Insect Pests and Diseases
Insect Pests and Diseases
This chapter focuses on cactus-feeding insects and cactus pathogens. In the known cactus-feeding insect community, the Pyralidae (pyralids) are most numerous, with approximately 58 species feeding on cacti, followed by Cerambycidae (long-horned beetles), with about 20 species. The insect pests on Opuntia species vary considerably, depending on the country and the continent in which they are cultivated. The largest number of pests are recorded from Mexico, where Opuntia species are extensively cultivated. In the Mediterranean countries, pathogens cause considerable damage to cultivated plantings comprised mainly of Opuntia ficus-indica and its many cultivars. The most important cactus pear diseases are grouped according to their pathogenic agents. The biotic diseases are caused by bacteria, yeasts, fungi, phytoplasmas, viruses, and phytoplasma/virus-like organisms.
Keywords: cactus-feeding insects, cactus pathogens, Pyralidae, pyralids, Cerambycidae, long-horned beetles, cactus pear diseases, pathogenic agents
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