2021 cochineal insect infestation in Tunisia's cacti threatens prickly pear production and investment.

Farmer Amor Nouira in Tunisia's Chebika village has lost hope of saving his prickly pear cacti due to the cochineal insect infestation spreading across North Africa. The invasive insect has caused significant damage to about a third of Tunisia's cacti following an outbreak in 2021, impacting the production and potential for investment in prickly pear, used for food, oils, cosmetics, and body-care products.

July 21, 2024
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