University of Chile researchers highlight prickly pear's water efficiency

Researchers from the University of Chile's Faculty of Agronomic Sciences have highlighted the potential of the prickly pear (tuna) as a resilient agricultural alternative in the face of climate change and decreasing water availability.

During the seminar ‘Tunas y Nopales: cultivo, marketing y posibilidades alimentarias frente al cambio climático’, specialists noted that the species offers diverse uses, including fruit, forage, fibers, and agro-industrial products. Professor Loreto Prat explained that the plant's CAM metabolism allows it to open its stomata primarily at night, significantly reducing water loss.

With a water demand of between 1,500 and 3,000 m³ per hectare per year, the prickly pear requires less water than many other fruit crops, making it a viable option for more sustainable and diversified agricultural systems.