Alternative control methods of the cochineal Dactylopim opuntiae in north-eastern Brazil

摘要

The cochineal insect Dactylopius coccus is the source of the cochineal carmine, an important dye used worldwide in the food, beverage and cosmetic industries. It originated from Mexico and since it was shown to the Spanish conquers by the Aztecs, it has been exploited in many countries (Barbera et al., 1995). Although Brazilian severe federal environment laws prohibit the importation of cochineal, somehow, the insect was smuggled into the state of Pernambuco in the late 90's with the purpose of generating income and job opportunities with the production of the cochineal carmine among the poor population of a semi-arid zone in north-eastern Brazil.