Mitigating the Threat of Cactoblastis cactorum to International Agriculture and Ecological Systems and Biodiversity

Published: Thu, 25 Apr 2013, 14:52
Last updated: Fri, 15 May 2015, 11:09
Cactoblastis cactorum has become a serious threat to the high diversity of Opuntia (cactus pear) species throughout the world, both native and cultivated. Its presence in the Caribbean and its rapidly expanding range in the southeastern USA, is an imminent threat to the southwestern USA, Mexico, and Central and South America and eventually to other regions of the world where Opuntia cacti are regarded as extremely important plants, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where few plants can be grown. These plants have a valuable role in subsistence and commercial agriculture, in maintaining the ecological balance of unique ecosystems, and in soil conservation and combating desertification. Increasing areas in opuntia cultivation and reliance on food and income from products means that invasion by C. cactorum has the potential to impact large regions and thousands of subsistence farmers in Central and South America, the Mediterranean, North Africa and in other countries. This impact would result in serious social and economic problems. Impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems where opuntia are dominant components of the vegetation, including the center of opuntia radiation, Mexico, also loom large. The critical nature of this threat, and timing and scale of the likely response needed, requires immediate action. A Cactus Moth Consultants Meeting held 15-19 July 2002 reviewed and evaluated the threat of C. cactorum to international agriculture and ecological systems and biodiversity.
Resource provide by:

• IAEA

Type of contact: Other
Tags:

• Specific pest control manual

Submitted by: FAO/IAEA

Documents:
Mitigating the Threat of Cactoblastis cactorum.pdf