ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1343: X International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal: Cactus - the New Green Revolution in Drylands
Dactylopius coccus Costa pest of beles, and ways for sustainable pest management and development in Tigray, Ethiopia |
| Authors: | Y.K. Berhe, Z.H. Siyum |
| Keywords: | cactus pear, carmine cochineal, pest management, sustainable development |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1343.73 |
| Abstract:
Cactus pear which is locally named beles, has a significant advantage in economic, social and environmental aspects in Tigray. In some parts, it becomes a substitute for the staple diet demand of a family for certain months serving as a life-saving crop to humans and animals. It comprises about 25% of rural households’ income. However, due to the lack of attention given by respective stockholders, pest invasion is being threatened and a significant area of plantation is damaged. The impact of D. coccus pest invasion and devastation resulted in a societal economic, social and environmental crisis. Infestation increased from 3.8 ha in 2011 to 75,000 ha in 2019 in both wild and private plantations, which indicates that the infestation is expanding at an alarming rate. According to the study made by FAO (2014) 90% of cactus growers’ attitudes with carmine cochineal problems remain ambivalent and confused. Thus, to rehabilitate and develop the cactus utilization, planning and implementing workable strategies are indispensable. | |
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