• Definition

  Dactylopius opuntiae is a sap-sucking insect, highly specialized in attacking cacti of the genus Opuntia, especially the prickly pear. This insect has been responsible for major production losses in Morocco since its introduction in 2015. It affects both fruits intended for consumption and cladodes (rackets) used as fodder for livestock.

  Development Lifecycle

  1. Reproduction : sexual, with several generations per year.

  2. Egg-laying : the female lays eggs in cottony sacs attached to the cladodes.

  3. Crawlers : Colonize other parts of the plant or other nearby cacti.

  4. Development : Mealybugs form white cottony clumps that hide adult insects.

  5. Cycle time : fast, especially in hot and dry conditions.

  Symptoms

  • • Yellowish chlorotic zones on cladodes.

    • Localized necrosis , then generalization of the dryness of the rackets.

    • Premature fruit drop.

    • Drying out and dropping of cladodes, leaving the plant deformed or dead.

    • Presence of cottony white masses, mainly along the veins and at the base of the snowshoes.

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  Contributing factors

  • • Hot and dry climate.

    • Absence of natural enemies or integrated pest management.

    • Transport of infested plants or lack of health surveillance.

    • High density of cacti facilitating propagation.

Mechanical/hygienic control

• Pulling up and destroying (burning) infested plants.
• Prohibition of the transport of non-certified plants or snowshoes.

Biological control

• Introduction of specific auxiliaries (e.g., Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, predatory ladybug).
• Ongoing research on parasitoids adapted to the Moroccan climate.

Chemical control

• Effective only at the beginning of the infestation, with systemic products or mineral oils sprayed directly on mealybugs.
• Expensive and difficult to apply treatments on a large scale in rural areas.

Agronomic control

• Planting of resistant cactus varieties, developed by INRA Morocco (e.g. Marjana, Belara, Aakria, etc.).
• Constant monitoring of sensitive areas.

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