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BackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionHybridisation is one of the processes that influence the evolutionary history of plants, including shifts in their distribution. It occurs unevenly across families, and the Cactaceae is an outstanding case displaying many natural hybrids.This study evaluated the current geographical distributions of hybrids within the family and compared the potential ranges of established hybrids with those of their parental species.We gathered georeferenced data of putative cactus hybrids to map their known distributions and employed ecological niche-based models (ENMs) to predict the potential ranges of established hybrids and those of their parental species.While hybrids in the subfamily Cactoideae were distributed broad throughout the New World, the hybrids in the subfamily Opuntioideae were present only in North America and northern South America. ENMs showed overall resemblance between potential ranges of hybrids and parental species, except for two cases, Cylindropuntia prolifera and Selenicereus setaceus, which both had lower levels of potential range overlap and significant dissimilarities compared to parental ranges.Cactaceae should be considered a model for studying the evolutionary consequences of hybridisation by investigating physiological constraints of hybrids to colonise new habitats as well as the role that polyploidy has played in range shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels are substances designed to retain significant quantities of water and slowly release it to support plant growth. This study produced and evaluated the use of a test hydrogel (TH), a natural polymer derived from cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale), on the growth, chemical composition, and mineral content of cactus pear genotypes. The TH was compared to a negative control (no hydrogel; NH), and to a positive control or commercial hydrogel (CH). The CH was a synthetic polyacrylamide-based hydrogel. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (n = 36), involving three hydrogel types × three cactus pear genotypes [Elephant Ear (Opuntia stricta); Giant (Opuntia ficus-indica); and Sweet (Nopalea cochenillifera)]. There was a significant effect of interaction (p ≤ 0.05) between genotypes and hydrogel types on cladode area, plant height, dry biomass of cladodes, and macro- and micromineral content. The use of TH promoted greater growth and improved chemical and mineral composition (p ≤ 0.05) to cactus genotypes. The Sweet genotype hydrated with TH presented the highest crude protein accumulation (p ≤ 0.05). Cashew gum-based hydrogel improved both growth and chemical composition of the cactus genotypes, and it is an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cacti species are attractive to consumers because of their excellent flavor and color. The food industry is interested in their nutritional, bioactive, and technological properties. Therefore, the use of cacti in human food has been analyzed through patent documents, emphasizing their role in worldwide food production. The search was conducted using INPI and Espacenet databases. Eighty-five documents were analyzed for document characteristics (year of filing, country of origin, inventors, applicants, and IPC and CPC codes) and invention characteristics (cactus species, parts used, and application purposes). Beverages, jellies, and bakery products have been developed; however, most patents do not specify the parts or species of cacti used. The application of cactus in food product development is still incipient, considering the number of patents recovered. However, the growing global concerns about food and health are changing, showing the extent of cacti use for food and nutraceutical development and their application as a food additive. Highlights: Studies emphasize the nutritional and technological potential of cactus species. The health and nutritional benefits of cacti are of interest to the population. Cacti were used for developing beverages, jellies, and bakery products. The application of cacti in food product development has grown in the past years. The diversity of cacti is little explored in food and nutraceutical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the promotional effects of dietary fruits of the prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis) on growth, haemato-biochemical, antioxidant, and immune activity and its possible regulatory roles after exposure to waterborne cadmium toxicity of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were assigned to four groups fed on diets containing 0% (control, OLFE-0% group), 0.5% (OLFE-0.5% group), 1% (OLFE-1% group), and 2% (OLFE-2% group) of dietary prickly pear fruits for 60 days. Fish were exposed to subacute waterborne cadmium toxicity at the end of the feeding trial for an additional 4 days. Nile tilapia fed on OLFE-fortified diets enhanced their growth performance and digestive enzymes more than the control group, especially at 2% (OLFE-2%). Before and after the cadmium challenge, haemato-biochemical indices showed improvement in fish-fed OLFE compared to fish-fed OLFE-free diets. The activities of complement C3, lysozyme, catalase (CAT), total immunoglobulin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in prickly pear-treated fish groups compared to the control group before and after the cadmium waterborne challenge were increased, along with a significant decline in MDA levels, partially at OLFE-2%. In brief, the findings suggest that supplementing prickly pear fruits to tilapia diets, especially at a level of 2%, can enhance the immunological and antioxidant properties and effectively mitigate the harmful effects of Cd exposure in food safety and aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we determine the chemical composition, bioactive compounds profile, antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic potential of two cactus fruits. Pilosocereus gounellei had the highest contents of ash (6.84%), lipid (7.79%), maltose (1.02 mg g−1), soluble fiber (10.85%) and minerals such as Mg. Thirteen volatile compounds (alcohols, terpenes, aldehydes and esters) were found in the fruits. Although higher amounts of quinic acid and quercetrin were found in Cereus Jamacaru, Pilosocereus gounellei had a higher content of p-coumaric acid and rutin. Regarding the functional potential, Cereus Jamacaru had the highest content of total phenolics (65.17 GAE g−1), total flavonoids (26.06 mg EC g−1), antioxidant capacity (28.67; 49.86; 158.79 µM TE g−1 for DPPH, ABTS and ORAC, respectively) and highest inhibition for α-amylase (84.84 ± 0.41%) and protein glycation. In view of their nutritional and bioactive characteristics, these species have great potential to be used in preparations with functional claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics, yield and water use efficiency of forage cactus under daytime and nighttime irrigation in a Brazilian semiarid region. The experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with ten replications: three clones of forage cactus ("IPA Sertânia"—IPA, "Miúda"—MIU, "Orelha de Elefante Mexicana"—OEM) and two irrigation schedules (daytime and nighttime). Irrigation was applied once a week using a graduated cylinder. The structural characteristics (i.e., plant height and width, total number of cladode—TNC; cladode number per emergence order—CN1, CN2 and CN3; cladode area—CA; cladode area index—CAI), productive characteristics (fresh mass production per plant—FM and dry mass—DM) and water use efficiency (WUEFM and WUEDM) were obtained from the plant harvests. Our results showed that the irrigation schedules did not lead to significant differences in most of the response variables (p > 0.05), except for the TNC (13.2 und), CN2 (7.4 und) and CAI (1.58 m2 m−2) of MIU. It was observed that OEM presented the highest yield, WUEFM and WUEDM (p < 0.05). Adopting the OEM clone, regardless of the irrigation schedule, is the strategy that achieves the best production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of leaves was a key event in the evolution of the succulent syndrome in Cactaceae, evolving from large, photosynthetic leaves in Pereskia to nearly suppressed microscopic foliar buds in succulent Cactoideae. This leaf reduction was accompanied by the development of spines. Early histological studies, dating back a century, of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) in several species concluded that, in succulent cacti, axillary buds became areoles and leaves transformed into spines. However, these conclusions were based on limited observations, given the challenges of obtaining SAM samples from long-lived, often endangered species. Here, we present a complete study of early aerial organ development in seedlings of the iconic Carnegiea gigantea (saguaro), characterizing the different stages of seedling development. We focus on the SAM to track the emergence and development of primordia and aerial organs, closely following the spine development from undifferentiated structures. We demonstrate that young, few-days-old saguaro seedlings provide a valuable model for morpho-anatomical and molecular studies in Cactaceae. We also outline optimal laboratory practices for germinating saguaro seeds and conducting histological studies. Our observations confirm the absence of clear foliar structures and the presence of a distinct type of primordia, hypothesized to be foliar but lacking definitive foliar features. Based on our observations and a review of the literature, we revive the discussion on the ontogenetic origin of spines and propose saguaro seedlings as a promising model for studying the genetic identity of SAM primordia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the mucilage obtained from the cladodes of a not previously investigated accession of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (syn. Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw), collected in Sicily, was analysed by 13C-NMR. The yield of mucilage extracted from cladodes in aqueous medium was 2.55%. The monosaccharides identified, after acidic hydrolyses of the mucilage, were arabinose (36.48%), galactose (32.31%), xylose (15.33%), glucose (10.45%) and rhamnose (5.40%). The mucilage showed a sufficient antimicrobial activity and excellent antioxidant property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics, yield and water use efficiency of forage cactus under daytime and nighttime irrigation in a Brazilian semiarid region. The experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with ten replications: three clones of forage cactus (“IPA Sertânia”—IPA, “Miúda”—MIU, “Orelha de Elefante Mexicana”—OEM) and two irrigation schedules (daytime and nighttime). Irrigation was applied once a week using a graduated cylinder. The structural characteristics (i.e., plant height and width, total number of cladode—TNC; cladode number per emergence order—CN1, CN2 and CN3; cladode area—CA; cladode area index—CAI), productive characteristics (fresh mass production per plant—FM and dry mass—DM) and water use efficiency (WUEFM and WUEDM) were obtained from the plant harvests. Our results showed that the irrigation schedules did not lead to significant differences in most of the response variables (p > 0.05), except for the TNC (13.2 und), CN2 (7.4 und) and CAI (1.58 m2 m−2) of MIU. It was observed that OEM presented the highest yield, WUEFM and WUEDM (p < 0.05). Adopting the OEM clone, regardless of the irrigation schedule, is the strategy that achieves the best production.

Living plant collections play a crucial role in ex situ conservation, but their conservation value hinges on assessment of their composition, data quality and on strategic planning for optimization of the collection that takes into account species diversity, conservation status and allocation of resources. Cactaceae is one of the most threatened plant families globally and has a broad distribution in Brazil, with two of the seven centres of diversity for this group and a total of 276 known species. Climate change could escalate the threat to cacti, potentially placing 90% of species at risk by 2050. We conducted a case study of Cactaceae in the living Cactarium collection of the Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden, evaluating the diversity of the collection and recommending strategic actions to enhance its conservation value. In 2022, we inventoried all specimens in the collection and cross-referenced them with the institutional specimen registry system, Jabot. The collection contains 156 cacti species that naturally occur in Brazil (57% of the total), including 43 species categorized as threatened on the Brazilian Red List and 57 categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List. We recommend research to map cacti species that are threatened but not covered by in situ conservation in the country, list the priority species for acquisition by the collection, and make recommendations that will facilitate improved contribution of the Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden to the conservation of the Brazilian flora.

During a survey of endophytic fungi in a tropical dry forest (Caatinga) in Brazil, we obtained isolates from Anadenanthera colubrina (Fabaceae) trees. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, TUB2, and TEF1 sequences, these isolates were recognised as unique fungal lineages in the genus Aureobasidium, leading to the proposal of two new species. Aureobasidium caatingaense sp. nov. is characterised by straight or slightly curved, ellipsoidal and oblong conidia, and lacking budding cells. It is distinguished from its sister species, Aureobasidium santateresinhaense sp. nov., which exhibits globose to subglobose and elongated conidiogenous cells slightly larger and variably shaped conidia, occurrence of occasional budding cells that are hyaline to brownish pigmented, and rapidly growing colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quipá (Tacinga inamoena) is a plant native to Northwestern Brazil which contains valuable minerals in its composition that are of great interest to the scientific community. The purpose of this study was to assess the physicochemical, antioxidant, sensory and microbiological properties of a quipá-based gelatinous sweet. The jelly presented a high concentration of carbohydrates and soluble fibers, being free of microbiological contamination, a good sensorial acceptance, and was therapeutic in terms of antioxidant effects. Due to its ability to chelate copper and ferric ions, the jelly was also responsible for an 80% reduction in DPPH and a preventative activity against oxidative damage. This product contains a high amount of active ingredients, such as phenolic compounds, which have biological benefits effects in disease prevention and health promotion. The quipá jelly provides benefits, functional properties, and advantages, which may be of interest to the industrial sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferocactus peninsulae (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose, commonly known as the barrel cactus, is a distinctive and visually striking succulent belonging to the Cactaceae family. It is renowned for its impressive size and robust, barrel-shaped structure. F. peninsulae faces potential threats from habitat destruction and illegal collection. This study investigates the response of transverse Thin Cell Layer (tTCL) explants of F. peninsulae to various concentrations (0.5 to 2.0 mg L−1) of two cytokinins, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 6-furfuryl amino purine (Kinetin/Kin) to induce multiple shoots in vitro. The tTCL explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 BAP to induce fresh shoots (98.6% response). The shoots were proliferated (19.3 shoots per tTCL explant with 3.5 cm length) on a combination of BAP (0.75 mg L−1) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 0.15 mg L−1). The results demonstrated the differential impact of cytokinins and auxins combinations on shoot multiplication, with BAP and IAA proving optimal for robust shoot growth while the higher concentrations led to abnormal morphogenesis and callus formation. The freshly generated shoots were rooted on 0.75 mg L−1 indole-3 butyric acid (95.8% rooting response) and hardened in the greenhouse, and the plantlets were successfully shifted to the field with a 100% survival rate. The study could help in the large-scale production of the conservation-prioritized cactus species using the tTCL culture technique.Key message: The areoles on transverse thin cell layer explants of Ferocactus peninsulae were activated using a combination of cytokinin and auxin, leading to successful shoot regeneration, rooting, and hardening of the plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a harmful pathogen that causes a variety of acute and chronic infections through quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms. The increasing resistance of this bacterium to numerous antibiotics has created a demand for new medications that specifically target QS. Endophytes can be the source of compounds with antibacterial properties. This research is the first to examine tannic acid (TA) produced by endophytic fungus as a potential biotherapeutic agent. A novel endophytic fungal isolate identified as Penicillium oxalicum was derived from the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.). The species identification for this isolate was confirmed through sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region. The metabolites from the culture of this isolate were extracted using ethyl acetate, then separated and characterized using chromatographic methods. This led to the acquisition of TA, a compound that shows strong anti-QS and excellent antibacterial effects against extensively drug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Furthermore, it was shown that treating P. aeruginosa with the obtained TA reduced the secretion of virulence factors controlled by QS in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that TA inhibited the QS characteristics of P. aeruginosa. Simultaneously, TA significantly inhibited the expression of genes associated with QS, including rhlR/I, lasR/I, and pqsR. In addition, in silico virtual molecular docking showed that TA could efficiently bind to QS receptor proteins. Our results showed that P. oxalicum could be a new source of TA for the treatment of infections caused by extensively drug-resistant P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this era of a global biodiversity crisis, vascular plants are facing unprecedented extinction rates. We conducted an assessment of the extinction risk of 32 species and 7 subspecies of Copiapoa, a genus endemic to Chile's fog‐dependent coastal Atacama Desert. We applied the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria enhanced by expert insights and knowledge. Our primary aim was to analyze the impact of trade and poaching on their extinction risk. We employed machine learning models, including multinomial logistic regression (MLR), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF), to analyze the relationships between conservation status and various factors. These factors encompassed trade and poaching activities, landscape condition, human footprint, monthly cloud frequency, and biological traits such as evolutionary distinctiveness and maximum diameter. Seven taxa had an area of occupancy (AOO) of <10 km2, 10 additional taxa had an AOO of <20 km2, and 16 taxa had an AOO of ≤100 km2. This reassessment exposed a critical level of extinction risk for the genus; 92% of the taxa were classified as threatened, 41% as critically endangered, 41% as endangered, and 10% as vulnerable. MLR, DT, and RF exhibited accuracies of 0.784, 0.730, and 0.598, respectively, and identified trade and poaching pressure and landscape condition as the primary drivers of extinction risk. Our assessment of Copiapoa showed trade, poaching, habitat degradation, and their synergic impacts as the main drivers of the genus' extinction risk. Our results highlight the urgent need for nations to develop and enforce strategies to monitor and control trade and poaching pressure because these factors are crucial for the long‐term persistence of desert plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted long-term monitoring of Hypogeococcus sp. (Pseudococcidae) as a biocontrol agent for queen of the night cactus (Cereus jamacaru De Candolle). The biocontrol agent was released at three sites representing the regions where the plant is problematic in South Africa, and both agent and plant populations were monitored over time. The proportion of plants producing fruits or flowers decreased by 36% each year, with all plants no longer flowering between two and seven years after release. Plant density reduced by 42% each year after release. Hypogeococcus sp. is an effective agent against C. jamacaru in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerrado is a large and heterogeneous ecoregion in the Neotropics marked by the fire‐prone savanna vegetation, to which succulent lineages are usually not associated due to this adverse condition. However, recent studies have highlighted the importance of Cerrado as an ancestral range for the origin, dispersal and in situ diversification of remarkable lineages of South American cacti. In this perspective, we explore the implications of these occurrences in the Cerrado, shedding light on a frequently overlooked aspect of this ecoregion—the role of scattered rocky outcrop habitats acting as micro‐refuges for fire‐sensitive lineages. We show that most cacti occurrences are associated with patches of rock outcrops across the Cerrado. In contrast, when terricolous, a few disparate and not closely related species can develop underground structures or present a specialized habit that facilitates their presence as a putative response to fire—reinforcing the evolutionary lability of fire adaptation in Cerrado lineages. Despite some notable endemisms, several occurrences are from species with core distributions in adjacent ecoregions (e.g. Caatinga and Chaco), demonstrating the permeability of Cerrado, which can act concomitantly as a biogeographical barrier (especially due to its fire‐prone habitats) and as a corridor for biota interchange. Finally, we stress that Cerrado heterogeneity, often leading to different circumscriptions, is a relevant issue when studying and characterizing Neotropical biota, which must be further explored and considered to assess the evolutionary assembly of the biomes involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The red color of the dragon fruit pulp and peel is due to the accumulation of betacyanins. • The betacyanin accumulated calli were encapsulated using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. • The synseeds were cold stored for 6 months at 4.0 °C temperature. • The synseeds were germinated and calli formed on nutrient media. • The betacyanin-loaded synseeds could be stored, transported, and directly used as inoculum for cell cultures to produce betacyanin. The red color of dragon fruit pulp and peel is due to the accumulation of betacyanins. In the present study, callus cultures were established using in vitro germinated seedlings of the white dragon fruit plant (Selenicereus undatus). Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 2.0 mg/L was used to induce red-colored friable callus (92.0 % response). The betacyanin accumulated calli were harvested and encapsulated using sodium alginate (NaC 6 H 7 O 6) and calcium chloride (CaCl 2). These synseeds were cold stored for 6 months at 4.0 °C temperature. The stored synseeds were germinated on 2.0 mg/L BAP in the medium. The highest germination rate (88 %) of synseeds was achieved with 3 % sodium alginate polymerized with 75 mM calcium chloride, resulting in firm, uniform, and round synseeds. The betacyanin-loaded synseeds could be stored, transported, and directly used as inoculums for the extensive proliferation of calli and cell cultures for the commercial production of betacyanin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vivipary is a remarkable trait in the Cactaceae family. Here, we reported a case of vivipary in Cereus jamacaru and observed which season had the highest vivipary incidence by examining the types of fruits and seeds produced during two contrasting periods in a seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. Additionally, because seeds of this species are positively photoblastic, a germination experiment was conducted to confirm whether seeds inside viviparous fruits (VFs) exhibited changes in light sensitivity. Seeds from VFs were then subjected to different light quality treatments, and their germination was compared with that observed in seeds from non‐viviparous fruits (NVFs). Vivipary only occurred in fruits produced at the end of the rainy season. Viviparous fruits' seeds had a higher germination percentage under far‐red light than NVFs' seeds, suggesting that vivipary may favor seed germination under canopy‐shade light and therefore provide new avenues for survival in semiarid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The angiosperm family Cactaceae, a member of the Caryophyllales, is a large and diverse group of stem succulents comprising 1,438–1,870 species within approximately 130 genera predominantly distributed from northern Canada to Patagonia. Four centers of diversity from Central and North America (Chihuahua, Puebla‐Oaxaca, Sonora‐Sinaloan, and Jalisco) and three centers of diversity from South America (Southern Central Andes, Caatinga, and Mara Atlantica) have played a pivotal role in disbursing cacti around the globe. Mexico is considered the richest area in cacti species with close to 563 species grouped into 50 genera. Approximately 118 species have been domesticated by Mesoamerican people as food crops and for ornamental purposes. Cacti inhabit a wide range of ecosystems and climate regions, ranging from tropical to subtropical and from arid to semiarid regions. Species belonging to the genus Opuntia are the major food crop producers in the family. Cacti have derived characteristics from familial synapomorphies within the Caryophyllales. Reproduction occurs through pollination facilitated by birds, bats, bees, and other insects. Climate variability, whether natural or human‐induced threatens global crop production including high temperatures, salinity, drought, flood, changes in soil pH, and urbanization. Cacti have several adaptations that are important for coping with abiotic stresses, such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM photosynthesis), as well as modifications to root and stem physiological pathways. This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of the fruit crops in Cactaceae, including their evolution, worldwide distribution, and the environmental factors impacting cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Living plant collections play a crucial role in ex situ conservation, but their conservation value hinges on assessment of their composition, data quality and on strategic planning for optimization of the collection that takes into account species diversity, conservation status and allocation of resources. Cactaceae is one of the most threatened plant families globally and has a broad distribution in Brazil, with two of the seven centres of diversity for this group and a total of 276 known species. Climate change could escalate the threat to cacti, potentially placing 90% of species at risk by 2050. We conducted a case study of Cactaceae in the living Cactarium collection of the Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden, evaluating the diversity of the collection and recommending strategic actions to enhance its conservation value. In 2022, we inventoried all specimens in the collection and cross-referenced them with the institutional specimen registry system, Jabot. The collection contains 156 cacti species that naturally occur in Brazil (57% of the total), including 43 species categorized as threatened on the Brazilian Red List and 57 categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List. We recommend research to map cacti species that are threatened but not covered by in situ conservation in the country, list the priority species for acquisition by the collection, and make recommendations that will facilitate improved contribution of the Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden to the conservation of the Brazilian flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The micropropagation of dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus) is an alternative method to produce vigorous plants with high phytosanitary quality. However, depending on the consistency of the growing medium (liquid, semi-solid, and solid), plants can develop physiological and anatomical disorders, impairing their growth and reducing their viability ex vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biometric characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, and anatomical sections of S. undatus plants grown in five concentrations of agar (0.0, 3.5, 7.0, 10.5, and 14.0 g L-1) in MS medium. Biometric characteristics (number of roots, length of the aerial part, and fresh and dry masses of the roots and aerial part of the plants), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoid contents), and anatomy [number of vascular bundles, cross-sectional area (mm2), and length of reserve parenchyma (μm)] were evaluated. Biometric, photosynthetic pigment, and anatomical characteristics differed between S. undatus plants for the different concentrations of agar. Plants grown in agar-free medium showed increased length, aerial and root biomass, indicating enhanced growth. In contrast, plants grown on media containing 10.5 g L-¹ and 14.0 g L-¹ agar exhibited higher levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll. Additionally, carotenoid levels were higher in plants grown on agar, regardless of concentration. Plants grown without agar showed higher vascular bundle count, cross-sectional area, and reserve parenchyma length than those with agar. In this way, S. undatus plants can be micropropagated efficiently in an agar-free medium.

En Colombia son limitados los usos alimenticios, medicinales y ornamentales que se le dan a las cactáceas en comparación con otros países latinoamericanos y podrían llegar a constituir un potencial recurso agronómico y económico en los ecosistemas semiáridos andinos, entre los 500-2.800 m s.n.m. El presente trabajo tuvo como propósito determinar los factores socioeconómicos que inciden en el conocimiento y el aprovechamiento de los taxones de cactaceas, a fin de establecer las actividades antrópicas, que ponen en riesgo la conservación de las especies y los saberes ancestrales. Para ello, se aplicaron 262 encuestas semiestructuradas, con preguntas, como nombre, edad, género, nivel educativo, fuente de empleo, entre otras; se establecieron ocho categorías de uso: agrícola, agroecológico, alimentario, comercial, medicinal, ornamental, servicio ambiental y tecnológico; se calcularon tres índices, importancia relativa, valor de uso para cada una de las especies y riqueza de conocimientos de los participantes. Se reportan nueve especies, de las cuales, ocho se utilizan como alimento y una especie, como ornamental, destacándose Opuntia ficus-indica, por su diversidad de usos, mientras que Cylindropuntia tunicata, no reporta importancia. Variables, como la edad y el tiempo de residencia, mostraron una relación significativa con el número de plantas utilizadas por los participantes. Se espera que los resultados contribuyan a difundir y conservar el conocimiento local, a la preservación de la flora cactológica y promover su cultivo a gran escala, ya que especies, como Mammillaria columbiana, Melocactus andinus y Melocactus curvispinus, están siendo utilizadas de manera insostenible, lo que podría provocar su extinción local.

In the main cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)-producing region in the State of Mexico, fruit production occupies the largest cultivated area with 15,800 ha, while 900 ha are cultivated for edible young Opuntia pads ("nopalitos") which are consumed as vegetables. Two composite samples consisting of cladodes of plants for fruit production (n = 6) and another of "nopalitos" (n = 6) showing virus-like symptoms were collected. Both sample sets were subjected to high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to identify the viruses and viroids. The HTS results were verified using RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Subsequently, 86 samples including cladodes from "nopalitos", plants for fruit production, xoconostles, and some wild Opuntia were analyzed via RT-PCR with specific primers for the viruses and viroids previously detected via HTS. Three viruses were discovered [Opuntia virus 2 (OV2), cactus carlavirus 1 (CCV-1), and Opuntia potexvirus A (OPV-A)], along with a previously reported viroid [Opuntia viroid 1 (OVd-1)]. Additionally, two new viroids were identified, provisionally named the Mexican opuntia viroid (MOVd, genus Pospiviroid) and Opuntia viroid 2 (OVd-2, genus Apscaviroid). A phylogenetic analysis, pairwise identity comparison, and conserved structural elements analysis confirmed the classification of these two viroids as new species within the Pospiviroidae family. This is the first report of a pospiviroid and two apscaviroids infecting cactus pears in the world. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the virome associated with cactus pears in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phylogenetic study of Uebelmannia investigates the relationships of a newly discovered taxon in this enigmatic, early‐diverging genus that is sister to all the other c. 460 species of tribe Cereeae. Here we present a coalescent‐based phylogenetic tree inferred with nuclear genes captured by the Cactaceae591 probe set encompassing all Uebelmannia species. The new taxon U. nuda is sister to U. pectinifera, while U. gummifera and U. buiningii form another pair of closely related species. The unusual characteristics of the new cactus (semi‐subterranean/geophytic habit, turbinate stem, naked areoles) distinguish it from all other Uebelmannia species. The definition of the relationships within this early‐derived genus endemic to the campo rupestre of Minas Gerais State became more evident, and this new find adds to the importance of this biogeographic province for the evolution of tribe Cereeae. The new species is described, and a preliminary conservation assessment is presented. Additionally, a key for all taxa of the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cacti are a distinguished group of plants that stand out for their great nutritional values, diverse uses, and unique morphology, allowing them to grow and thrive under different conditions such as dry, xeric, and even low‐temperature environments. The world is going through significant climate changes that are affecting the agriculture system. Therefore, sustainable and multifunctional crops, as many species of the Cactaceae family are, might be a good alternative in the near future. In this work, the uses of cacti in human food were analyzed through a scientific prospection from the point of view of their temporal and spatial distribution and potential uses. Brazil is the country with more publications related to the scope of this work, followed by Mexico. The presence of cacti in these countries can influence their interest in these species, which might reflect the results encountered in this study. The uses and ethnobotanical applications of cacti vary in different countries worldwide. Cactus is consumed fresh (in salads), in preparations (jams and sweets), and juices, being also present in traditional dishes in countries like Mexico. This study emphasizes cacti's importance in people's diets and ongoing world changes. Their ability to thrive even in hot environments with low water resources will lead to a greater focus on these species in the upcoming years. Furthermore, these plants have great flavor and contain several beneficial chemical compounds with desirable nutritional and health properties. Therefore, knowledge dissemination combined with technological innovations will allow greater use of these multifunctional species for human consumption. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The mountaintops of eastern Brazil harbor the highest rates of plant endemism in South America. However, local biodiversity faces constant threats due to habitat loss and mining activities. About 89 rare and endangered species are exclusive to this region, including the threatened species Arthrocereus glaziovii. This study aims to evaluate the potential distribution of A. glaziovii based on abiotic variables and soil elements and to characterize the distribution of mineral titles that may restrict the species' occurrence areas. We used the Bioclim, Domain, MaxEnt, GLM, and Random Forest algorithms to model this ecological niche under future climatic scenarios, in addition to modeling the layers of mineral titles corresponding to areas already mined and those slated for future mining projects. Our predictions indicate an expansion in the future distribution of A. glaziovii. Nevertheless, the future predicted occurrence areas of the species are already compromised due to mining. According to our findings, we emphasize the looming threat of the predicted extinction of this species. Therefore, implementing conservation strategies to ensure the survival of A. glaziovii is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds maintained on seed banks are submitted to two conditions of light during discontinuous hydration: presence or absence. We aimed to investigate the influence of light during discontinuous hydration and its relationship with the establishment of the cacti species. We raised two hypotheses: discontinuous hydration increases the longevity of seeds, and the presence and the absence of light during hydration/dehydration cycles (HD cycles) present different benefits in maintaining their viability in the soil seed bank for a longer time. We subjected seeds to HD cycles in the presence and absence of light. After that, we established a soil seed bank and analyzed the germinative behavior and biochemical compounds at intervals of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months. HD cycles prolonged seed longevity, confirming our first hypothesis. Treatments of HD cycles in the darkness provided the maintenance of seed viability for a period longer than 9 months, which corroborates our second hypothesis. HD cycles in the presence of light only favor the germination behavior of fresh seeds. Reducing sugars are consumed during the first months in seeds buried in the soil. However, protein concentration remains higher in seeds not submitted to HD cycles after 12 months. Our study proposes the existence of a "seed dark hydration memory" related to seed longevity and a "seed light hydration memory" related to the germination of fresh seeds. Thus, the response to light incidence during discontinuous hydration represents an important strategy for the reproductive success of positive photoblastic species in their natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilosocereus gounellei A. Weber ex K. Schum. Bly. Ex Rowl (xique-xique) is a cactus native to the Brazilian Caatinga biome and considered a non-conventional food plant. This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and impacts on the composition and metabolic activity of human intestinal microbiota of freeze-dried P. gounellei cladodes (FDPg) during 48 h of in vitro colonic fermentation. FDPg had a high nutritional value, the presence of bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity. The colonic fermentation of FDPg decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased bacterial diversity. It also increased the relative abundance of bacterial groups considered beneficial, such as Mitsuokella, Bacteroides, Megasphaera, and Acidaminococcus, and decreased the relative abundance of bacterial groups considered non-beneficial, such as Succinivibrio, Citrobacter, Escherichia-Shigella, Faecalibacterium, and Blautia. The colonic fermentation of FDPg induced the production of various metabolites related to host health promotion. The results show the potential beneficial impacts of FDPg on human intestinal microbiota.

Abstract Cereus jamacaru DC. occurs in the central-eastern region of Brazil and is among the best-known cacti in the country. Its phytochemical properties and fruits hold great significance to the local communities. We examined published ethnobotanical studies regarding C. jamacaru (mandacaru) undertaken between 2000 to 2024, to better understand its traditional uses and relationships with human communities in Brazil. The literature review was carried out by consulting the databases Google Scholar (166 articles), Scopus (1 article) and Web of Science (2 articles), and followed the PRISMA 2020 protocol. A total of 169 articles were identified, of which 45 were deemed relevant. The most frequent uses of C. jamacaru include medicinal (cited in 32 articles), human consumption as a non-conventional food (22), and forage (18). C. jamacaru is often cited to treat health conditions such as kidney problems, flu and inflammations, but it’s also used for construction and crafts. Our results highlight the diverse and vital uses of C. jamacaru for human communities. Furthermore, we demonstrate the pattern of knowledge production regarding the ethnobotany of this species and the challenges for its conservation and the preservation of associated traditional knowledge.

The association between cacti and nurse plants has been reviewed by different authors. These reviews however were qualitative because only evaluated aspects such as species identity of cacti and nurse plants, probable explanatory causes of their association, and location of study sites. To our knowledge, there are no quantitative reviews that have evaluated the association between cacti and nurse plants for different subfamilies, tribes, and growth forms of cacti and nurse plants, and different plant communities and soil properties. To address these issues, we performed a quantitative review of the studies on the association between cacti and nurse plants. The studies were searched in the ISI Web of Knowledge from 1986 to 2021. Data obtained from studies were analyzed with the relative risk ratio and ratio of medians. Most studies on the association between cacti and nurse plants were performed mainly in Mexico and the USA. Globose, cylindrical, and columnar cacti of the subfamily Cactoideae, and tribes Cacteae, Cereeae, and Echinocereeae were associated to nurse plants of Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Fabaceae. However, other subfamilies (Opuntioideae) and tribes (Notocacteae) of cacti, and families (Asparagaceae) of nurse plants were not associated. Nurse plants ameliorated temperature, moisture, and nitrogen of soil. The association between cacti and nurse plants occurred in desert shrubland and tropical dry forest. Further studies are needed on the association between cacti and nurse plants that consider more cactus subfamilies and tribes in countries with high cactus diversity in Central and South America.

This study evaluated the impacts of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CNPC003 and xique-xique flour supplementation on the technological, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of goat cream cheese over 21 days of refrigerated storage. Four cheese formulations were prepared: a control (CC), one with L. plantarum CNPC003 (PC), one with xique-xique flour (XC), and one with L. plantarum CNPC003 and xique-xique flour (PXC). XC and PXC had a yellowish-green hue with less brightness. PC and PXC were less firm and adhesive with greater elasticity, cohesiveness, and gumminess, and they had reduced total protein and increased total free amino acids (p < 0.05) during storage. The contents of specific volatile compounds increased in PXC during storage. PXC had higher L. plantarum counts than PC on day 21 of storage. PC and PXC had distinct colors and textures and were well accepted regarding sensory attributes. Xique-xique flour and L. plantarum CNPC003 supplementation positively impact the nutritional and functional characteristics of goat cream cheese without negatively affecting the technological and sensory attributes.

The reduction of leaves was a key event in the evolution of the succulent syndrome in Cactaceae, evolving from large, photosynthetic leaves in Pereskia to nearly suppressed microscopic foliar buds in succulent Cactoideae. This leaf reduction was accompanied by the development of spines. Early histological studies, dating back a century, of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) in several species concluded that, in succulent cacti, axillary buds became areoles and leaves transformed into spines. However, these conclusions were based on limited observations, given the challenges of obtaining SAM samples from long-lived, often endangered species. Here, we present a complete study of early aerial organ development in seedlings of the iconic Carnegiea gigantea (saguaro), characterizing the different stages of seedling development. We focus on the SAM to track the emergence and development of primordia and aerial organs, closely following the spine development from undifferentiated structures. We demonstrate that young, few-days-old saguaro seedlings provide a valuable model for morpho-anatomical and molecular studies in Cactaceae. We also outline optimal laboratory practices for germinating saguaro seeds and conducting histological studies. Our observations confirm the absence of clear foliar structures and the presence of a distinct type of primordia, hypothesized to be foliar but lacking definitive foliar features. Based on our observations and a review of the literature, we revive the discussion on the ontogenetic origin of spines and propose saguaro seedlings as a promising model for studying the genetic identity of SAM primordia.

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Resource allocation in plants is a fundamental aspect of life history theory. In Cactaceae, the specific trade‐off between sexual reproduction and vegetative growth has still not been studied. The aim of this work was to assess if there is a trade‐off between growth and reproduction, and to analyse whether both growth and allocation to reproduction depend on size of the individual.In this study, we used Gymnocalycium monvillei, a globose cactus endemic to the mountains of central Argentina, as a model species. Specifically, we analysed the relationship of growth (percentage increase in diameter) and size of individuals (diameter) to seed production, seed mass, germination, and mean germination time. To relativize the effect of size on seed production, two variables were calculated: the ratio of seed production to plant size (RSPS), and the ratio of total seed mass to plant size (RSMS).We found that both seed production and total seed mass were significantly related to cactus size. However, growth was not related to seed mass or to seed production, even when they were relativized. Germination and mean germination time were not related to plant size or growth.In the studied species, a slow‐growing globose cactus, we did not find a trade‐off between growth and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Barriers at different reproductive stages contribute to reproductive isolation. Self‐incompatibility (SI) systems that prevent self‐pollination could also act to control interspecific pollination and contribute to reproductive isolation, preventing hybridization. Here we evaluated whether SI contributes to reproductive isolation among four co‐occurring Opuntia species that flower at similar times and may hybridize with each other. Methods: We assessed whether Opuntia cantabrigiensis, O. robusta, O. streptacantha, and O. tomentosa, were self‐compatible and formed hybrid seeds in five manipulation treatments to achieve self‐pollination, intraspecific cross‐pollination, open pollination (control), interspecific crosses or apomixis, then recorded flowering phenology and synchrony. Results: All species flowered in the spring with a degree of synchrony, so that two pairs of species were predisposed to interspecific pollination (O. cantabrigiensis with O. robusta, O. streptacantha with O. tomentosa). All species had distinct reproductive systems: Opuntia cantabrigiensis is self‐incompatible and did not produce hybrid seeds as an interspecific pollen recipient; O. robusta is a dioecious species, which formed a low proportion of hybrid seeds; O. streptacantha and O. tomentosa are self‐compatible and produced hybrid seeds. Conclusions: Opuntia cantabrigiensis had a strong pollen–pistil barrier, likely due to its self‐incompatibility. Opuntia robusta, the dioecious species, is an obligate outcrosser and probably partially lost its ability to prevent interspecific pollen germination. Given that the self‐compatible species can set hybrid seeds, we conclude that pollen–pistil interaction and high flowering synchrony represent weak barriers; whether reproductive isolation occurs later in their life cycle (e.g., germination or seedling survival) needs to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pitai tree (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a cacti with great prominence in the current fruit market. It has high rusticity and tolerance to adverse soil and climate conditions and has potential for cultivation in semi-arid regions. Despite being rarely affected by pests, its commercial exploitation can be harmed if control measures are not carried out. Furthermore, phytosanitary products have not been registered for pest control in this crop. Due to this, knowledge of the insects that affect this crop is of fundamental importance for their correct control and the productive success of the orchard. The objective of this study was to carry out an entomofauna survey aiming to evaluate the occurrence of harmful insects in a dragon fruit orchard located in the Pernambuco hinterland. The evaluation took place through photographic records, collection and identification of insects using data in the literature. Records and collections were carried out only during the day. The insects observed were: caterpillar Aricoris campestris (Bates, 1868) (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Forel, 1908) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Stingless bee arapuá Trigona spinipes (Fabricius, 1793) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). This work reports the first record of A. campestris, ant, arapuá and aphid caterpillars causing damage to the dragon fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cochineal cactus (Opuntia cochenillifera), notable for its substantial agricultural and industrial applications, predominantly undergoes clonal reproduction, which presents significant challenges in breeding and germplasm innovation. Recent developments in mitochondrial genome engineering offer promising avenues for introducing heritable mutations, potentially facilitating selective sexual reproduction through the creation of cytoplasmic male sterile genotypes. However, the lack of comprehensive mitochondrial genome information for Opuntia species hinders these efforts. Here, we intended to sequence and characterize its mitochondrial genome to maximize the potential of its genomes for evolutionary studies, molecular breeding, and molecular marker developments. Results: We sequenced the total DNA of the O. cochenillifera using DNBSEQ and Nanopore platforms. The mitochondrial genome was then assembled using a hybrid assembly strategy using Unicycler software. We found that the mitochondrial genome of O. cochenillifera has a length of 1,156,235 bp, a GC content of 43.06%, and contains 54 unique protein-coding genes and 346 simple repeats. Comparative genomic analysis revealed 48 homologous fragments shared between mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes, with a total length of 47,935 bp. Additionally, the comparison of mitochondrial genomes from four Cactaceae species highlighted their dynamic nature and frequent mitogenomic reorganizations. Conclusion: Our study provides a new perspective on the evolution of the organelle genome and its potential application in genetic breeding. These findings offer valuable insights into the mitochondrial genetics of Cactaceae, potentially facilitating future research and breeding programs aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity and adaptability of O. cochenillifera by leveraging its unique mitochondrial genome characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The occurrence of conducting vascular tissue in the pith (CVTP) of tracheophytes is noteworthy. Medullary bundles, one of the remarkable examples of CVTP, evolved multiple times across angiosperms, notably in the Caryophyllales. Yet, information on the occurrence of medullary bundles is fragmented, hampering our understanding of their structure–function relationships, and evolutionary implications.Using three plastid molecular markers (matK, rbcL, and rps16 intron), a phylogeny is constructed for 561 species of Caryophyllales, and anatomical data are assembled for 856 species across 40 families to investigate the diversity of medullary bundles, their function, evolution, and diversification dynamics. Additionally, correlated evolution between medullary bundles and successive cambia was tested.Medullary bundles are ancestrally absent in Caryophyllales and evolved in core and noncore families. They are structurally diverse (e.g. number, arrangement, and types of bundles) and functionally active throughout the plant's lifespan, providing increased hydraulic conductivity, especially in herbaceous plants. Acquisition of medullary bundles does not explain diversification rate heterogeneity but is correlated to a higher diversification rate.Disparate developmental pathways were found leading to rampant convergent evolution of CVTP in Caryophyllales. These findings indicate the diversification of medullary bundles and vascular tissues as another central theme for functional and comparative molecular studies in Caryophyllales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ništix or grizzleybear pricklypear (Opuntia ×columbiana Griffiths (pro sp.) [ fragilis ×polyacantha ] [Cactaceae]) was grown under solar panels and in full sun. We compared the survival and production of transplanted pads and the morphology of new pads. Survival rate of transplanted pads under the solar panels was much higher (90 ± 2.6%) than in the full sun (17 ± 5.5%), which were subject to decay due to a heavy snow event. The solar panels protected the pads against heavy snow burial, likely contributing to their higher survival rate. Productivity of the transplanted pads under the solar panels was much higher than those in full sun. This finding was measured by the number of new pads produced relative to the number of remaining pads, which was approximately 300% higher under the solar panels. The new pads under the solar panels were etiolated and twice as long as those in full sun. Overall, this preliminary study suggests that O. ×columbiana can be propagated successfully under solar panels, which could have implications for this tribally significant species and for land management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Forage serves as the primary nutritional resource for livestock; however, the consistent availability of high-quality forage is hindered by seasonal variations in environmental conditions, particularly in semiarid regions. In response to this challenge, silage derived from corn plants without ears (hereafter referred to as earless corn silage or ECS) has emerged as a strategic means for enhancing the income of green corn producers in Brazil. Notably, ECS has transitioned from a byproduct to a marketable feed with prices comparable to those of conventional corn silage. Under this scenario, forages adapted to such arid conditions, such as cactus cladodes (CC), are imperative. However, CC must be associated with feedstuffs possessing elevated fiber content. Coproducts, such as sugarcane bagasse (SB), present a viable solution for ameliorating the low neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in CC-based diets. While SB is classified as a low-quality roughage, its key advantage lies in its availability during periods of forage scarcity and its cost-effectiveness. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of substituting, even partially, ECS with a combination of CC and SB, offering an excellent alternative for milk producers. By embracing CC as the most readily producible forage in semiarid regions, producers can reduce their reliance on external inputs, leveraging the utilization of this forage alongside ingredients with increased fiber content, such as SB, which is both economically advantageous and accessible. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing earless corn silage (ECS) with cactus cladodes (CC; Opuntia spp.) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) on nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk yield (MY), and composition of lactating dairy cows. Ten Holstein cows, weighing 571 ± 97.0 kg and producing 23.0 ± 4.4 kg of milk per day, were assigned to two contemporaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares. Treatments consisted of five levels of ECS replacement with CC plus SB (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The results showed a linear increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p < 0.05) (15.98 and 18.73 kg/day) and a quadratic increase (p < 0.05) in crude protein and energy intake (2.97 kg/day and 27.52 Mcal/day at 95.4 and 88.6% substitution, respectively). Apparent DM digestibility increased (p < 0.05), but fiber digestibility decreased linearly (p < 0.05). Treatments had a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on MY and fat-corrected MY (24.17 kg/day and 21.9 kg/day at 63.9% and 38.6% CC plus SB, respectively). Milk fat (3.26 and 2.35%) and total solids content decreased linearly (p < 0.05), whereas the percentages of protein, lactose, and nonfat solids increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CC–SB diets linearly reduced the time spent on feeding and rumination and total chewing time. For Holstein cows fed common semiarid diets, milk production can be maximized by replacing 38.6% of ECS with CC plus SB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and potential prebiotic effects on the human intestinal microbiota of freeze-dried Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl). Haw] (Cactaceae) cladodes (FDOd). FDOd had high levels of total fiber (52.36 g/100 g), especially soluble fiber (33.36 g/100 g), as well as minerals, such as potassium (4415.49 mg/100 g), calcium (1593.25 mg/100 g), magnesium (853.55 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (209.04 mg/100 g), high total chlorophyll content (912.00 mg/100 g), presence of various phenolic compounds, such as catechin (41.00 mg/100 g), myricetin (785.00 mg/100 g), isorhamnetin (5.00 mg/100 g), rutin (42 mg/100 g), and antioxidant activity (ABTS•+: 0.51 µmol TEAC/g; DPPH•: 0.32 µmol TEAC/g; FRAP: 2.75 µmol FeSO4/g). Fermentation of FDOd using human fecal inoculum changed the composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus (0.03 %–16.44 %), Lactiplantibacillus (0.00 %–1.11 %), and Agathobacter (1.80 %–4.23 %), and decreasing the relative abundance of Prevotella_9 (25.08 %–0.15 %) and Succinivibrio (24.77 %–1.54 %). FDOd influenced the metabolic profile of the intestinal microbiota with the production of various metabolites, including short- and medium-chain fatty acids, organic acids, essential amino acids, and other compound classes with health-promoting properties. The results indicate FDOd as a new ingredient with prebiotic properties in the human intestinal microbiota.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of spineless cactus of the genus Nopalea, F-21 (Nopalea cochenillifera Dyck), IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Dyck) and Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck), in different phenophases. There was no effect (P < 0.05) of the phenological phases of spineless cactus on DM, ash, OM, EE, and CP. Varieties F-21 and Miúda presented higher values of DM and OM, whereas the CP was higher for IPA-Sertânia. The contents of NDF, ADF, and ADL, as well as the fractions of carbohydrates B2 and C were higher in the mature stage, irrespective of the variety. The Miúda variety showed higher levels of NFC and fractions A + B1 and the lower levels of pectin compared to the F-21 and IPA-Sertânia varieties, but not differ of TC to F-21. The volume of gas produced via the degradation of NFC was higher for young phenological phases. The young and intermediate stages showed a higher in vitro digestibility of DM. Based on the results, varieties IPA-Sertânia and Miúda have a high potential for use in animal feed because of their high nutritional quality. Mature cladodes showed a higher fibrous fraction and lower digestibility in all varieties.