Israeli scientists help Cyprus save prickly pear cacti from pest

Israel sent specialists and around 200 predatory ladybirds to Cyprus to combat a dangerous pest threatening prickly pear (fig cactus) plantations. According to Israeli media, the insect in question is Dactylopius opuntiae — a pest that attacks prickly pear cacti. In recent years, it has caused serious damage both to agricultural plantations and wild plants on the island.

Cypriot authorities turned to Israel’s Volcani Institute Agricultural Research Organization and Israel’s plant protection services for help, as specialists in the country already had experience fighting the pest following its emergence in Israel in 2013. Since the insect was detected in Cyprus in 2016, it has destroyed around 20–30% of commercial prickly pear plantations and caused significant damage to natural plant populations.

The pest covers prickly pear leaves with a white coating, gradually weakens the plant and can lead to its complete destruction. The Israeli mission was led by Volcani Institute professor emeritus Zvika Mendel, who had previously taken part in a biological control programme against the pest in Israel. The scientists brought around 200 predatory ladybirds to Cyprus — natural enemies of the insect. After laboratory checks, they were released in several areas of the island.

Five weeks later, specialists reported that the ladybirds had adapted successfully and begun reducing the pest population. Professor Mendel said that the Cypriot authorities had offered to finance the programme, but the Israeli side declined payment. «We were offered a research budget to carry out the work. I immediately said: we will help for free — for the benefit of the Cypriot people,» he said.

The initiative became another example of cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in agriculture and environmentally friendly plant protection.