Influence of cochineal infestation on the diversity, distribution, and biocontrol potential of endophytic bacteria in <i>Opuntia ficus-indica</i>

2017).Following its introduction into North Africa in the early 17th century, O. ficus-indica has become an integral component of Moroccan agroecosystems, particularly in rural and marginal areas.Between 1998 and 2009, its cultivation area in Morocco expanded from approximately 50,000 to over 120,000 hectares, with the Guelmim-Sidi Ifni region representing nearly 50% of the