General News
23 February, 2025
Invasive cacti warning
Harrisia cacti are low-growing, spiny cacti with white flowers and red fruit.
Farmers have warned the march of a destructive cactus through NSW could be only the beginning of the state’s weed woes unless ongoing funding for weed control is secured.
A NSW Farmers’ branch chair Richard Doyle said farmers in the north of the state have reported a drastic surge in harrisia cactus infestations as the destructive cactus continues to spread south from the Queensland border. “This cactus has exploded due to recent good seasons,” Mr Doyle said.
“Its huge spikes can also injure animals and while farmers are doing everything they can to fight its spread, they cannot win this battle alone.
Harrisia cacti are low-growing, spiny cacti with white flowers and red fruit.
Herbicides and biocontrol from mealy bugs can help control the cacti, but Mr Doyle said containment would not be possible without serious and continued funding from the state and federal governments.
“This cactus is just one of thousands of invasive weeds that are costing farmers huge amounts of time and money to attempt to control, and we need real action – as well as real investment in research and control measures – if we want to get real results.
“Farmers are only the front line of these aggressive threats, and the problem’s only going to get worse unless we say ‘enough is enough’ on weeds.”
