Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno, have identified water-efficient cactus pear varieties with significant potential for biofuel production. A three-year field trial revealed dramatic differences in biomass yield among 14 varieties, with the top-performing hybrid producing eight times more biomass than the least productive. This hybrid also demonstrated superior survival rates and ease of propagation, crucial for reducing labor costs. The research underscores cactus pear’s role as a climate-resilient and sustainable crop, vital for meeting future bioenergy needs in increasingly arid conditions.