Evaluation of Locally Available Botanical Extracts for the Management of Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus C.) Insect in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

The plant cactus pear (Opuntia spp.), locally known as beles, is the common perennial fruit crop in arid and semi-arid areas of northern Ethiopia, and it is the most familiar and stable fruit crop. However, the cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) insect is the most devastating and dangerous insect pest that threatens the perennial cactus pear production in the northern part of the country. Hence, this research activity was carried out to evaluate different locally available botanical extracts against cochineal insects in hot spot areas of Waghimra administrative zone in 2021. Three botanical extracts (Bio admix, Neem, and Nicotina) with a control were evaluated in purposively selected plots using RCB design with four replications. Extractions of bioactive botanicals were prepared by grinding leaves using a mortar and pestle. Results depicted that all botanical extracts which were tested under field conditions were significantly reduced the cochineal number and further population buildup compared to the control treatment. However, based on its accessibility and its ease of extraction techniques over the two botanical extracts on mortality rate (>60%) of cochineal insect, the tree tobacco (Nicotina gluaca) was very sizeable for the management of cochineal insect. It was also very cheap and accessible in the area for ease of preparation. Thus, following all extraction techniques and procedures, the use of 18g Nicotina per liter of water was commendable for the management of cactus pear cochineal insect in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia, and related agroecology. Moreover, further studies on the biology, ecology, integrated management strategies, and chemical composition of botanicals should be conducted.