Harrisia cactus (Harrisia species)

Also known as: harrisia

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How does this weed affect you?

Harrisia cactus is a native of the Americas which was introduced into Australia as a garden plant. It has now become a serious problem in parts of Queensland and NSW.

Harrisia cactus is spread by seed. The plant can begin to produce seed by six months of age and from then on can continue to produce fruit almost all year round.

The sharp spines are a hazard to humans and animals and it is hard to control because of its seed-producing ability.

More information

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Control

Biological control

A mealybug (Hypogeococcus festerianus) is established on Harrisia cactus in NSW and provides a significant level of control. 

Herbicide options

See Using herbicides for more information.

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PERMIT 80069 Expires 30/09/2023
Triclopyr 200 g/L + Picloram 100 g/L with Metsulfuron-methyl 600 g/kg (Various products)
Rate: 150 - 350 ml plus 20 grams in 100 litres of water
Comments: Apply to actively growing plants
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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PERMIT 14442 Expires 30/06/2023
Picloram 100 g/L + Triclopyr 300 g/L + Aminopyralid 8 g/L (Grazon Extra®)
Rate: 500 mL in 100 L water
Comments: Apply as a thorough foliar spray.
Withholding period: Where product is used to control woody weeds in pastures there is a restriction of 12 weeks for use of treated pastures for making hay and silage; using hay or other plant material for compost, mulch or mushroom substrate; or using animal waste from animals grazing on treated pastures for compost, mulching, or spreading on pasture/crops.
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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PERMIT 14442 Expires 30/06/2023
Triclopyr 300 g/L + Picloram 100 g/L (Grazon® DS)
Rate: 500 mL per 100 L water
Comments: Apply when there is active phyllode (leaf) growth.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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PERMIT 14442 Expires 30/06/2023
Triclopyr 600 g/L (Garlon® 600)
Rate: 1.0 L per 75 L of distillate
Comments: Apply as a thorough foliar spray.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Dichlorprop 600 g/L (Lantana 600®)
Rate: 1.0 L per 60 L of water
Comments: Good soil moisture essential and spray at fruiting.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Triclopyr 240 g/L + Picloram 120 g/L (Access™ )
Rate: 1.0 L per 60 L of diesel
Comments: Foliar application.
Withholding period: Nil
Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Biosecurity duty

The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.

Area	Duty
All of NSW	General Biosecurity Duty All plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Central Tablelands	Regional Recommended Measure* Land managers should mitigate the risk of new weeds being introduced to their land. The plant should be eradicated from the land and the land kept free of the plant. The plant should not be bought, sold, grown, carried or released into the environment. Notify local control authority if found. This Regional Recommended Measure does not apply to cultivated plants.
Central West	Regional Recommended Measure* Land managers should mitigate the risk of new weeds being introduced to their land. The plant should be eradicated from the land and the land kept free of the plant. The plant should not be bought, sold, grown, carried or released into the environment.
North West An exclusion zone is established for all lands in the region, except the core infestation area, comprising the Gwydir Shire council and Moree Plains Shire council	Regional Recommended Measure* Whole of region: The plant should not be bought, sold, grown, carried or released into the environment. Exclusion zone: Land managers should mitigate the risk of new weeds being introduced to their land; the plant should be eradicated from the land and the land kept free of the plant. Core infestation: Land managers reduce impacts from the plant on priority assets This Regional Recommended Measure applies to Harrisia martinii and Harrisia tortuosa
Northern Tablelands	Regional Recommended Measure* Land managers should mitigate the risk of new weeds being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread from their land. The plant should not be bought, sold, grown, carried or released into the environment. This Regional Recommended Measure applies to Harrisia martinii and Harrisia tortuosa
Western	Regional Recommended Measure* Land managers should mitigate spread from their land. Land managers reduce impact of plant on priority assets (grazing conservation and urban areas). The plant should not be bought, sold, grown, carried or released into the environment. This Regional Recommended Measure applies to Harrisia martinii
	*To see the Regional Strategic Weeds Management Plans containing demonstrated outcomes that fulfill the general biosecurity duty for this weed click here

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Reviewed 2019