Požadovaný rozpočet: 2.233.356,46 EUR

Objectives of OPEN LIFE proposal are: select the best opuntia cultivars that can accumulate high quantity of proteins as well as require low water and labor input; develop the best transformation method, e.g. fermentation and extrusions, to produce animal food from cladodes and fruit by-product; test new irrigation methodologies to optimize water consumption; test nutritional properties of transformed opuntia forage both in lab and on animals; and extract essential oils and polyphenols from seed and peels. The last to be used as human food additives. By testing different species and corresponding cultivation techniques it will be demonstrate which cultivar offers the best characteristics, in terms of nutritional value, input of water and labor. The second objective is to develop a method to transform opuntia biomass in a forage with a standard water content. Nutritional properties of the new forage will be tested in lab by using standard techniques and by feeding animals. To achieve the goal of whole plant utilization and valorization several methods will be evaluated in lab for the extraction of oils and valuable compound from fruits by-products (seeds and peels). We propose to develop new production systems and reduce negative impacts on the environment while increasing yields of forage. Cacti plants required low-input effort in terms of farming, water and fertilizers, while with appropriated modification could results in high quality forage and metabolites. The expected impact is the improvement of local products and farming systems and propose a business model for small farmers based on the holistic use of opuntia spp. crops. Project results will include methods of cultivation and transformation of opuntia plants along with a full characterization of animal feed that will impact commercialization of cacti-derived food, feed, nutraceutical and cosmetic field.

Žadatel: Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile