Effect of post-harvest storage on chemical composition and deterioration of cactus cladodes [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill and Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck]

The daily cut-and-carry system is commonly used for cactus harvest, which increases manpower costs. This research aimed to determine the effect of the post-harvest storage period (up to 56 days post-harvest) on the chemical composition and anatomical traits of cactus cladodes [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill cv. 'IPA 20' andNopalea cochenilifera Salm-Dyck cv. 'Miuda']. Treatments included two cactus cultivars ('IPA 20' and 'Miuda') and post-harvest storage periods (0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, and 56 days). The experimental arrangement was split-plot in a completely randomized design with eight replications. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from cladodes were analyzed by order (primary, secondary, and tertiary) at the end of each storage period. Deterioration rate and root emergence were evaluated using a rank scale (1 to 5). Cladode storage up to 56 days did not reduce cactus CP and NDF, conform cactus cladodes; however, WSC reduced from 281 to 235 g kg(-1) (at 0 days of storage) and from 521 to 475 g kg(-1) (at 56 days of storage) for 'IPA 20' and 'Miuda'cultivars, respectively. Low variation occurred for DM and OM concentrations, however 'Miuda' had greater deterioration during the storage period than 'IPA 20', with ranks of 4.7 and 3.2, respectively, at the 56 days of storage. There was a linear response regarded the deterioration effect for 'IPA-20'cultivar and a quadratic response for cultivar 'Miuda'. Both species presented a reduction in epidermal area and an increase in parenchymal area after 32 days of storage. The 'IPA 20' cultivar may be stored up to 56 days with less nutrient loss. The 'Miuda'cultivar, presented greater deterioration, must be stored for a post-harvest period of up to 32 days.