Our Target Species
The Sabrana variety, belonging to a hybrid between O. ficus-indica and O. lindheimeri. Extensively researched by the UNR, this variety is found to be an incredibly temperature resilient, water efficient, sturdy and tall growing strain of Opuntia.
Tested extensively by the University of Nevada, Reno, alongside 14 other species of Opuntia under semi-arid land conditions, this particular strain “showed superior biomass productivity and dry matter content (DMC) useful for forage, fodder, or biofuel production.” (Neupane et al., 2024)
Phase 1.
In May of 2022, we partnered with Luther Burbank Coachella Agricultural Station to undertake the first large scale Opuntia propagation effort in the US. 2,500 Opuntia tissue cultures were cloned, and have been cared for by LBCAS with the intention of planting a demonstrative farm in Southern Nevada for further research and cladode propagation.
LBCAS is a testament to it’s inspiration Luther Burbank, famed for his agricultural and botanical expertise in the early 1900s, hybridizing countless species that would change the face of US agriculture for next century and beyond. You may know him for the Russet Burbank Potato, however one of his greatest developments were to that of the spineless prickly pear cactus, recognizing its potential for food and animal fodder in arid and semi arid regions.
We are honored to have LBCAS’ support in carrying on Luther Burbank’s passion for these remarkable plants and his drive to improve and adapt our food and agricultural systems in how they relate to the environments we seek to farm.
Tissue Culture Micropropagation
Undertaken by Luther Burbank Agricultural Station in Coachella Valley, California
Tissue cultures collected from Clark County Cooperative Extension Service facilities location in Logandale, NV
On to Phase 2
