01303naa a2200181 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000160006024501350007626000090021152007420022065000170096265000250097965300130100470000160101770000180103377300700105115238502024-01-03       1995    bl uuuu     u00u1 u    #d1 aINGLESE, P.  aResearch strategies for the improvement of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit quality and production.h[electronic resource]  c1995  aAbstract: Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is cultivated worldwide for fruit production either in the subsistence agriculture of dryland areas or as a cash crop. However, little horticultural research has been devoted to this species so far. Research needs related to reproductive biology as well as productivity and orchard management are outlined. A better knowledge of the environmental influence on reproductive biology and fruit quality, the control of fluctuations in plant cropping, as well as the reduction of seed number and size, are the major challenges for future research. Cactus pear will transcend the ethnical markets only if adequate marketing strategies can be promoted and fruit quality enhanced and standardized.  aCactus pears  aOpuntia ficus-indica  aCactacea1 aBARBERA, G.1 aLA MANTIA, T.  tJournal of Arid Environmentsgv. 29, n. 4, p. 455-468, Apr. 1995.