Flores Flores, V.I. 2002 Physical-chemical characterization of cochineal Dactylopius coccus Costa producer areas in the Andean Trapeze Bar Departments: Huancavelica, Ayacucho and Apurimac, Peru.. CACTUSNET NEWSLETTER (FAO International Technical Cooperation on Cactus) No. 7: 16-20.

Notes: The most favorable soils for the establishment of cactus pear plantations are those of loamy and clayish-oozy texture, with pH neutral to lightly neutral and a capacity of cationic exchange half to high. These soils should contain high to very high calcium to form an important part of the chemical constitution of cladodes. The production areas with the highest percentage values of EX and FR cochineal are located in the highest altitudes.