Kasserine: 1,200 ladybugs released in prickly pear plantations affected by the red scale insect (Video)

As part of efforts to combat the red scale insect and as a first regional trial, 1,200 ladybugs were released on Thursday in various prickly pear plantations affected by the pest in the village of Al-Qur‘a Al-Hamra, Sbeitla delegation. The operation was carried out in the attendance of relevant officials from the Regional Department of Agricultural Development in Kasserine, the General Directorate of Plant Health, and the Higher Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Chott Mariem, as reported by Omar Saadawi, Head of the Plant Production Department at the Regional Department of Agricultural Development in Kasserine.

It is worth noting that the red scale insect caused notable damage to prickly pear plantations in several regions of Tunisia last year, which prompted local authorities to take this proactive step to protect crops.