Cladode area and weight of Nopalea cochenillifera clones as a function of morphometric characteristics

The study aims estimate the cladode area and weight of Little Sweet and Giant Sweet clone based on its linear dimensions by method non-destructively. The experiment was realized in randomized blocks with five replicates using Little and Giant Sweet clones of Nopalea cochenillifera. To determine the length, width, thickness, area and weight of cladodes were used a random sample of 1018 cladodes. Cladode area and weight were estimated through of the cladode morphometric characteristics using regression models. Power model was most adequate to explain cladode area of clones and regardless N. cochenillifera clones. Power model was most adequate to explain cladodes weight of Little Sweet clone and regardless N. cochenillifera clones, while that gamma model was most adequate to explain cladode weight of Giant Sweet clone. Cladode area and weight of N. cochenillifera can be explain as a function of morphometric characteristics with larger explanation power.