Evaluacion de los recursos geneticos de la Opuntia spp para la seleccion de variedades.

The result of the characterization of twelve cactus pear selected genotypes are reported. The selection has been based on the germplasm collection established in Sardinia starting from 1993, with the aim to collect, characterize, evaluate and preserve the cactus pear genetic resources developed in Sardinia in the wild and in plantations, as a result of introduction and farmers selection. Accessions were collected on account of the phenotype and were representative of the variability expressed within and among the various populations identified in the island. The main morphological traits specifically linked to the fruit production of the twelve selections grown in a randomized block design collection field are reported. Important traits of the plant were considered such as the spineless cladodes, the spreading or shrubby habitus, as well as the reduced size and vigour of the plant. Fruit size, seed traits, pulp percentage, consumer’s acceptance and internal quality, were evaluated to state the real potentiality of each selection as new variety. Currently the Gialla di Macomer was identified as up to standard accession, and the remaining are distinguishable for one or more peculiar traits.