrigation during flowering (FLO) fruit growth (FRG) on yield quality were monitored along two years three varieties pear. In 2011, treatments were: T1 (0 mm), T2 (30 mm FLO 30 FRG) T3 FRG only). 2012, increased to 60 FRG. applied 8 (T3) or 16 (T2) watering, once every days. Interactions between significant for yields components. irrigations had a negative effect ‘Aissa’ ‘Moussa’ (-2.8 kg/plant) positive ‘Achefri’ (+2.7 kg/plant). Fruit was affected by irrigation. all the responded positively irrigation: yielded very significantly more with (plus 63 % resp.) (+30 %). All number size. Irrigation no slightly decreased content total sugars titratable acidity