Propagation of Opuntia ×columbiana under solar panels

Abstract

Ništix or grizzleybear pricklypear (Opuntia ×columbiana Griffiths (pro sp.) [fragilis ×polyacantha] [Cactaceae]) was grown under solar panels and in full sun. We compared the survival and production of transplanted pads and the morphology of new pads. Survival rate of transplanted pads under the solar panels was much higher (90 ± 2.6%) than in the full sun (17 ± 5.5%), which were subject to decay due to a heavy snow event. The solar panels protected the pads against heavy snow burial, likely contributing to their higher survival rate. Productivity of the transplanted pads under the solar panels was much higher than those in full sun. This finding was measured by the number of new pads produced relative to the number of remaining pads, which was approximately 300% higher under the solar panels. The new pads under the solar panels were etiolated and twice as long as those in full sun. Overall, this preliminary study suggests that O. ×columbiana can be propagated successfully under solar panels, which could have implications for this tribally significant species and for land management.