Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/22/2007

Question
Greg-  I grew my prickly pear from seed about 3 years ago and it has been doing well.  Recently I noticed yellow raised splotches with brown spots in the splotches.  What is it and what can I do - we are quite bonded.

Answer
Lisa,

It is either mealy bugs or scaring from damage from a juice sucking bug. If it is mealy bugs, they can be picked off. If it is scaring, there is not a whole lot you can do other than try a systemic insecticide(available at most nurseries). Hopefully this will help.

Sincerely,

Greg