Cochineal Research Articles

Biological control against Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley (Cactaceae) and the perceptions of land-users in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

ABSTRACT Invasive alien cacti threaten indigenous biodiversity and negatively impact agricultural productivity in the Eastern Cape Province. One of the most problematic species is jointed cactus, Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley (Cactaceae). A biological control agent, the cochineal insect Dactylopius austrinus De Lotto (Dactylopiidae), is mass-reared and released against O. aurantiaca in the province. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of D. austrinus against O. aurantiaca through post-release monitoring as perceived by land-users. Post-release monitoring indicated that the number of cladodes of O. aurantiaca declined from 30 (SE ± 1.1)/m2 to 5 (SE ± 1.7)/m2 during a 30-month study period. Forty-seven land-users who had received D. austrinus for O. aurantiaca were interviewed with standardised questionnaires. Most land-users perceived biocontrol as effective, with 71% of land-users reporting a decrease of O. aurantiaca after the release of D. austrinus, and 62% of land-users indicating that the reduction in O. aurantiaca had resulted in environmental and agricultural benefits. Ninety-four per cent of the land-users perceived biocontrol as a safe method without non-target impacts. This study confirms that biological control has been accepted by land-users and they believe it is effective and that mass-rearing of the agent should be increased so that more releases can be made.

On the Origins of Symbiotic Fungi in Carmine Cochineals and Their Function in the Digestion of Plant Polysaccharides.

The cochineal insect Dactylopius coccus Costa (Hemiptera) has cultural and economic value because it produces carminic acid that is used commercially. In this study, distinct fungi were cultured from dissected tissue and identified as Penicillium, Coniochaeta, Arthrinium, Cladosporium, Microascus, Aspergillus, and Periconia. Fungi were microscopically observed inside cochineals in the gut, fat body, and ovaries. Since cochineals spend their lives attached to cactus leaves and use the sap as feed, they can obtain fungi from cacti plants. Indeed, we obtained Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium fungi from cacti that were identical to those inside cochineals, supporting their plant origin. Fungi could be responsible for the degrading activities in the insect guts, since cellulase, pectinase, and amylase enzymatic activities in insect guts decreased in fungicide-treated cochineals. Our findings set the basis for the further study of the interactions between insects, fungi, and their host plants.

Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides for Controlling Cochineal Scale (Dactylopius opuntiae) Insect on Cactus (Dactylcompound sopius opuntiae) Plant at Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Cochineal scale insects, scientifically known as D. opuntiae, are small insects that feed on the sap of cacti plants. These insects are notorious for their ability to rapidly reproduce and spread, causing significant damage to cactus populations. Tigray region, located in northern Ethiopia, has been particularly affected by the relentless attack of cochineal scale insects on its cacti. The aim of this study was to evaluate botanical insecticide to control cochineal scale insect of cacti plant in southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted during 2024 in off-season at Raya-azobo district. A total of five treatments; leave extract (Neem, Lantana camara and Pepper tree and liquid soap), salt+liquid soup, liquid soup, water and control (no sprayed)) were used in the field experiment. The experiment was laid out randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The mortality rate of cochineal scale insect had a significant difference at (p<0.001) among the treatments. The highest rate of mortality (free of cochineal scale insect) was calculated from the leave extract (100%) extracted from leaves. However, the increasing number of cochineal scale insect was observed from untreated (control) (+9.9%) followed by cladodes treated with water (45.29%). The current research findings provide strong evidence that botanical insecticide derived from plant leaves could be an effective solution for controlling cochineal scale insect infestations on cacti. These eco-friendly alternatives offer several advantages over synthetic pesticides in terms of reduced toxicity to non-target organisms. Beside; it should be promoted to further demonstration and popularization at farmer level in the coming off-season.

SINTOMATOLOGIA E MÉTODOS ALTERNATIVOS DE CONTROLE DE PRAGAS NO VIVEIRO FLORESTAL DA UFAM

Pest management in forest nurseries is crucial for ensuring the health of seedlings and the success of reforestation projects. At the forest nursery of the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), the pursuit of sustainable methods led to the evaluation of six alternative control techniques and one chemical treatment. The methods investigated included the insecticide FORTH (deltamethrin), mineral oil, onion extract, neem oil (Azadirachta indica), garlic extract, and garlic macerate. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these methods in reducing the infestation of scale insects (Dactylopius coccus) on Cenostigma tocantinum seedlings. A 7 x 3 factorial design was used, with 42 seedlings divided among treatments and infestation levels (high, medium, and low). Weekly observations and infestation analyses revealed that treatments with FORTH, mineral oil, and onion extract were the most effective, reducing infestation to low levels in 28.57% of the seedlings. In contrast, neem oil and garlic extract showed low effectiveness, with high infestation intensity persisting. This study demonstrates that alternative methods, such as plant extracts and mineral oils, can offer viable and sustainable solutions for pest control in forest nurseries, contributing to more ecological management practices.

Dyeing of banana-silk union fabrics with cochineal using different concentrations of bio-mordant

Banana (Musa × paradisiaca L.) is a lignocellulosic natural fiber that can be processed to produce eco-friendly and biodegradable hybrid fabrics when combined with other fibers. Natural-dyed banana fiber can be utilized in the production of sustainable materials for wearable products, household linens, technical textiles, and apparel. In this study, banana-silk union fabrics, pre-treated with bio-mordant at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%, were dyed separately using cochineal insect extract (Dactylopius coccus Costa). To assess the dyeability of the banana-silk union fabric, Anatolian black pine cones (Pinus nigra subsp. pallassiana) were utilized as a bio-mordant, with varying quantities. The CIELab values of the dyeings were measured and compared. Additionally, the chemical composition of the cochineal extract, pinecone mordant, raw fabric, and selected dyed fabrics was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The washing, light, and rubbing fastness properties of the dyed banana-silk union fabrics were also evaluated and compared. This study developed a method for weaving union fabric by blending two distinct natural yarns, namely banana and silk, to reduce dependence on a single fiber and promote the utilization of agricultural waste.

The Use of Insect Pigment in Art Works.

In this compilation, the focus is on the Cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus Costa, 1835 (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)), a creature native to South America that produces a potent natural red pigment known as "carmine". This pigment, utilized for obtaining the color red, has been an integral part of the art world for thousands of years. Indigenous cultures, in particular, have employed the dye extracted from this insect in the creation of textile dyes and paintings. Moreover, the Cochineal insect and its unique pigments have not only supported artistic expression but also captivated and inspired artists. During the Renaissance period, artists preferred the carmine pigment produced by the females of the Cochineal insect for obtaining bright and vivid red tones. This study delves into the history of the Cochineal insect, its role in art, and its perception in the modern world. Famous paintings created with dyes obtained from the Cochineal insect are discussed, exploring how pigments have found a place in the art world and how artists have utilized this extraordinary source to create distinctive works.

Examination of laser radiation effect on silk fabrics dyed with different concentrations of cochineal using iron and alum mordants

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of laser radiation on the color of the silk fabric dyed with cochineal insects. Silk fabrics mordanted with ıron (II) sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O) and potassium aluminum sulfate (KAl(SO4)212.H2O) at different ratios were separately dyed at different concentrations using 5%, 7.5% and 10% owf of cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa). Then, by applying two different wavelengths of laser radiation with different pulses to the dyed silk fabric samples, the modification of the laser radiation on the fiber and dye on the fabric was examined. During laser radiation applications, a thermal infrared camera was used to measure temperature changes. The dyed fabrics were analyzed by different analytical and technical methods. The color characteristics of all the dyed silk fabrics were measured by CIEL*a*b* spectrophotometer. The color coordinates and fastness values of rubbing and light also were investigated. Morphological analysis was performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Elemental analysis was performed using SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy -energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) to identify mordants. A reserved phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with the diode-array detection (DAD) method was utilized for the identification of the components of dyes present in the silk samples.

Efficacy of herbal extracts in the management of cactus pest, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a drought-resistant plant and the source of food and income for many farmers during the rainy season, and the only option to feed livestock during the dry seasons, especially in the southern part of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The region is currently suffering from a damaging parasitoid of cactus called Dactylopius opuntiae- ficus biotype. An experimental study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 to investigate the efficacy of herbal extracts against cochineal insects. The experiment was conducted on the insecticidal property of methanol extracts of Solanum linnaenum, Euphorbia tirucalli, Nerium oleander, Tephrosia vogelii, Calpurnia aurea, Argemone Mexicana, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis. Herbs were extracted, and their efficacy and LC50 were determined. Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites was performed. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean mortality of insects across the levels of the herbs (F (8, 71) = 57.812, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.867) and the experimental extract concentrations (F (1, 71) = 4198.3, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.983). The individual extracts of S. linnaenum and N. oleander caused average mortality rates of 99.3% and 97.4%, respectively, at 5% extract concentration. Tannins and saponins were the major metabolites found in the extracts. The present study demonstrated the promising insecticidal efficacy of herbal extracts against the damaging cacti pest D. opuntia-ficus biotype, providing insights into sustainable pest control strategies for protecting vital cactus resources in the Tigray region.

Cactus roles and impacts of cochineal insect on cactus performance in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Cactus roles and impacts of cochineal insect on cactus performance in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Investigation of Sterol structures and biological activities in Cochineal and Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts

In the future, it is necessary to discover natural resources with no or less toxicity and side effects instead of synthetic drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize, isolate, measure, and reveal the biological activities of substances in the structure of natural resources. In this study, the two extracts prepared from the plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and the insect (Dactylopius coccus) were examined. Sampling of the released substances was performed using Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, viability, apoptosis, and oxidative stress of the derivatized samples were determined. Due to the biological differences between the samples, the chemical structures observed in the GC-MS analysis were not the same. It was observed that stigmasterol and its derivatives were found in the pomegranate sample, whereas naphthol and its derivatives were more abundant in the Cochineal insect sample. The cell viability increased with increasing concentrations of stigmasterol, which is present in large amounts in the structure of the pomegranate flower. However, the cell viability decreased with the Cochineal insect sample. Apoptosis and oxidative stress test results were also found to be different and contrasted for both samples. Therefore, the present study presents a new, natural, and different source that can be used as an antiviral and anticancer agent.

Interactions of Opuntia ficus-indica with Dactylopius coccus and D. opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) through the Study of Their Volatile Compounds.

Opuntia ficus-indica has always interacted with many phytophagous insects; two of them are Dactylopius coccus and D. opuntiae. Fine cochineal (D. coccus) is produced to extract carminic acid, and D. opuntiae, or wild cochineal, is an invasive pest of O. ficus-indica in more than 20 countries around the world. Despite the economic and environmental relevance of this cactus, D. opuntiae, and D. coccus, there are few studies that have explored volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from the plant-insect interaction. The aim of this work was to determine the VOCs produced by D. coccus and D. opuntiae and to identify different VOCs in cladodes infested by each Dactylopius species. The VOCs (essential oils) were obtained by hydrodistillation and identified by GC-MS. A total of 66 VOCs from both Dactylopius species were identified, and 125 from the Esmeralda and Rojo Pelón cultivars infested by D. coccus and D. opuntiae, respectively, were determined. Differential VOC production due to infestation by each Dactylopius species was also found. Some changes in methyl salicylate, terpenes such as linalool, or the alcohol p-vinylguaiacol were related to Dactylopius feeding on the cladodes of their respective cultivars. Changes in these VOCs and their probable role in plant defense mechanisms should receive more attention because this knowledge could improve D. coccus rearing or its inclusion in breeding programs for D. opuntiae control in regions where it is a key pest of O. ficus-indica.

Removal of Cochineal Dye Color through Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Discharge Jet

The extensive utilization of dyes across diverse industries has resulted in environmental pollution, leading to the degradation of water bodies. To prevent environmental contamination, the use of eco-friendly dyes and innovative processes for dye degradation is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the color removal process of cochineal dye (Dactylopius coccus Costa) using the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ: Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet) technique. The dye extracted from the cochineal insect was treated with APPJ and the resulting color removal process was analyzed. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was used to investigate the plasma emission lines, and UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to monitor the color removal process. The results revealed that the decolorization of cochineal dye was a result of an oxidative degradation process caused by the interaction of the reactive species (NO3− and NO2−) generated by the APPJ plasma discharge with the dye molecules. This color removal process occurs in an acidic medium, leading to a pH change from 5.4 to 2.7. These pH changes can be attributed to fluctuations in the concentrations of reactive species such as nitrates and nitrites in the liquid phase. UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements showed that 90% of the cochineal color was removed within the first 10 min of treatment. This study enhances our understanding of natural color removal and provides insights into its mechanism, opening up possibilities for controlled modification and applications in various fields.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-induced resistance in Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller plant against cochineal insects under various soil water levels

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-induced resistance in Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller plant against cochineal insects under various soil water levels

Study of the Biology of the Cochineal Scale Insect, Dactylopius opuntiae

Alhousa, W., A.N. Basheer and Z. El-Naser. 2024. Study of the Biology of the Cochineal Scale Insect, Dactylopius opuntiae. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(2): 143-148. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001240 Prickly pear cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) is one of the most important pests of prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica in different regions of the world. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the biology of the insect on the Indian prickly pear plant. The work was carried out during the 2021 season, using a random design. Samples were collected from Qatana, Syria, and the biology of the insect was studied within a rearing room under controlled conditions (temperature 25±1°C, relative humidity 45±10%). The incubation period was evaluated in a cohort of 100 eggs and the life cycle was described from a cohort of 150 individuals. Individual females were used as experimental unit (n=40 females) to determine insect fecundity. The average egg laying period was 20.76±0.77 minutes, and the average period of the first nymph was 12.66±0.53 days in females, and 14.03±0.62 days in males, and the second nymph was 25.16±2.42 days for females, and 8.72±1.67 days for males. The average period for pre-pupal and pupal stage of males was 12.9±1.63 days, and the average period of one generation from egg laying until the appearance of the adult insect was 85.85±2.09 days for females, and 56.68±0.98 days for males. Average Fertility was 226.75 eggs/female, with daily egg laying average of 17.9±0.63 eggs/female. The maximum daily fertility average was 16.6±0.35 eggs, and the average hatching rate was 87.86±3.92%. Whereas, the average egg mortality rate ranged between 21.05 and 22.05% in the reptilian stage. Keywords: Biology, prickly pear, egg incubation, nymph, fertility.

7th new insect species with high potential to be used in the production of a natural red dye: Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell, 1896) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

There is a total of six insect species belonging to four families from the order Hemiptera, used in the production of red dye as a natural dyestuff. Carmine is obtained from Dactylopius coccus (Costa, 1829) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) feeding on prickly pears ( Opuntia spp.). The genus Dactylopius includes a total of 11 species, and none of them except D. coccus were declared as a dye insect. The reported use of Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell, 1896) as a natural dye insect, was more widespread than D. coccus, and advantages versus D. coccus were announced for the first time in this study. To prove the hypothesis that D. opuntiae could be used as a natural dyestuff, silk fabric samples were dyed with D. opuntiae, naturally distributed in Cyprus. The light, wet and dry friction fastness values of the dyed fabric samples were tested. Also the carminic acid values of D. opuntiae were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography analysis and surface imaging analysis (scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer). The results of the fastness values of the dyed fabric samples and the high carminic acid content of D. opuntiae showed that this species has a very high potential to be used as the 7th natural dye insect in the world.

Bacteria associated with carminic acid metabolism in the intestinal tract of three predators of Dactylopius opuntiae

AbstractDactylopius spp. produce carminic acid as part of defence against predation. The average carminic acid concentration varies depending on the species, e.g., for prickly pear cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell), and cochineal, Dactylopius coccus Costa (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), it is 3–5 and 19–25%, respectively. Generalist predators such as Laetilia coccidivora Comstock (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and specialist predators such as Leucopis bellula Williston (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) and Hyperaspis trifurcata Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) require detoxification mechanisms, which could be provided by gut bacteria. We determined the diversity of gut‐associated cultivable bacteria in these three predators and their ability to metabolize carminic acid. The bacteria were identified morphologically and by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In vitro assays were done to determine their ability to metabolize carminic acid. The greatest culturable bacterial diversity was found in L. coccidivora larvae and H. trifurcata adults, followed by H. trifurcata larvae. The lowest diversity was found in L. bellula larvae. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of Bacillus cereus Frankland & Frankland, Enterococcus gallinarum (Bridge & Sneath) Collins et al., and Enterococcus casseliflavus Collins et al. in L. coccidivora larvae, Enterobacter spec. in larvae of H. trifurcata, Lactococcus lactis (Lister) Schleifer in adults of H. trifurcata, and Staphylococcus spec. in larvae and adults of H. trifurcata. Bacillus pumilus Meyer & Gottheil was only found in L. bellula larvae. In vitro assays showed that all isolates evaluated could metabolize carminic acid, suggesting they play an important role in the predators' ability to metabolize carminic acid. Presence of E. gallinarum, which had the most efficient metabolism of carminic acid, might allow L. coccidivora to feed on the two Dactylopius species regardless of carminic acid concentration.

Testing Opuntia ficus-indica genotypes for resistance against Dactylopius coccus (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

Besides being a beneficial insect when it is cultivated for the production of carminic acid, the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus) is also a threat to the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), a plant that is extremely important as a source of food, cattle feed, income, and soil and water conservation. A crucial component of an integrated pest management approach is the use of resistant varieties. In a greenhouse, a test for resistance of four cactus pear genotypes to cochineal insects was conducted at the University of Guadalajara, Center of Sciences for Biology and Agriculture. Three of these genotypes (‘Punto 1’, ‘Punto 2’, and ‘Sandate 2’) were shown to be non-hosts for D. coccus. These genotypes can be used for further research and development purposes of prickly pear cactus.

Stitching for Material Sensitivity: From Traditional to Activist Embroidery

Cochineal is an insect that has been used for textile dyeing since pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico. This exposition discusses the use of the cochineal insect as a natural dye for wool and the bridge between ancient indigenous knowledge and contemporary artistic research. A transatlantic connection is created between the Mexican plateau and the Arctic region, merging traditional knowledge, contemporary art, crafting and conceptualisation through an artistic embroidery initiative involving researchers, craft artists and human rights activists living in the province of Lapland in Finland. Documentary photos of artistic practice and research diaries enhance discussion on sustainability, tradition, craftivism, decolonisation and indigenous knowledge. This exposition embraces collaborative craftivism through a group initiative called Embroidered Stances, discussions about material interconnectedness in a web-of-life conceptual structure that includes sheep wool, cactus, cochineal and ancestral knowledge. The endorsement of material sensitivity is narrated into embroideries by the first author Cervantes and discussed, acknowledging complexities within issues of cultural and ecological sustainability.

A Review of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Natural Colorants, Dyes, and Pigments: Challenges, and Opportunities for Food, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceutical Application.

Natural pigments are important sources for the screening of bioactive lead compounds. This article reviewed the chemistry and therapeutic potentials of over 570 colored molecules from plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, algae, and marine sources. Moreover, related biological activities, advanced extraction, and identification approaches were reviewed. A variety of biological activities, including cytotoxicity against cancer cells, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-microbial, antiviral, and anti-protozoal activities, have been reported for different pigments. Considering their structural backbone, they were classified as naphthoquinones, carotenoids, flavonoids, xanthones, anthocyanins, benzotropolones, alkaloids, terpenoids, isoprenoids, and non-isoprenoids. Alkaloid pigments were mostly isolated from bacteria and marine sources, while flavonoids were mostly found in plants and mushrooms. Colored quinones and xanthones were mostly extracted from plants and fungi, while colored polyketides and terpenoids are often found in marine sources and fungi. Carotenoids are mostly distributed among bacteria, followed by fungi and plants. The pigments isolated from insects have different structures, but among them, carotenoids and quinone/xanthone are the most important. Considering good manufacturing practices, the current permitted natural colorants are: Carotenoids (canthaxanthin, β-carotene, β-apo-8'-carotenal, annatto, astaxanthin) and their sources, lycopene, anthocyanins, betanin, chlorophyllins, spirulina extract, carmine and cochineal extract, henna, riboflavin, pyrogallol, logwood extract, guaiazulene, turmeric, and soy leghemoglobin.

Wax obtained from the insect Dactylopius coccus Costa, study for its application in natural cosmetic products

The insect Dactylopius coccus Costa produces a white wax that serves to protect itself from the environment, at the time of harvesting the insect, the wax is separated by sifting, in intensive production of the insect a large amount of wax is discarded. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out a physicochemical analysis of three samples from different producers obtained by the same method, to determine if it meets the characteristics to be used in any natural product. The methodology consisted of determining the organoleptic characteristics, as well as the color by means of a colorimeter, determination of pH, melting point, and percentage of humidity. The results obtained were compared with a synthetic (microcrystalline) wax used in a cosmetic product, to see if it could be substituted by the analyzed wax. It was found that it was possible to substitute the synthetic wax for the natural wax due to its conflicting characteristics. Therefore, it is concluded that this wax can be used in the elaboration of natural products. Although it would be necessary to carry out a series of tests of the final product obtained with and without the wax. To determine if the substitution is favorable or not.