The event will take place on 28 October at the La Caldereta Cultural Centre, as part of monitoring and prevention measures against this species, which is harmful to prickly pear plants
The Cabildo de Fuerteventura, through its Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, will hold an information session on the cochineal insect (Dactylopius opuntiae) on Wednesday, 28 October, at 5.00pm, at the La Caldereta Cultural Centre (La Oliva).
The event is being held in collaboration with the Plant Health Service of the Government of the Canary Islands and its agency GMR (Gestión del Medio Rural), together with La Oliva Town Council.
Luis Barroso, head of Plant Health at GMR, will lead the session, which forms part of the island council’s ongoing efforts to monitor and track outbreaks already under control in parts of the north of the island.
The cochineal insect is one of the pests that most affects prickly pear plants and spreads rapidly. The species forms visible colonies identifiable by small whitish patches or clusters caused by a cotton-like secretion. It attaches itself to the pads of the prickly pear, feeding on its sap and weakening it, which leads to tissue decay and, in many cases, the death of the plant.
As a preventive measure, the Cabildo is urging residents to remain vigilant and to avoid moving or transporting any affected plant material. Anyone who spots signs of the cochineal insect should report it to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries by calling 928 532 035 or 928 531 184, or by emailing agricultura@cabildofuer.es and ganaderia@cabildofuer.es.
Sightings can also be reported to the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Agency in Gran Tarajal by calling 928 870 782 or emailing ext_gt@cabildofuer.es.
Full information and recommendations are available at:
https://gmrcanarias.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/DACTYLOPIUS-OPUNTIAE.pdf
