Tunis: A population of one hundred ladybugs (Hyperaspis trifurcata), mealybug predators, has just been delivered to Tunisia, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said on Monday. This follows a request of technical assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, to combat prickly pear cactus mealy bug in Tunisia, FAO office in Tunis said. The introduction of this species will help with biological control of the prickly pear cactus mealybugs, adds the FAO. Tunisia is the second producer of prickly pears behind Mexico, with 550,000 tonnes per year, and the 4th exporter. The FAO earmarked a $500,000 emergency budget to fight against mealybugs. Last April, the Ministry of Agriculture announced the mobilisation of TND 11 million to eradicate this scourge. In Tunisia, the climate, with its high temperatures, has contributed to the survival, growth and reproduction of these insects, particularly in the summer. This allowed them to feed on cactus plants for several days or eve n months. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse