One of Cyprus’ superfoods, the prickly pear or papoutsosyko, lending its flavour and health benefits to afficionados over centuries, is at risk from the fast-spreading mealy bug. The invasive ...

The bug sucks the sap from cactus pads, causing yellowing and eventual death of the plants. Agriculture expert Faouzi Zayani inspected dying prickly pear trees. "The cochineal insect affects the ...

The prickly pear cactus — a rugged and at times cursed symbol of the American Southwest — continues to be threatened by a foreign pest that scientists fear will be much more difficult to ...

Cochineals are tiny bugs that live on prickly pear cactuses. They make a red dye used in textiles, cosmetics, and foods like M&Ms and Yoplait yogurt.

Along this same line, placement of the Santa Rita Prickly Pear, or any cactus for that matter, on the perimeter of your property can dissuade invaders from entry. Mealy bugs, spider mites and ...

Flowers bloom on a prickly pear cactus in San Angelo State Park on Friday, May 1, 2020. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Texas’ state plant , the prickly pear cactus, is being devoured by ...