ID and Control

This page contains links to cacti management resources; it is updated as new information comes to hand.  So, if we've missed something, please let us know; it will be a great help.  Likewise, if a link becomes broken or redundant.
PLEASE NOTE: species-specific information is here.

Identification

WONS Cacti Field Identification Guide - Biosecurity SA
This is a downloadable PDF.
​More than an identification guide, it serves up:

• Opuntioid cacti facts
• Why they're weeds
• Why they're a problem
• Key identifying factors of 20 species found in South Australia
• Chemical, biological, mechanical, fire and grazing control
• SA legislation
• Weed control contacts

General management links

Weeds Of National Significance Strategic Plan Opuntioid cacti 2012-17
This is a downloadable PDF.
This strategic plan for opuntioids has been prepared to articulate the national management and research needs for this group of invasive cacti. The plan has been prepared by the national coordinator for opuntioid cacti, with input from a reference group comprising botanists, weed managers, researchers, state/territory government policy officers and community group members, all involved in the management of opuntioid cacti. In addition, extensive consultation with local and regional weed managers was undertaken across Australia to inform the content of this plan.
Additional information can be found at ​http://weeds.ala.org.au/WoNS/opuntioidcacti

​WONS Weed Management Guide for Opuntioid cacti
​This is a downloadable PDF.
Key points covered
• Invasive cacti have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, animal welfare and human safety impacts.
• They spread easily by seed (in some species only) and by stem
segments (fragments), and survive in low rainfall environments.
• They are found throughout most Australian states and territories
and there is potential for further spread.
• Australian rangelands are especially vulnerable to cacti invasion.
• The cost of control often exceeds the value of land infested.
• Opuntioid cacti vary in form and habit, from low-growing shrubs under 50 cm to erect trees up to 8 m tall.

​Opuntioid cacti Fact Sheet - Biosecurity Queensland
​This is a downloadable PDF.
​This fact sheet covers:

• Legal requirements (for Queensland)
• Descriptions of species
• habitat and distribution
• Life cycle
• Methods of spread
• Control (mechanical, fire, biological, chemical)

It also includes a comprehensive table listing herbicide options by species, mixing rates and application methods

​Cacti Management Strategies - Dow Agrosciences
This is a downloadable PDF.
​While this fact sheet covers biological control, it is predominantly focused on chemical control.  It lists the recommended Dow herbicides, when to apply them and when not to apply them for the following species:

• Harrisia cactus
• Prickly pear (common)
• Snake cactus
• Smooth tree pear
• Tiger pear
• Tree pear

Opuntioid cactus control - WA Dept Agriculture and Food 
This is a website and will open in a new window.
This site touches on:

• Where to report sightings
• Biological control
• Mechanical control
• Chemical control
• Chemicals, mixing rates, when to apply and how to apply.

There are also links to further information.

​​State Opuntioid Cacti Management Plan December 2009 - SA Government
This is a downloadable PDF.
This plan summarises current management options and identifies a range of goals, objectives and actions to aid the future management of opuntioid cactus species within South Australia.
It covers:
Biology and distribution
Current and potential distribution of opuntioid cacti in South Australia
Impacts and uses 
History of control and spread 
Risk Assessment 
Legislative requirements
Best practice management - current control options and issues 
Key stakeholders and roles