Cochineal insects growing on a Wheel Cactus plant.
The Tarrangower Cactus Warriors are slowly emerging from their summer hibernation (i.e. holiday) and planning has begun for this year’s new project. The group has funding from Lancare Victoria (via North Central Catchment Management Authority) to introduce new integrated management plans to several properties with heavy Wheel Cactus infestations. The new management strategy will include the current direct herbicide injection and physical removal treatments, but also introduce a new biological control tool, the Cochineal insect. It’s hoped that in the long-term this insect will help to provide more sustainable management of this highly invasive weed.
