Memories of the Agricultural and Livestock Area of the VI CCIUTM, Ecuador
Memories of the Agricultural and Livestock Area of the VI CCIUTM, Ecuador
Adriana Beatriz Sánchez-Urdaneta1,2*, Gisela del Carmen Rivero-Maldonado2, Cecilia Beatriz Peña-Valdivia3 and Dianelis del Carmen Sánchez-Urdaneta4
ABSTRACT
Plants of Opuntia have modified stems, which are called cladodes, and are specialized structures able to photosynthesize. This study was conducted in order to compare the anatomy of the cladodes of the fruit-producing cultivars Floreadora, Moradaza, and Solferino of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.). The thickness of cladodes, cuticle, epidermis, collenchyma, parenchyma cell walls, and xylem walls was measured; the number of cell strata of the epidermis, collenchyma, parenchyma cells, xylem vessels, and calcium oxalate crystals (druse), were counted, as well as the perimeter of parenchyma cells, xylem vessels, and mucilage cells. A completely randomized experimental design with three replications was used. Among the most outstanding results, it was determined that the cv. Solferino presented the greatest thickness of cladodes, cuticle, collenchyma, collenchyma strata, and druses, and the greatest number of parenchyma cells. Such findings may have interpretations for the adaptation of the Opuntia plants to certain extreme environments. This is because a thicker cuticle, epidermis, collenchyma, and parenchyma in these plants can improve survival and growth in arid conditions. At the same time, these characteristics can optimize the efficient use of water, while providing greater protection of the inner tissues. All of the above has applicability for the selection and cultivation of promising genotypes.
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November 2023
Vol. 39, Sp. Iss. 2
