In vivo Rooting, Acclimatization and Ex situ Conservation of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Beles) in Tigray Region of Ethiopia, Africa

Abstract

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. commonly known as prickly pear or Beles is a xerophytic, succulent, CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plant introduced in Ethiopia (Africa), particularly to Tigray region between 1848 and 1920. It is known as a multipurpose plant since it can be used as human food (fruits and vegetables), medicine and ornamental plants, fodder, natural wind barrier, soil stabilizer, re-vegetation resource in eroded soils. Stem of this plant has been reported to treat diabetes and useful in the cure of hyperlipidemy (excess of lipids in the blood) and obesity. It is well recognized for their wound healing properties and anticancer effects. Conventionally, it is propagated by seeds but physiological limitations of the seeds, such as; low germination rate, genetic segregation, less guarantee of genetic stability, a long juvenile stage, less availability and low viability, and slow seedling growth rate are major constraints in the multiplication of this species in nature. In the present study we developed an efficient procedure for mass multiplication, acclimatization and ex-situ conservation of this succulent plant in Adigrat region of Ethiopia (Africa). In the present study out of six used in vitro - raised clones, maximum average height of the plantlet (13 cm.) and width (8.5 cm.) were observed in the plantlets (X6 ) and (X5 ) clones at 30.29 and 29.15oC temperatures, respectively on a modified substrate. Here, the effects of temperature and duration were significant in the increment of clones height and width. Thus, the developed efficient acclimatization techniques of this crop will ensure the supply of the in vitro-raised plantlets throughout the year to the consumers in Tigray region of Ethiopia.