Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides for Controlling Cochineal Scale (Dactylopius opuntiae) Insect on Cactus (Dactylcompound sopius opuntiae) Plant at Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Cochineal scale insects, scientifically known as D. opuntiae, are small insects that feed on the sap of cacti plants. These insects are notorious for their ability to rapidly reproduce and spread, causing significant damage to cactus populations. Tigray region, located in northern Ethiopia, has been particularly affected by the relentless attack of cochineal scale insects on its cacti. The aim of this study was to evaluate botanical insecticide to control cochineal scale insect of cacti plant in southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted during 2024 in off-season at Raya-azobo district. A total of five treatments; leave extract (Neem, Lantana camara and Pepper tree and liquid soap), salt+liquid soup, liquid soup, water and control (no sprayed)) were used in the field experiment. The experiment was laid out randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The mortality rate of cochineal scale insect had a significant difference at (p<0.001) among the treatments. The highest rate of mortality (free of cochineal scale insect) was calculated from the leave extract (100%) extracted from leaves. However, the increasing number of cochineal scale insect was observed from untreated (control) (+9.9%) followed by cladodes treated with water (45.29%). The current research findings provide strong evidence that botanical insecticide derived from plant leaves could be an effective solution for controlling cochineal scale insect infestations on cacti. These eco-friendly alternatives offer several advantages over synthetic pesticides in terms of reduced toxicity to non-target organisms. Beside; it should be promoted to further demonstration and popularization at farmer level in the coming off-season.