White Fuzzy Stuff on Prickly Pear: Mealybug Infestation

Frank's prickly pears had white fuzz that turned purple when touched, washed off but returned, harming the plants.

Identification

Mealybugs—over 300 species. The purple color is diagnostic for some (e.g., Dactylopius spp., cochineal scale).

For large infestations: Malathion or Diazinon (follow label for ornamentals), 2–3 weekly applications.
Alternative: high-pressure water spray + insecticidal soap/neem oil weekly.
Systemic imidacloprid (soil drench) for persistent cases.

Inspect new plants, encourage lady beetles, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.

Cactus: Identifying and Rehabilitating Etiolated Barrel and Opuntia Cacti; Prickly Pear Pad Propagation: Yellowing Top on Rooted Cutting; Heliotropism in Prickly Pear: Universal Cactus Behavior; White Spots on Prickly Pear in Zimbabwe: Likely Cochineal Insect, Spray Off or Use Predators; Weeding a Mature Prickly Pear Patch; Propagating Prickly Pear from Pads; Prickly Pear Growth Surge After Relocation: Light Response vs. Flowering; Prickly Pear in New Jersey: Native or Naturalized?; Yellowing and Scaly Outdoor Cacti: Diagnosis Checklist; Propagating Prickly Pear: Cut, Callous, Plant

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