ISHS Acta Horticulturae 581: IV International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal
CURRENT AND POTENTIAL USE OF CACTUS IN TIGRAY, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA |
| Authors: | M. Haile, T. Belay, H.G. Zimmerman |
| Keywords: | Opuntia ficus-indica; rangelands; forage |
| Abstract:
Cactus pear, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., was introduced to Northern Ethiopia by missionaries. Cactus culture in Tigray is expanding partly because of severe degradation of natural resources in the region Invasion in some areas of Southern Tigray was high to the extent that it have been considered a threat to farming. Little or no care is given to the plant. More than 60 cultivars of cactus have been identified so far. But to offset the above-mentioned impression, cactus pear has also a higher role in the economic and cultural value for it is commonly used as a famine food, feed for livestock, bee forage, a source of cash income and short time occupation, soil and water conservation, live fences etc. It has lots of potential uses too and is worth investigating them. Red cochineal dye production is of course one. The main possibilities for successful cochineal production in Tigray include healthy conditions of the plant, a favourable climatic and edaphic conditions and the availability of cactus pear in most small farming systems. | |
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