Status of Cochineal and Opuntia spp. production in the Near East North Africa (NENA) region 2022:  a perspective from Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia

FAO

Status of Cochineal and Opuntia spp. production in the Near East North Africa (NENA) region 2022: a perspective from Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia

Year of publication 2022

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 64 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-137346-0

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) The multispecies (spp.) plant genus Opuntia (commonly referred to as cactus pear) plays a significant socioeconomic, environmental and nutritional role for many countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region where cactus production is becoming an increasingly popular source of livelihoods. One of the major pests that threaten Opuntia spp. worldwide is Dactylopius opuntiae (D. opuntiae), commonly known as prickly pear cochineal. Presence of this pest in the NENA region was first recorded in Lebanon in 2012. Since then, rapid cochineal spread has been officially documented in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic and Morocco with differing levels of significance. The insect is considered one of the most significant insect pests for cactus orchards, where it can infest large areas causing significant damage and limiting cactus forage and fruit production. This assessment report indicates that most countries were unprepared for the outbreak. Lack of knowledge of the pest and slow action to establish quarantine areas led to its rapid spread. This assessment report emphasizes the need for greater agroecological alternatives to contain the cochineal spread in NENA. Greater research and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are needed with broader promotion and adoption of the pest’s natural enemies. The report outlined a pest monitoring strategy, a protocol for cochineal control and road map and road map for the next actions to be taken by the countries.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2022. Status of cochineal and Opuntia spp. production in the Near East North Africa (NENA) region: a perspective from Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia. Rome.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc3256en

Language English

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