Application of biological control technology: sebum controls the spread of cactus in Laikipia.

Science plays an important role in biological prevention and control.
we also need to conduct rigorous monitoring in one area, and once new invasive species are necessary, they can be quickly discovered and eradicated.
cactus, an aggressive weed that covers large tracts of land in Kenya's semi-arid Laikipia county, was native to South America and caused a lot of trouble for people and domesticated animals and even wildlife.
the cactus was introduced to Kenya as an ornamental plant and eventually encroached on the land, said Arne Witt, regional coordinator for invasive species at the International Centre for Agricultural and Biological Sciences.
, located 253 kilometers north of Kenya's capital Nairobi, is somewhere in between its fast-spreading properties, where cacti have successfully dominated thousands of hectares of land.
result, agricultural arable land has been reduced, violating wildlife reserves and pastures.
also creates socio-economic and health challenges.
, however, scientists are now using biological control methods in the region to destroy cactus weeds.
introduced a suction insect commonly known as a carp.
imported from South Africa, where it is used to control cactus weeds in Kruger National Park.
cactus spread rapidly in Lekipia because it adapts well to the semi-arid climate.
spread of cacti has affected wildlife and livestock.
Kuria, a community development project manager at the Ol Jogi Sanctuary, said that when the abandoned cubs were rescued, he found that their tongues were suffering from sepsis caused by cactus damage and could not be fed well.
this phenomenon also occurs in livestock on which neighbouring communities depend for their livelihoods.
if we don't manage cacti, we will lose millions of dollars worth of crop production and livestock production in Kenya," he said.
," Kuria said.
invasive species are of increasing concern in Kenya, where 50 per cent of these plants are introduced for ornamental and agroforestry purposes.
" as a result of human activities, invasive species come to their home countries from a foreign country.
once established in a new environment, its proliferation begins to have a negative impact on biodiversity, crop production and animal health.
," Witt explains.
Kuria said cactus leaves have waxy layers, which means high concentrations of chemicals or other methods are needed to control them, but this would pose a threat to non-target organisms.
there is also a cost problem.
, said biological control helps restore the natural balance of ecosystems and curbs the spread of weeds.
aphids feed exclusively on cacti and are laboratory tested to ensure that they have no effect on non-target plants, especially other plants.
harvest, the plant had been in the greenhouse with the carp for two months.
"Kuria said, "the greenhouse is used to speed up the control process."
since the introduction of carbides into communities such as Laikipia Naibunga and Dol Dol, cacti have effectively stopped producing fruit and inhibited the spread of their seeds over longer distances.
, said the communities were very receptive to and used carpents.
survey shows that cactus spread more and more seriously, but Witt is optimistic about the establishment of a sebum control system in 4 to 5 years.
prevention and control is a long-term, sustainable and effective way to constrain the widespread spread of invasive species in Africa.
" embrace of biological control in Africa, not only to control invasive plants, but also to control crop pests and diseases, as pests become less and less afraid of chemical agents over time.
more than 200 weeds are resistant to herbicides," Witt said.
" science plays an important role in biological prevention and control.
Witt added: "We also need to conduct rigorous monitoring in one area, and once new invasive species are available, they can be quickly discovered and eradicated."
"