Abstract

MARQUEZ-BERBER, Sergio Roberto et al. Cactus pear (Opuntia albicarpa and O. megacantha) production system in Axapusco, Estado de México: Problems and alternatives. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.1, pp.81-93. ISSN 2007-4034.

The objective of this work was to characterize cactus pear production system in Axapusco, Estado de México by performing surveys among farmers and interviews to key participants. Most are peasants and have parcels in "ejidos" (73 %). The production system shows high variability. They plow the surface (37 %) or the subsoil (34 %). The typical density is 600 to 700 plants per hectare (38 %). The common distance between plants is 4.0 m by 4.0 m (55 %). The white cactus pear (Opuntia albicarpa) is predominant in the region (74 %). Two-thirds of the farmers use manual weed control. Fresh cattle manure is used by 54 % of the farmers. Most farmers do not receive any technical assistance (96 %). Furthermore, a large proportion of the farmers said they do not receive any governmental subsidy (71 %). The most important problem for farmers is the control of pests and diseases (34 %); followed by low fruit price and orchard management (both 21 %). The lack of technical knowledge is behind those problems. Several strategies are required to solve these problems. Highlighting, that farmers have to compost of the manure, use bio-insecticides for pest control and improve their organization.

Keywords : Prickly pear; farming practices; pests.