MODIFICATION OF FRUIT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PRICKLY PEAR ACCORDING TO THE DATE OF THE SECOND FLORAL BUD BLOOM

This study describes the effect of the date of reflowering on growth and development of the fruit of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). Obtained results showed that the growth and the development of the floral bud follow a triple type sigmoid curve, regardless the date of reflowering. The first phase (simple sigmoid), corresponds to the development of the flower. The second phase (double sigmoid) represent the fruit development. The date of the reflowering has an influence in the duration of the fruit development phases. Indeed, the development of the fruits resulting from an early-reflowering occurs within 70 days after anthesis; versus a time interval of 90 days from anthesis to maturity is recorded for fruits resulting from a late-reflowering. The identification of the different phases of prickly pear fruit growth and their modification according the reflowering moments will be used to investigate the nutrient requirement of the plant over its growth cycle, in order to establish a fertilization and irrigation program which meets the needs of this crop.