Two classes of biodegradable products were evaluated against nymphs I, nymphs II, and mature females of the wild cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) under laboratory conditions: a domestic detergent (Roma®) and a new unclassified product (Peak Plus, in registration). Each was sprayed on directly infested prickly pear cladodes. Concentrations tested for both products were 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 6.0%. Replicated applications of the same concentrations, also were evaluated from 0.5 to 3.0% over the same development stages. Higher susceptibility of nymphs I was observed, showing mortality of nearly 50% with 6% Roma®, while nymphs II and mature females were more susceptible to Peak Plus, achieving approximately 50% control with concentrations of 1.5 and 3.0%, respectively. In repeated applications, the highest mortality was observed in mature females for both products.
