Zhang, Z.H., Shi, L., Xu, T.R., Xu, Z.F., Wan, Y.M., & Chen, X.M. 2004 [Study on the relationship between cochineal and cacti.]. Forest Research 17(3): 321-326.

Notes: Cochineal (Dactylopius confusus) was cultured on cacti collected from 10 counties. The growth of D. confusus was optimum on Opuntia ficus-indica, although O. tuna and O. stricta were also good hosts for the insect. Insect growth was observed on O. ficus-indica imported from Peru, but growth was more pronounced on native plants from Lufeng county, Yunnan, China. The spineless cacti were better hosts than the spiny cacti. Insect growth was negatively correlated with the thickness of the epidermis of the cacti. D. confusus stimulated the development of the vascular bundles of the plants. The protein and water contents of the plants had significant effects on the growth of D. confusus.