The cochineal insect is a highly effective biocontrol method for dealing with this invasive cactus; it can kill a large cactus in a relatively short time.
As discussed in the previous issue, the invasive cactus species, Cylindropuntia fulgida, can be controlled effectively with a tiny, sap-sucking insect, the cochineal (Dactylopius tomentosus).
To ensure effective control, the cochineals should be distributed manually on pieces of their host plant, to other cacti. Without this intervention, they will disperse only as far as the wind takes them (about 5m).
HARVESTING AND RELEASING COCHINEALS
Look for white woolly fluff on the spines of a stem segment (cladode). Harvest the cochineals by breaking infested cladodes off the mother plant with a pair of tongs. Grip each cladode in turn and twist it off without damaging it unnecessarily. If badly damaged, it may dry out or rot, and the female cochineals will die before they complete their life cycle.
Harvest enough infested cladodes to distribute within a week of collection.
Place the harvested cladodes in a collection container and cover with a lid to prevent the crawlers and mature males from escaping.
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 3 November 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 3 November 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
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South African avocado production: a success story
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Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
