Support to the Integrated Pest Management program for the Cactus Cochineal 'Dactylopius opuntiae' via the identification of biological characteristics of the pest and its predators, Bio-insecticides and cactus resistant germplasm

Dactylopius opuntiae, native to the Americas, is now distributed throughout much of the world due to accidental and intentional introductions. Especially in Morocco the damages by this biotic agent are becoming heavy year by yearn on cactus cultivation. But efficient and sustainable solutions are not adopted yet. This is why, following last years management, is expected an improvement of production losses and ecological grave problems in Morocco and surrounding countries.

I. A monitoring and prospection system tor cochineal infestations Dactylopius opuntiae" is developed and implemented in Morocco. 2. Strengthening Morocco's farmers and technicians capacity, as well as participants from other Maghreb countries, in controlling the cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae 3. Developing and implementing an effective integrated pest management program against Dactylopius opuntiae in Morocco. 4. Morocco has a plan to fight and control the cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae. 5. Evaluating project's results and developing recommendations for the required actions.

The aim of the project is to identify the best biological way to control Cactus Cochineal 'Dactylopius opuntiae' and convince local authorities and farmers in the adoption of the suggested methodologies. For this reason both research and training aspects will be involved. In fact, after an initial phase of discovery and proof of concepts, the best Integrated Pest Management strategies identified will be widespread thanks to stakeholder contribution. The achievement of results will be possible also thanks to genetic effort, by import of resistant eco-type in vitro plant and evaluating their resistance to the cochineal, under laboratory and cage conditions. Therefore, by sustainable and efficient techniques, is expected to limit the spread of Dactylopius opuntiae in short period and good level of stability in ecological diversity over the years