The combination of vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves the physiological properties and chemical composition of Opuntia ficus-indica under semi-arid conditions in the field

Drought is one of the major threats to food security in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, significant changes in agricultural production systems will be required to meet the challenges of food security while addressing water scarcity. Prickly pear is a drought tolerant plant, as well as a source of sustainable food and feed. Nonetheless, in dry conditions, its growth and performance are restricted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), vermicompost (Vc) or the combination of AMF + Vc on yield, growth and physio-chemical parameters of cactus grown under field drought conditions. Two irrigation regimes were applied, non-irrigated (grown under rainfed conditions) and irrigated plants (8 mm of water per week). After eight months of cultivation, the finding demonstrated that drought reduced growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of cactus. However, the application of biostimulants, especially Vc and AMF + Vc, can mitigate the negative effect of drought by increasing cladode dry weight (93% and 109%), total chlorophyll (78% and 75%), total phenolic content (83% and 81%). Those treatments are also efficient in enhancing activities of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants in cactus cladodes and fruits. These results suggest that the use of these biostimulants can mitigate the challenges associated with drought, by improving the physiological and biochemical responses of cactus.