Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/22/2007

Question
Have native paddle cactus in yard. Some have developed white, puffy fungus.
Any idea what it is and treatment. It is spreading. One is being decimated by
this....

Thanks,

Bill

Answer
Bill,

You have a Cochineal infestation. Unfortunately that are tough to eradicate. However, natural control methods seem pretty effective. See the web page below for additional info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochineal

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg