Deployment of Mexican Ladybugs to Combat Cochineal Insect
The Plant Protection Office, under the Regional Commissioner for Agricultural Development (CRDA) of the Siliana Governorate, has carried out the deployment of 2,500 to 3,000 Mexican ladybugs over the past two days. This initiative was undertaken in cooperation with the "Soli Green" and "Tunisie Clean Up" associations, as well as the Higher Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Chott Mariem, in several regions to combat the cochineal insect.
Khaled Badr El Dine, Head of the Plant Protection Office at the CRDA, explained in a statement to the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) agency on Tuesday that the Mexican ladybugs were deployed in the following areas:
- 5 sites in the El Jellab area, covering 20 hectares of well-maintained and smooth prickly pear cacti.
- 3 sites in the Nejaïmiya area, spanning 5 hectares of prickly pear cacti.
- 5 sites in the Echbala area, covering 10 hectares in the Errouhia delegation.
This initiative aims to utilize the natural predatory abilities of the Mexican ladybugs to control the cochineal insect population, which can cause significant damage to crops, particularly prickly pear cacti. By introducing these beneficial insects, the authorities hope to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to pest management.
