Cactus plants are precious natural resources that provide nutritious food for people and livestock, especially in dryland areas. Originally published in 1995, this extensively revised edition provides fresh insights into the cactus plant’s genetic resources, physiological traits, soil preferences and vulnerability to pests. It provides invaluable guidance on managing the resource to support food security and offers tips on how to exploit the plant’s culinary qualities.

Opuntias are multipurpose plants that are increasingly being used in agricultural systems in arid and semi-arid areas. Due to its high water-use efficiency, it is particularly useful as forage in times of drought and in areas where few other crops can grow, and it is now considered a key component for the productivity and sustainability of these regions. This publication presents current scientific and practical information on the use of the cactus Opuntia as forage for livestock.

Cactaceae is a botanical family composed of arborescent, shrub, climbing, globose, discoid or epiphytic species, being almost all endemic to the Americas. Cactaceae occurs between latitudes 35o North and South, both at sea level and up to over 5000m altitude. In this way, their species have the capacity to grow in different ecosystems. However, the greatest diversity is found in arid and semi-arid regions, where they are important sources of resources for several species of vertebrates and invertebrates, mainly in the drought season, when there is a great shortage of resources.In addition, some species of cacti represent an important source of food resources for humans and their herds, as well as having enormous ornamental value. Thus, cacti have always aroused the because of their morphological peculiarities and chemical properties. Due to this, cacti have now been the subject of diverse studies. This book brings studies of several areas of plant biology, ecology, conservation and uses of cacti.The first four chapters compose the part related to ecology and conservation. Several species of Cactaceae in Brazil and the world are seriously endangered, with about 31% of the family categorized as threatened. Chapter 1 discusses the importance and how the ex situ conservation of cacti is carried out in the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. In Chapter 2, the authors carried out population studies of two species of endemic cacti of Chapada Diamantina, Brazil, in order to evaluate the population structure of the species for decision-making in relation to their conservation. In Chapter 3, authors studied the biogeography and conservation of Discocactus species that are endemic to South America. In Chapter 4, the authors discuss the floral morphology and the ecological interactions highlighting the importance of conservation of cacti for ecosystems maintenance. Chapters 5 to 10 address issues related to the uses and significance of cacti. Chapter 5 discusses cacti of the genus Pereskia with a healthy diet alternative due to its nutritional properties. The toxicological evaluation, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of plant extracts is discussed in Chapter 6, specifically, roots of Cereus jamacaru. In Chapter 7 the use of fibers from Opuntia species in the manufacture of Agave juice is evaluated, due to the importance of including fibers in human consume, because dietary fiber may contribute in the prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses. The antioxidant activity of prickly pear of Opuntia is discussed in Chapter 8, because besides betalains, prickly pear contains vitamins and phenolics. In Chapter 9, the research describes the industrial applications of the berry as well as key points for future research. And in Chapter 10, bioactive compounds of Opuntia oligacantha were determined, as well as their antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity and shelf life.All the studies presented in this book are of great importance and serve as a basis for further research to be carried out to make the species of the Cactaceae family be seen beyond their ornamental value.

The Opuntia fruits, commonly known as cactus pears or prickly pears, have been suggested by the Food and Agriculture Organization to be a promising and strategic crop in regions suffering from lack of water. In Mexico, India, South Africa, and the Mediterranean, the Opuntia fruits have become popular due to their nutritive value and health-promoting benefits, including antioxidant, antiulcerogenic and antiatherogenic traits and protective effects against LDL oxidation. Additionally, readily absorbable sugars, high vitamin C and mineral content, and a pleasant flavour make Opuntia tailor-made for novel foods. Due to their ecological advantages, high functional value, and health-related traits, Opuntia fruits can be highly exploited in different food processing applications. For instance, Opuntia cactus fruits are used for the preparation of juices and marmalades; Opuntia cactus plants are used to feed animals in African and Latin American countries; Peruvian farmers cultivate Opuntia cactus for growing the cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) insect and producing the natural dye carmine; and the commercial production of food and non-food products from Opuntia has been established in Mexico, USA and several Mediterranean countries. Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications creates a multidisciplinary forum of discussion on Opuntia cactus with special emphasis on its horticulture, post-harvest, marketability, chemistry, functionality, health-promoting properties, technology and processing. The text includes detailed discussion of the impact of traditional and innovative processing on the recovery of high-added value compounds from Opuntia spp. by-products. Later chapters explore the potential applications of Opuntia spp. in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

This book provides an overview of secondary metabolites in three sections: “Introduction”, “Secondary Metabolites: General Reviews and Biotechnological Interventions” and “Plant Secondary Metabolites.” It discusses the antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities of secondary metabolites, biotechnological interventions in the production and research of secondary metabolites, and the secondary metabolites of plants.

Grasslands are of vital significance globally by covering more than one-quarter of the earth’s surface. They are known by a variety of names, such as prairies, pampas, steppes, savannas, and so on, and provide feed to animals as well as serve as biodiversity reserves and catchment areas. Under the changing climate scenario, they can potentially serve as carbon sinks, which might alleviate the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions. This book provides fundamental knowledge of underutilized grasses of economic significance as well as discusses advancements in grasslands management for boosting their bio-productivity. There is a particular focus on state-of-the-art strategies for the restoration and conservation of grasslands in the era of changing climate.

Future Proteins: Sources, Processing, Applications and the Bioeconomy presents sources of alternative proteins and the novel processing technologies associated with these new proteins, including their vast food and non-food applications and their contributions to the circular economy that ties them together. Broken into three sections, chapters focus on alternative proteins including cereals, legumes and pulses, fungi, seafoods, insects, and others before assessing novel production technologies and alternative protein applications. Through the use of content features, specifically definitions, case studies, recent developments, data, and methods, this reference assists readers in understanding how to apply current knowledge and techniques to their research. This book is intended for any stakeholders involved in the alternative protein industry as it provides a clear and comprehensive review of the industry. It will be of interest to food scientists, technologists, food industry personnel, academics and graduate students researching this and related topics. - Discusses the various industrial applications of the proposed proteins, from powdered algal for the nutraceuticals market to insect pastas and bacterial-protein flour - Provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances on the identification of potentially important compounds in these alternative proteins - Outlines advances in proteins characterization, processing and purification techniques - Focuses on biologically active proteins and their beneficial impact on humans - Addresses implications for legislation that forward novel foods