Characterization of the Leaf and Rhizosphere Bacteriome of Opuntia ficus-indica Infected by the Cochineal Insect (Dactylopius coccus) in Moroccan semi-arid ecosystems.

This project aims to investigate the composition and dynamics of bacterial communities (bacteriome) associated with both the leaves (phyllosphere) and rhizosphere of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) infested by the Cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus) in Moroccan semi-arid ecosystems. By using high-throughput sequencing approaches (16S rRNA gene), this study will characterize microbial shifts caused by infestation and assess potential microbial indicators of plant stress or resilience. Understanding these plant-microbe-insect interactions could provide novel insights for developing microbiome-based biocontrol strategies and improving the sustainable management of Cochineal in cactus cultivation.