Evaluation, over 22 years, of biological control of an
invasive cactus, Opuntia stricta, in the
Kruger National Park, South Africa. Annually,
from 1992 - 2013, the numbers of O.
stricta plants, cladodes and fruits were recorded, along permanent
transects, at four sites with different invasion-histories and with high- and
low-densities of the cactus. The
abundance of two biological control agent species was also monitored: (i) the
cochineal insect, Dactylopius opuntiae,
and (ii) the cactus moth, cactoblastis, Cactoblastis
cactorum.
History
Department/Unit
Plant Conservation Unit, Department of Biological Sciences