Dactylopius Opuntiae is a new cochineal plague detected in the Canary Islands fields and that, according to experts, has nothing to do with the cochineal that is raised in the prickly pear trees of Guatiza and Mala (Dactylopius coccus) from where carmine is obtained. "Unfortunately, this new plague severely affects the prickly pear trees, drying them completely if adequate control measures are not taken," explain from the Cabildo of Lanzarote.
Therefore, from the Agriculture Area of the Island Corporation, directed by Ángel Vázquez, in collaboration with the Government of the Canary Islands and Rural Environment Management of the Canary Islands (GMR), they have organized an informative talk to address this new cochineal plague, as well as control methods for early diagnosis and recommendations to follow.
Thus, farmers and people interested in attending this talk, which will take place next Tuesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m., at the Taiga Sociocultural Center in the town of Guatiza, can register until next Monday, April 12, at agrolanzarote@cabildodelanzarote.com, indicating name, surnames, ID, email and phone number. Places will be limited and will be occupied in strict order of registration.
Detected for the first time in 2010 in La Palma
This new parasite, also known as the Mexican cochineal, was already detected in 2010 in the municipality of Fuencaliente on the island of La Palma. This cochineal lives in the shovels or leaves of the prickly pear trees, and different stages of development can be found in the colonies. Once fixed on the plant, it causes chlorosis and necrosis in the shovels and fruits, weakens the plant and can cause its premature fall. The new shovels are quickly affected by the parasite, which, in the medium term, causes their death, since it prevents the plant from performing photosynthesis and causes the depletion of its reserves.
From the Lanzarote Cabildo they inform that, if the presence of Dactylopius Opuntiae is detected or suspected, it must be urgently reported to the Plant Health Service of the Government of the Canary Islands or to the Insular Agrarian Service of Lanzarote to verify the diagnosis and be able to take measures to prevent its dispersion.
