PROCESS FOR THE INTENSIVE CULTURE OF COCHINEAL UNDER GREENHOUSE CONTROLLED CONDITIONS.

摘要

The production and use of cochineal (base of the carminic acid) and derivatives thereof is in the collective interest again due to the prohibition of some artificial chemical dyes, which are known to produce adverse effects over the human health, such as cancer, so that carmine has been recommended by the WHO, FAO and UNICEF in applications as red dye in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry world widely. In the current international market of cochineal (raw material of carminic acid), about 750 tons are produced, having according to specific data, a market of about 1.100 ton/year without being satisfied. The production of cochineal is being performed in a traditional manner in almost all producer countries, including Peru, by means of the infestation of nopales at open air, where the production may be affected by weather factors (wind, rain, frost and hail) and natural enemies; however, cochineal is still selling mainly as raw material with zero added value. The cochineal ma rket presents a high potential, both as raw material and industrialized product (carminic acid), this potential lying in the absolute advantage of being a non-toxic natural product. Mexico has a limited production of domestic use, the deficit of the product being imported from other countries, mainly Peru. The present invention is of substantial importance as a solution to this problem, this consisting in a process for the intensive culture of cochineal under greenhouse controlled conditions and the derivative thereof, including the nopal germplasm culture and the processing of the finished products such as carminic acid for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The present invention intends to satisfy the demand of the national market, ensuring quality, homogeneity, safety and a productive alternative for female and peasants located in degraded zones, where the traditional agriculture is not a rentable option anymore and where the employment opportunity in the countryside a re limited.