Cladode planting methods improves the initial growth and production of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.)

The aim of this work was to study how the planting system can affect the initial growth and production for Opuntia ficus-indica. For this purpose, we conducted an experiment testing the factors of: I. Cladode size (S5: double cladode - S4: single cladode (control) - S3 two-thirds cladode - S2: half cladode - S1: third cladode). II- Cladode position at planting (S4: cladode upright planted - S6: cladode horizontally side planted - S7: cladode upside down-planted). III- Cladode exposition to the sun (S4: North/South - S8: East/West - S9: North West/South East - S10: North East/South West). IV- Planting depth (S11: third cladode buried down in ground - S4: half cladode buried - S12: two-thirds cladode buried). This study demonstrated that S6, is the best treatment with significant (p