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Prickly pears in northern Cyprus at risk from disease
Just last week, Freshplaza.com wrote about the prospects of prickly pear exports for Cyprus.This week we learn that in the north, the prickly pear is at risk due to a disease spreading from pests known as cochineals.
The prickly pear cochineal, known scientifically as Dactylopius Opuntiae, has been found affecting the prickly pears in the fenced off area of Varosha, Famagusta, three years ago. However, sources have stated that no pesticides could be sprayed because the Turkish army refused to give its permission.
Since then, the paper said, the pest has spread from Varosha to as far as Kiados, while the Varosha area is now devastated by these insects. “Some places aren’t even green anymore, due to the disease. We could not believe our eyes,” says Mehmet Ercilasun, head of the Agronomic Chamber. He called the magnitude of the problem ‘terrifying’.
This Monday it was announced that the Turkish army had finally granted permission for spraying to take place in Varosha. Some media were also highlighting the importance of the prickly pear in Cypriot tradition and of its role in a healthy diet.
