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13 de Diciembre, 2006

Nopal Cactus Under Threat

Categorized under Latin America | Tags: Farming, historia, mexico

grafik by Nezua A DEADLY ENEMY OF THE INDIGENOUS NOPAL cactus approaches Mexico, a moth named Cactoblastis Cactorum. You will recognize the Nopales as the type that the Eagle is perched upon in the symbol on Mexico's flag. For those who do not know, this image is related to the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, and how the Méxica (Aztecs) were said to have picked a spot to build it. I won't outline it all here, but the point is—this is not your average cactus plant. It comes with a bit of history.

A moth larva capable of eating its way through huge swaths of cacti from the nopal family at an extraordinary rate has reached Mexican territory - an island less than six miles from the mainland in the south. The so-called cactus moth is also closing in from the north through the United States, as well as hovering to the east in much of the Caribbean.

—guardian.co.uk

The Cactoblastis (what a name, eh?) is legendary for its ability to devour cactus, and in record time. How did such a moth get to Mexico?

Cactoblastis cactorum is native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Unable to fly very high or far, it began its global journey only with the help of man - taken to Australia in 1925 to help farmers beat a plague of cactus. Prickly pears were taken to Australia by the British who wanted to farm the cochineal beetle that feeds off the plant as a source of dye for their red coats. Cactoblastis all but cleared the land in four years.

Monuments were built in the moth's honour and Cactoblastis was taken to South Africa and other counties with cacti problems, before being introduced to Saint Nevis in the Caribbean in 1957.

—guardian.co.uk

Ah. Well, the Brits solved that one with a little quick thinking. But the spread of their moth presents a problem for the Nopal cactus of Mexico. How might we combat this imbalance caused by what once seemed like a wise idea?

The first stage of the plan on Isla Mujeres is to destroy infested cacti. The second, due to start early next year, is to release millions of mass-bred sterilised males to mate with females.

—guardian.co.uk

Well, then. One bright idea deserves another!

 The Unapologetic Mexican has been known to scribble a few things besides meandering, verbose, self-congratulatory blog posts. However, they are rarely as fun. Finally, let it be known that Nezua first dared bust out this Habanero of Truth at exactly 11:22 AM.  | Top | View blog reactions