Abstract: A support frame; a cut and lift mechanism coupled to the support frame; a tool carrying platform coupled to the cut and lift mechanism; an outer leaf removal device coupled to the tool carrying platform; a cutting tool coupled to the tool carrying platform; a controller in data communication with the cut and lift robot; and a plant center locator in data communication with the controller.

Abstract: A harvesting system for harvesting stemmed plants having elongated stems and including bulbous growth disposed at the top of the stems. The harvesting system includes a harvesting unit having a plurality of gripping elements; a cutter for harvesting the plants; and a divergent zone defined by gripping elements for vertically aligning the harvested plants. The harvesting unit further includes a transfer zone defined by gripping elements having another cutter for cutting the harvested plants to selected size, and includes a rotating brush for removing unwanted foliage from the harvested plants, a pair of belts disposed aft of the transfer zone for receiving selectably sized, harvested plants from the transfer zone and a belt-like table disposed aft of the pair of belts for receiving the selectably sized harvested plants from the pair of belts for packing and shipping the plants from the field.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cactus pear having the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. A fruit with a red colored edible interior portion. 2. An average Brix of 14.8% 3. An average firmness of the pulp of 3.4 lb 4. An average pulp percentage of 59%. 5. A fruit weight ranging from 125 to 180 g.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cactus pear having the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. A fruit with a purple colored edible interior portion. 2. An average Brix of 14.9% 3. An average firmness of the pulp of 3.0 lb 4. An average pulp percentage of 48%. 5. A fruit weight ranging from 130 to 200 g.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cactus pear having the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. A fruit with a green colored edible interior portion. 2. An average Brix of 14.6%. 3. An average firmness of the pulp of 2.9 lb. 4. An average pulp percentage of 50%. 5. A fruit weight ranging from 130 to 170 g. 6. Cladodes that have a low percentage of areoles with spines and those areoles only have 1 spine per areole of maximum length of 8 mm. 7. Greater resistance to water soaked, translucent aspect of edible fruit portion from rapid increases in temperature known as clearing than other Opuntia ficus indica with green fruits.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cactus pear having the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. A fruit with a yellow/orange colored edible interior portion. 2. An average Brix of 13.1% 3. An average firmness of the pulp of 3.1 lb 4. An average pulp percentage of 55%. 5. A fruit weight ranging from 140 to 220 g. 6. Cladodes that have a low percentage of areoles with spines and those areoles only have 1 spine per areole of maximum length of 10 mm.