Cactus pear is an adapted species to water deficit and presents many ecosystem services for arid and semiarid regions. Characterize and select genotypes is important in breeding program phases to obtain and diffuse new materials that are more productive and resistant to pests and diseases. This study aimed to characterize and select cactus pear genotypes (Opuntia and Nopalea) through morphological, productive and phytosanitary characteristics. The experiment was carried from 2018 to 2020 under a complete randomized design (CRD) with three blocks and nine cactus pear genotypes. Morphological, productive and phytosanitary characteristics were assessed at the harvesting moment (2019 and 2020). Data from morphological and productive traits were submitted to ANOVA under a factorial arrangement (2 × 9) considering the blocks as the random effect and the genotypes and harvesting years as fixed effects. The significant at 5% of probability. Both direct and indirect selection were made through selection intensities of 10%, besides the identification of best genotypes. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for all productive and morphological characteristics. There was an interaction effect between genotype and harvesting year on the cladode’s length, width and area, besides the dry matter yield. Regarding the harvesting year, significant differences were observed on the plant’s width and the cladode’s width and thickness. Cactus pear genotypes are morphologically distinct, resistant to the carmine cochineal and susceptible to the scale cochineal. The genotypes ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’, ‘F21 Original’, ‘F21 seed selection’ and ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana less-fur selection’ are promissing materials for the cropping in other semiarid regions because they are more productive and resistant to pests and diseases.