Prickly pear cacti in Cyprus face destruction from the insect Dactylopius opuntiae, known as the prickly pear cochineal. First detected in the Famagusta district in 2016, the pest has now spread across most accessible areas of the island. Infested plants typically die within two to three years.
Recent images from Larnaca, Famagusta, and Nicosia show dried trunks and leaves stripped of fruit. Experts warn that without intervention, prickly pears could disappear from Cyprus for 15 to 20 years.
The impact goes beyond fruit production. Bees, birds, and reptiles that depend on the plants for food and moisture are also affected. Rural communities and small producers face economic losses, as prickly pears provide seasonal income during summer.
Despite awareness of the threat for nearly a decade, measures taken so far have been limited. Scientists and agricultural authorities recommend uprooting and destroying infected plants, establishing protected zones, creating genetic material banks, accessing European funds, and introducing biological control methods using natural predators.
Production has already declined, and prices have risen. In some supermarkets, cleaned prickly pears are sold for €13.50 (US$14.70) per kilogram.
The decline of prickly pear production raises concerns not only for agriculture but also for the cultural and ecological role of the cactus in Cyprus.
Source: KNews
