INVENTORY OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL CACTUS PEAR (OPUNTIA SPP.) CULTIVARS IN MEXICO

Mexico has the largest number of Opuntia species (205 taxa, 126 belonging to the subgenus Opuntia) and is rich in cactus pear cultivars. They have been preserved in backyards. Some of them are the germplasm base for about 60,000 ha of commercial plantations located mainly in the Central and Northern plateaus. Eighteen genotypes of major commercial importance were characterized according to the technical guidelines of UPOV considering 61 features of the plant, cladodes, flowers and fruits. The following cultivars were described: 'Cristalina', 'Burrona', 'Reyna', 'Esmeralda', 'San José', 'Chapeada', 'Fafayuca', 'Villanueva', 'Gavia', 'Pico Chulo', 'Amarilla Montesa', 'Amarilla Plátano', 'Miquihuana', 'Naranjón Legítimo', 'Roja Liria', 'Torreoja', 'Roja San Martín' and 'Bolañera'. The objective was to organize a database useful for cultivar registration.