The Cabildo of Fuerteventura has intensified its shock plan against the presence on the island of the insect known as the Mexican cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae), one of the pests that causes the most damage to prickly pears and that spreads very quickly.
According to a press release from the Insular Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, a specific protocol for monitoring and action was activated from the first detection of this species, in coordination with the Plant Health Service of the Government of the Canary Islands and its own means GMR (Management of Rural Environment).
For approximately a month and a half, this device has allowed for controls from north to south of the majorero territory. As a result of these inspections, ten affected plots were located in the vicinity of La Caldereta (La Oliva), on which interventions have already been made applying the relevant phytosanitary treatments.
The president of the Cabildo, Lola García, has stated that "it has been essential to monitor the possible hotspots for the execution of the appropriate phytosanitary measures that allow controlling the transmission of this species" and has emphasized the need to maintain active vigilance.
In the same vein, she recalled that "it is a very aggressive and rapidly spreading variety that causes a serious impact both on crops and on the natural environment."
For his part, the councilor of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Enrique Pérez, has stressed the importance of intervening quickly in the face of the appearance of the Mexican cochineal, a pest that has already caused significant damage on other islands of the archipelago.
The insular official pointed out that "fortunately, the hotspots have been detected in a specific area like La Caldereta. Surveys have been carried out throughout the insular territory and vigilance has been heightened in neighboring areas such as Fimapaire, Vallebrón, and Guisguey, as a preventive measure to ensure a quick response and avoid its spread."
In the areas where affected prickly pears have been detected, the corresponding phytosanitary treatment is being applied and, in cases where it is necessary to eliminate the plants, they are buried to a depth of 40 centimeters and sealed with lime. These tasks are carried out thanks to the land provided by the Department of Primary Sector of the Town Hall of La Oliva, directed by Rubén González.