History, Challenge and Opportunities of Beles (Oppuntia ficus indica L.) in Tigray, North Ethiopia

Oppuntia ficus indica which is known as Beles in Tigray northern Ethiopia, is adapted to arid and semiarid areas and is used for several purposes like sources of food, fuel, feed, sources of income soil conservation for the people of the area. However, this crucial fruit crop is given little attention in its research and improvements. Let alone its improving through breeding techniques takes place for this crop, the number of cactus verities grown is unknown, agronomic techniques are very traditional. On top of this, there could be a probability that this plant to be a weed in the future unless proper management is practiced. Other than the improper cultivation and interventions, cactus has multiple newly introduced and old biological pests. Among the many biological pests, Cochineal is newly introduced biological pest and explosively expanding from the southern part of Tigray to the remaining part of the region.