Fuerteventura Island Council steps up efforts to prevent Mexican cochineal with training session in La Oliva

Fuerteventura Island Council held an information session on Mexican cochineal at La Caldereta Cultural Centre in La Oliva this Wednesday. The aim was to explain the species’ characteristics, the damage it causes to prickly pear cacti and the measures needed to prevent it from spreading.

The session was organised by the Island Council’s Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Canary Islands Government’s Plant Health Service and its in-house entity GMR (Gestión del Medio Rural), as well as La Oliva Town Council.

Island Council President Lola García highlighted the institution’s commitment to protecting the primary sector and the importance of public cooperation in tackling this threat. “It is essential to remain especially vigilant and report any sightings to protect Fuerteventura’s countryside,” she said.

Island councillor responsible for the department Enrique Pérez said the session was part of the monitoring and surveillance work being carried out by Fuerteventura Island Council on Mexican cochineal. “Following the detection of outbreaks, which have already been brought under control in some areas in the north of the island, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has worked with the Canary Islands Government and GMR to inspect various areas and implement the relevant control measures.”

Also in attendance was Rubén González, councillor for the primary sector at La Oliva Town Council.

Luis Barroso, head of Plant Health at GMR (Gestión del Medio Rural), led the training session. He explained how to identify Mexican cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae), a species that affects prickly pear cacti and can be recognised by dense clusters of whitish, cotton-like filaments covering the pads. These filaments protect the insect and distinguish it from other cochineal species, including the one traditionally used to produce the natural dye carmine.

The pest can cause yellow patches and areas of dead tissue on the pads and fruit, weaken the plant and lead to its parts falling off prematurely. In severe infestations, prickly pear cacti can die. The species also spreads readily, particularly through the wind, making it essential to spot the first signs and act quickly.

Fuerteventura Island Council stresses the importance of remaining especially vigilant and avoiding the movement of affected plant material, which could help spread the pest. Anyone who suspects Mexican cochineal is present should inform the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Service by calling 928 532 035 or 928 531 184, or emailing agricultura@cabildofuer.es or ganaderia@cabildofuer.es.

The Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Agency in Gran Tarajal can also be contacted on 928 870 782 or at ext_gt@cabildofuer.es.