Cochineal bugs

ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS OF COCHINEAL BUGS RELEASE ON Opuntia Stricta IN NORTHERN LAIKIPIA COUNTY

Dr. Staline Kibet  a lecturer from LARMAT join Prof. Shirley Strum and Mr. Patrick Mwangi of ENBP to assess the effects of Cochineal bugs damage to Opuntia stricta invasive weeds after unusually prolong rainy season in late 2019 at Oljogi Ranch, Laikipia County. After painstakingly long process of acquiring the permits to import and test the effectiveness of Cochineal bugs (Dactylopiusopuntiae) from South Africa, they were finally release on trials at Oljogi Ranch on three sites selected by NEMA.