Certain Physiological and Chemical Indicators Drive the Yield and Quality of Cladode Mucilage in Three Fodder Nopal Morphotypes (Opuntia spp.) Under Different Soil Water Content Conditions

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. The paper reports that the C-CH morphotype produced the highest mucilage yield (800 mL Kg⁻¹ FW) under optimum and suboptimum soil moisture conditions, while showing lower relative water content. How do the authors explain the basic chemical and biological reasons behind the higher mucilage production in C-CH compared to the other morphotypes under both good and low water conditions?

2. The authors classified the morphotypes based on physical traits and noted different responses to water stress. Could the use of gene expression tests or molecular markers help explain why the C-CH type retains more water and produces more mucilage than C-NA and C-HE?

3. The study observed a strong positive correlation between chlorophyll content and mucilage yield, suggesting that higher pigment levels are linked to better mucilage production. What simple photosynthetic or metabolic processes might explain this connection, and how might these processes differ among the morphotypes?

4. The authors noted that relative water content (RWC) decreases with lower soil moisture, yet C-CH shows a good recovery in water status. What possible cell signaling pathways or control systems might work differently in each morphotype during water stress, and how do these differences relate to their mucilage production?

5. Although the quality of mucilage (pH, ash content, total solids) did not change with soil moisture, the paper suggests that genetic factors strongly control mucilage composition. What ideas do the authors have regarding the genetic regulation of mucilage quality, and might this involve simple water balance or other chemical pathways?

6. The study highlights that water availability directly affects mucilage yield and that C-CH is more resilient under both good and poor water conditions. Could differences in water channel proteins, such as aquaporins, be a reason why C-CH handles drought better and produces more mucilage?

7. The paper shows clear differences in water response and mucilage production among the Opuntia morphotypes, what do these findings imply for selecting and improving Opuntia types for farming in dry areas, particularly regarding water efficiency and the quality of animal feed?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

-

Author Response

The responses are answered in the attached format in the Point by point format. 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript entitled “Some physiological and chemical indicators drive in the yield and quality of cladode mucilage in three fodder nopal morphotypes (Opuntia spp.) under different soil water contents” it is considered well organized for the journal format. In my opinion it could be an interesting manuscript for readers and future researches, however I have some doubts about the experimental design, which are listed below:

 

How many plants were used in total for the experiment?

In my opinion in open field, you cannot make experiments about soil moisture, because in case of a rain the precipitation is similar on each side of the experimental field. Can you please explain? Experiments about soil moisture are mostly made in greenhouse where the irrigation can be managed or at least some type of protector roof or similar.

And also, is questionable that on the whole experimental filed the soil type (chemical composition) was almost similar, because this can be also an important fact which could influence the soil moisture.

Author Response

The responses are answered in the Point by point format.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Authors,

 

Thank you very much for your answers and responses.

In my opinion the ms is improved! However, for future similar experiments, in my opinion these type of experiments should be made in a protected area, where no natural climatic condition can influence the plants/the data gathering. Moreover, also as a recommendation for future experiments I suggest to make a soil analysis, because so your manuscript can have a higher importance for the readers and researchers.

Good luck for future experments!