Cacti help combatting desertification

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
Nopal (Opuntia spp.) : Its Use and Application
To Combat Desertification.
MAY 26 – 28, 1998
AREQUIPA - PERU

The experts and researchers of Cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) from different countries and institutions, gathered in Arequipa, Peru, on May 26 – 28, 1998, at the International Symposium Cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) : Its Use and Application to Combat Desertification”, organized by the Universidad Católica Santa María, La Joya Verde company, and in coordination with the National Focal Point to Combat Desertification (INRENA), at the end of various presentations reached the following conclusions :

1) The species of the Opuntia spp. subgenus have developed phenological, physiological and structural adaptations favourable to their development in arid environments, in which water is the main factor limiting the development of most plant species. Among these adaptations stand out its asynchronous reproduction, and its CAM metabolism, which combined with structural adaptations such as succulence allow this plant to continue the assimilation of carbon dioxide during long periods of drought and in this way reach acceptable productivity levels even in years of severe drought. Besides :

a) Biomass generation per unit of water is on average about 3 times higher than for C4 plants and 5 times higher than for C3 plants.

b) Under optimal conditions the various types of plants can produce similar amounts of dry matter per surface area, but under arid and semi-arid conditions CAM plants are superior to C3 and C4 plants.

c) Opuntia spp. can develop in severely degraded soils, which are inadequate for other crops. Opuntia spp. have a great capacity for adaptation and are ideal for responding to global environmental changes. Their root characteristics avoid wind and rain erosion, encouraging their growth in degraded areas.

d) Opuntia spp. have an asynchronous development of various plant organs, so that even under the worst conditions some part of the plant is not affected.

e) The establishment of sustainable systems of production based on Opuntia spp. may contribute to the food security of populations in agriculturally marginalized areas and to the improvement of the soil.

f) Opuntia spp. are some of the best plants for the reforestation of arid and semi-arid areas because can resist scarce and erratic rainfall and high temperatures.

2) Opuntia spp. present various alternatives to its exploitation :

a) As forage : Since they grow in severely degraded land, their use is important because of their abundance (900,000 has.) in areas where few crops can grow. Also present high palatability, digestibility, and reduce the need for supplying water to animals; however, they must be combined with other foods to complete the daily diet, because they are poor in proteins, although rich in carbohydrates and calcium.

b) As vegetable : They are consumed fresh mainly in Mexico and by Mexicans living in the United States of America; however, Mexican exports to Europe and Asia are increasing, which shows an expanded demand in non traditional markets, which should be adequately examined.

c) As fruit: A cultivation policy must be defined aiming to achieving high yields and high quality; to achieve both objectives a sustainable horticultural system is required. The potential market for this product is extensive but little exploited, so better marketing strategies and post-harvest technology are required. Due to their management requirements, Opuntia spp. require extensive labour, which is an important variable in developing countries.

d) As cochineal : Carminic acid is obtained, which is a natural red dye accepted by health authorities worldwide, with variable yields according to the production system used, both concerning plant density and irrigation and fertilization systems. Cochineal constitutes a significant alternative because of its profitability and intensive use of labour, but the market for this product has big price fluctuations, which makes investment decisions difficult.

e) Industrialization : it is feasible to industrialize cladodes, fruit, and “nopalitos”. This potential market deals mainly with concentrated foods, juices, liquors, semi-processed and processed vegetables, food supplements and the cosmetic industry; it is feasible, but it requires work and investment to develop the market.

f) Medicinal Applications : there is some experimental research with promising results on the use of “nopalito” for gastritis; for diabetes due to the reduction of glucose in blood and insuline; for hypercholesterolemia by reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerids serum levels; and for obesity.

Economic profiles have been developed from the main exploitation alternatives, and they show that they are viable with adequate investment returns; these projects bring additional benefits, such as the generation of employment, environmental improvement, etc., which do not represent income for investors, but they do contribute to humanity.

3) International Support: the problem of desertification has the attention of humanity, which is why 125 countries have signed the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Various national and international agencies have programs dedicated to elaborate strategies and plans for this purpose, and to support specific projects.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Taking into account the aspects considered in the conclusions, the attenders to the International Symposium “Nopal (Opuntia spp.) : Its Use and Application to Combat Desertification” recommend:

1. To spread the knowledge of the current and potential uses of Opuntia spp. stressing their function as a biological barrier to reduce the impact of desertification and their positive responses to the expected global increase of CO2, through programs of integrated development, extension and technical assistance, as a noteworthy alternative to combat desertification.

2. To increase more extensive studies, research and activities on the use and applications of Opuntia spp. which will contribute to the improvement of living conditions, especially in developing countries.

3. To include Opuntia spp. in the agricultural statistics of national governments as well as of the international agencies.

4. To encourage scientific knowledge exchanges.

5. To protect and assess genetic resources.

6. Foster adequate protection policies, and look for actions aimed to the genetic and sanitary certification of the propagation material.

7. Submit the Conclusions and Recommendations to the Peruvian Focal Point to Combat Desertification. This report could be communicated by way of the Ministry of Foreign Relations to international agencies, so that they may include Opuntia spp. in the programs to combat desertification.

DECISION

We express our profound gratitude to the Peruvian authorities, Universidad Católica Santa María, and to La Joya Verde company, as well as the Secretariat of the Convention to Combat Desertification, FAO-ICARDA, and Cactusnet for the excellent conditions provided for the success of this Symposium.

These conclusions and recommendations should be distributed to all countries affected by desertification processes.

Arequipa, May 28, 1998.