The performance of Opuntia ficus-indica seedlings that resulted from different number of joint mature cladodes at two planting dates

In Jordan, due to the limitation of the feed resource as result rangeland degradation, there is more concern by cactus pear, which able to produce satisfactory amounts of fruits and fodder under the prevailing conditions. So, there is a need to study the best method for establishing the Opuntia ficus-indica seedlings in the open field. This study was carried out to test the best range of the joint cladodes (1-7 Joint cladodes) that should be used to produce the highest vegetative and productive yield at two planting dates that are popular for cactus plantations in Jordan (fall and spring). During the growing season of 1998/1999 two fields (each) of one hectare respectively (1ha during the first planting date (Oct.1998) and 1ha during the second planting date (Mar.1999)) were planted by various numbers of the joint cladodes (from 1-7) using spaces of 4m between-the-rows and 3m within-the-row. The planted cladodes were distributed within three replicates at each planting date using RCBD experimental design. As growth of the new seedlings started in the first growing season (FGS), flowers were removed to enhance the vegetative growth. During the hot dry summer the seedlings were supplementary irrigated by saline water (5L/plant/week). Data collection sheets and a database were designed to collect the reading that related to the fodder and fruit yield for every plant in the field. The plants perform well especially those planted during the first planting date and the results show that the performance of cactus plants during the first growing season improved by increasing the number of the planted Joint cladodes from 1 to 7 joint cladodes. The same trend related to fruit number per plant and cladode production was obtained during the second growing season except some negative effect in the plants that resulted from 7 joint cladodes and planted during the FPD.