A doctoral thesis entitled “An ecological and biological study of the cochineal cactus scale insect Dactylopius opuntiae and its natural enemies” was discussed by the researcher Firas Asaad at the Faculty of Agriculture, under the supervision of Prof. Ziad Sheikh Khamis and Prof. Mazen Boufaour.
The judging panel comprised the following professors: Prof. Wajih Qassis, Prof. Dummar Nammour, Prof. Ziad Sheikh Khamis, Prof. Ziad Barbar, and Prof. Muhammad Abdul-Hai.
The thesis investigated the dispersal dynamics of the cochineal scale insect pest and the development of its field populations. Additionally, it examined the insect’s biology under semi-field and laboratory conditions, contributing to a better understanding of its ecological and biological characteristics, and developing scientific foundations for its management and control.
At the end of the discussion, the researcher was awarded a doctoral degree in agricultural engineering with distinction.
