Predatory insects released into nature for the first time in Northern Cyprus against cactus scale

In Northern Cyprus, predatory insects have been released into the wild for the first time for biological control of the "cactus cochineal" — a pest that, according to the Institute of Agricultural Research, destroys 80–85% of the babutsa population. This was reported as part of the work carried out under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

According to the project's goal, it is planned to release 2,000 predatory insects into nature over the course of a year, since chemical treatments do not produce the desired effect on the pests that infect the babutsa. It is specified that two types of insects are used, which are produced at the "Türkmenköy" station.

Today, as part of the program's launch, 250 insects were released in three pilot districts. The release took place in the area of the village of Serdarlı, and the procedure was observed by the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hüseyin Çavuş, the Mayor of Serdarlı Halil Kasım, the Mukhtar Ahmet Serdar, and local producers.

It is noted that in biological control, it is important not to use chemical preparations so as not to destroy the predatory insects themselves. The work is being carried out in cooperation with relevant structures of Northern Cyprus, Turkey, and the university, with the support of the Development and Economic Cooperation Office at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Nicosia (Lefkoşa).