Save the date: Opuntia spp. Conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources

Over the past few decades, interest has grown for more knowledge on the utilization and production of cactus in the drylands around the world. In 2020, CactusNet launched a webinar series to disseminate and share knowledge on cactus (Opuntia spp.) among the members of CactusNet and beyond. The series has so far covered a wide variety of topics related to cactus, including cactus uses as food and feed, medicinal and nutritional value, crop ecology, and pest management.

The seventh webinar of this series will take stock of the genetic diversity of Opuntia species around the world and identify the needs from different countries.

The webinar will:
• Share global and regional perspectives on the conservation and sustainable use of Opuntia spp. genetic resources.
• Discuss on the next steps for a collective knowledge on genetic resources of Opuntia spp. around the world.

The event will be in English.

Agenda

14:00 – 14:05:  Opening and introduction of CactusNet by session chair, Makiko Taguchi, Agricultural Officer, Plant Production and Protection (NSP) Division, FAO
14:05 – 15:00: Presentations on “Status of conservation and sustainable use of Opuntia around the world”. Presenters:
• Arshiya Noorani, Agricultural Officer, NSP, FAO
• Alessandra Gentile, CactusNet Coordinator on genetic resources and conservation, University of Catania, Italy 
• Candelario Mondragon Jacobo, Full Professor, Environmental Horticulture Autonomous University of Queretaro, Mexico
• Sawsan Hassan, CactusNet Coordinator and Forage Agronomist, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Tunisia
15:00 – 15:25: Discussion and Q&A session
15:25 –15:30: Closing remarks, by Carmen Saenz, General Coordinator of CactusNet, University of Chile

Click here to register