Some Physical Fruit Properties of Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp) That Grow Wild in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Abstract

Cactus pears (Opuntia spp) that grow wild were collected from five locations in the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The location affected the fruit and seed characteristics significantly. Cactus-pear samples collected from Bozön and Çiftlikköy locations showed better fruit and seed properties compared to those collected from the other locations. Correlation parameters among fruit quality were significant and high. The aborted-seed weight and number were more correlated with fruit properties than that of viable seeds. The weights of both fruit and pulp were positively affected with increase in seed content. The multivariate analysis also showed similar results to ANOVA and correlation tests.