Abstract

CORONADO-FLORES, Violeta et al. Productivity of cochineal insects Dactylopius coccus (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) reared on cactus pear cladodes Opuntia ficus-indica (cactacea) produced under different fertilization conditions. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.2, pp.183-189. ISSN 2448-8445.

The yield, on the number of females and their dry weight and quality, depending on the content of carminic acid of Dactylopius coccus were determined based on the nutrient content and some anatomical features of cactus pear cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) from four treatments of chemical and organic fertilization in Morelos state. Cladodes that were added only chemical fertilizers generated the largest number of females and, therefore, a higher dry weight; while insects raised on cladodes, to which organic-chemical fertilization was applied, showed higher values of carminic acid. The calcium oxalate content in cladode, and cuticle thickness negatively affected the number of females per cladode. A significant positive correlation between the content of nitrogen in the cladode and the number of females was recorded; however, it had a negative influence on the content of carminic acid. Previous cactus fertilization can influence the yield and quality of D. coccus.

Keywords : yield; carminic acid; physico-chemical characterization; cuticle; oxalates.

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