Tekelenburg, I.A. 1995a [Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa) quality with regard to post-harvest management.]. [Knowledge and Improvement of the Prickly Pear. Proceedings of the 6th National Congress and 4th International Congress.] [University of Guadalajara] Universidad de Guadalajara Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico 308 pp.

Notes: [Original title of paper: Calidad de cochinilla Dactylopius coccus (Costa) en relación con el manejo post-cosecha.] Original title of conference proceedings: Conocimiento y Aprovechamiento del Nopal. Memorias del 6to Congreso Nacional y 4to Congreso Internacional.] This species was introduced into Bolivia in 1986-87 for the purpose of incorporating it into traditional agricultural production as an alternative crop. Initially, quality issues were not considered important. However, when international buyers-importers from Europe and Japan raised cochineal quality standards, the influence on quality of agricultural factors during production as well as post-harvest, it gained importance. This article discusses the influence of female oviposition degrees, killing methods, temperature, solar radiation, humidity, levels during drying and cochineal classification by sifting. Maximum oviposition of the female insects resulted in higher cochineal quality and was the most important factor. Unfortunately, an increase in quality also results in considerable weight loss. A system of market pricing based on quality and calculated to account for the accompanying weight loss is needed.