PREDICTION EQUATIONS FOR ESTIMATING THE PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF Ferocactus spp.

The floristic component in Baja California Sur, Mexico is vast and of importance in the activities of its inhabitants. Some plants have been used for food and ornamental purposes. As a result, bishop's weed (Ferocactus spp) is now considered to be in danger of extinction. The objective of the present study was to evaluate Ferocactus spp. to determine its potential in seed production. Twenty five plants of different heights and diameters, of similar to 5 years after having been transplanted, were selected. Height and diameter were measured. The fruits were counted and collected, and their fresh (FEW) and dry (DEW) weights were recorded. The seeds of each fruit (SPF) were counted, along with the total of seeds per plant (TSPP). The diameter was significantly correlated (P<0.001) with TSPP, FEW and DEW The height was correlated with TSPP (P<0.001). Prediction equations were obtained based on the diameter and height of the plants to estimate the dependent variables, whose R-2 variables fluctuated between 0.31 (P<0.002) and 0.45 (P<0.0001). It is concluded that the diameter can be used as a predictor in the equations set for green fruit weight, dry weight of the fruit and the number of seeds per fruit. The height of the plant can be used to predict the total number of seeds per plant.