CACTUS QUARTERLY NSW, North West Region Autumn 2020 Latest news In This Issue Hudson Pear Biocontrol Release Workshops Latest News The Lightning Ridge, Cumborah and Grawin towns hosted a work- • Hudson pear biocontrol release work- shop each in February where the community were invited to learn about releasing the biocontrol for Hudson pear. They also learnt shops about the research project. • Harrisia cactus trials in Goondiwindi • Mealy bug nursery, Lightning Ridge

Hudson Pear - C. tunicate What to do now it’s rained What’s the difference? Cacti Resources Events • AQF3 accreditation course • Expressions of Interest

Networks

Photo: Vanessa Hickey, Dharriwaa Elders Group. Know your local Weeds Officer With 33 people attending the workshops it was fantastic to see com- Further Information munity members from National Parks, mining, property, representa- tion from the Dharriwaa Elders Group and Hudson Pear Spray Funded through the NW Cacti Coordinator Program Group. The workshops provided information about what Hudson pear is and

its history, what Hudson pear biocontrol is, how to spread it, when to spread it, integrated control, an update on the poly-tunnel, why and Email: [email protected] how drone technology has been utilised in mapping the spread of Phone: 0402 014 769 Hudson pear and its biocontrol agent. If you would like to be involved with releasing biocontrol on your prop- erty or site contact Jo Skewes on 0402 014 769 or [email protected] or Mat Savage on 0427 253 463 or msav- [email protected]

Photo: Poly-tunnel site visit after the Lightning Ridge workshop. Photo: Site visit after the Grawin workshop.

1 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 1 Harrisia cactus trials in Goondiwindi

University of Queensland (UQ) PhD student Angela Ezeh is working with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF), Goondiwindi Regional Council (GRC) and the Harrisia Cactus Taskforce, to gain an under- standing of the development and efficacy of the mealy bug biological control agent on Harrisia martinii in southern QLD. The overall aim of the study is to examine why biocontrol of Harrisia cactus around Goondiwindi is considered not as successful as in central QLD. Field monitoring plots were set up at Deaths Reserve in March 2020. Quantification of plant and insect density, as well as environmental data will be collected over the next 12 months, to examine season- al variation in biocontrol density and impact on the cactus. This information, along with temperature controlled laboratory studies and DNA analysis are an important step in planning future management of the invasive species.

Photo: Deaths Reserve March 2020. (image: QDAF) Photo: GRC staff work with DAF’s Jason Callander and UQ PhD student Angela Ezeh to measure Harrisia cac- tus in Goondiwindi. (image: QDAF)

Mealy bug nursery Royce Holtkamp from Horizon Ecological Consulting has been engaged to set up field trials in NSW to monitor the Hypogeococcus festerianus commonly known as Mealy bug on Harrisia cactus. Most recently Royce was in Lightning Ridge presenting on Hudson pear at the Bio- control Workshops and was able to put Harrisia cladodes that are infected with Mealy bug in the biocontrol nursery. The Mealy bugs have been cleaned and cleared of any parasitoids and predators. At the release sites Royce will observe the climate, predators, parasitoids, the spread and the impact Mealy bug has on Har- risia cactus. This information will then help inform future and on-going control projects in- cluding funding applications moving forward. Photo: Mealy bug in the biocontrol nursery, Lightning Ridge. Photo: Mealy bug in the field, observed north of Goondiwindi. 2 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 2 Hudson Pear (Brown-spined) How does it spread?

Cylindropuntia tunicata Like most cactus species the cladodes can be dispersed through human and animal movement, as well as vehi- Where did it come from and where is it now? cles and other machinery. The fruit is consumed by both native wild life and pest animals which then help disperse the seeds. It has the ability to form impenetrable clumps

and reduce stock carrying capacity. Segments easily break off and can spread to new sites via flood waters. Source: NSW WeedWise and Field Identification Guide 2nd Edition

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 mini-

mised, so far as is reasonably practicable.

All of NSW Prohibition on dealings Must not be imported into the State or sold

Figure: C. tunicata distribution, Atlas of Living Australia 2020. North West Cylindropuntia tunicata, native to the Cihuahuan Desert Biosecurity Act requirements & Strategic Response of North America and parts of South America. The plant in the region has been found in areas of QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and Mandatory Measure (Division 8, Clause 33, Biosecurity WA. Regulation 2017): A person must not import into the State Source: Atlas of Living Australia, 2020 or sell. Source: North West Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan What does it look like? Executive Summary Low, densely branched shrub 0.3-0.6 m tall. Cladodes How do you control it? Biocontrol • Pale grey-green • 10-20 cm long Place infected cladodes on the top of the shrub to en- • 1.5-3 cm diameter courage the cochineal to transfer onto the healthy plant. It • Easily detached an prominent also aids in protection of the cochineal until the conditions tubercles are right for the cochineal to move around. Spines • 4-7 spines per areole Cochineal Dactylopius tomentosus ‘imbricata’ • 3-7 cm long Scientific name • Red-brown to pale brown Order: Hemiptera • Brownish sheath loosely at- tached Family: Dactylopiidae Flowers Genus: Dactylopius Species: tomentosus • Yellowish-brown Fruit Lineage: acanthocarpa x echinocarpa • Club to top shape • Greenish yellow to red & • Spineless • Usually sterile Figure: C. tunicata, J. Skewes Source: Field Identification Guide 2nd Edition 3 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 3 Chemical Control - Hudson pear (Brown-spined) WARNING —Always read the label

Source: NSW Weed Control Handbook – A guide to weed control in non-crop, aquatic and bushland situation

Control Calendar

Source: NW Regional Weeds Officer Best Practises Guides For information on how to control Cylindropuntia tunicata please search APVMA https://portal.apvma.gov.au/home to find the correct permit and instructions for use. Alternatively, please contact your local Weeds Officer for further advise on identification and control (see page 5 for contact details).

What to do...now its rained? It’s great to see that most of the North West region of has received some much-needed rain. With this rain we are now starting to see lovely green pastures in some paddocks and thick lush ground cover in others. Some are lucky enough to be enjoying both. But, let’s not forget those weeds hiding in amongst it all!

Cacti are blooming, spreading their cladodes and sending out healthy new green shoots. Opuntia cacti species can be found in a variety of different habitats, including growing both under as well as up trees in woodlands, in grass- lands and even in bare dirt. It is however, the perfect time to start patrolling your roadsides, tracks, fence lines and boundaries armed with the necessary equipment to control and contain cacti (and any other weeds you might have) on your property.

If you’re not too sure what cacti or weed species you have give your local Weed Officer or NW Cacti Control Coordinator a call. Your local Landcare Coordinator is also willing to help out. To find out who to contact check out page 7 or for some great re- sources on identification turn to page 8. Photo: Harrisia cactus, J. Skewes 4 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 4 What’s the difference?

White-spined verse Brown-spined

Key main differences the Brown- spined Hudson pear has...

• browner spines • brown sheath loosely attached

• shorter cladodes

• fewer spines

• yellowish-brown flowers Overall, a smaller adult plant!

Source: Invasive cacti field guide - Identification and control of invasive cacti in North West NSW, pages 42, 43 and 48, 49.

5 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 5 Cacti Resources

Invasive cacti in North West NSW Invasive cacti field guide Identification and biological control Identification and control of invasive options cacti in North West NSW Available at Available at Northern Slopes Landcare website Northern Slopes Landcare website Cacti → Resources Cacti → Resources https://www.northernslopeslandcare.com.a https://www.northernslopeslandcare.com. u/ima ges/pdf/acti/5533_WONS_Poster_1 au/images/Cacti/5537_Cacti_Booklet_Ver 810_Web.pdf yFINAL_WEB.pdf NW Local Land Services website Resource hub → Publications https://northwest.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/ assets/df_file/0004/1192396/5537_Cacti- Booklet_VeryFINAL_WEB.pdf Events AQF3 Chemical Accreditation Expression Of Interest This FREE course will ac- WANTED dedicated commu- credit you in many areas of nity members to be apart of a chemical safety, application, Coordinated Biocontrol Re- transport, handling and stor- lease Program for Hudson age of chemical. pear. For more information contact Grawin - Friday 8 May 2020 NW Cacti Control Coordinator [email protected] 0402 014 769 RSVP before 1 May 2020 Council Weed of- Call Jo Skewes 0402 014 769 ficer Email [email protected] [email protected] 0427 253 463

Networks Check out the latest news from the NSW Weed Biocontrol Taskforce at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weed-control/biological -control/nsw-weed-biocontrol-taskforce OR if you’re a weeds professional in NSW, sign up to the Weeds Extranet provided by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) at https://extranet.dpi.nsw.go v.au/weeds

Subscribe now and email [email protected]

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Facilitators (NW RALF) and supported by Tamworth Re- Keep in touch with the latest news, events gional Landcare Association (TRLA) and Northern and funding across the North West - whether it’s news on Slopes Landcare Association (NSLA) through North local farmer groups, available funding to improve your West Local Land Services (NW LLS) and the National farm business or field days and events happening in your Landcare Program (NLP). local area, ‘Across the Paddock’ has you covered.

6 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 6 North West Regional Weeds Officers If you find any suspicious weeds please call your local council so their response team can work with you on identifying and controlling any State or Regional Priority Weeds you might find on your property.

Gunnedah Shire Council Council Walgett Shire Council Senior Weeds Officer Senor Biosecurity Officer Castlereagh Macquarie Weeds Lee Amidy 0427 254 188 Ian Schwartz 0427 044 521 County Council Neil Worboys 0436 950 781 Biosecurity Officer Senior Weeds Officer Lachlan Biddle 0408 204 577 Andrea Fletcher 0428 462 060 63 Elgin Street NSW 2380 Weeds Officer Phone 02 6740 2100 Moree Office Mat Savage 0427 253 463 Postal Address Level 2, Max Centre PO Box 63 30 Heber Street 77 Fox Street Walgett NSW 2832 Gunnedah NSW 2380 Moree NSW 2400 Phone 02 6828 6100 Email [email protected] Phone 02 6757 3222 Postal Address Postal Address PO Box 31 Council PO Box 420 Walgett NSW 2832 Weeds Officer Moree NSW 2400 E-mail [email protected] Scott McLachlan 0428 305 364 Email [email protected] Weeds Officer Bingara NW Local Land Services Stephen Kneller 0427 240 061 Council Moree Office 02 6750 9000 Senior Authorised Officer - Weeds Warialda Office 02 6729 1529 Postal Address Clare Felton-Taylor 0427 294 771 Narrabri Office 1300 795 299 Locked Bag 5 Authorised Officer - Weeds Tamworth Office 02 6764 5900 Bingara NSW 2404 Chris Watkins 0429 202 205 Walgett Office 02 6828 6400 Email [email protected] Gunnedah Office 02 6742 9220 Bingara Office 46-48 Maitland Street Goondiwindi Office 0428 432 784 33 Maitland Street Narrabri NSW 2390 Bingara NSW 2404 Phone 02 6799 6866 Department of Primary Industries Phone 02 6724 2000 Postal Address Biosecurity Help Line 1800 680 244 Warialda Office PO Box 261 52 Hope Street Narrabri NSW 2390 Warialda NSW 2402 Email [email protected] Phone 02 6729 3000 Tamworth Regional Council Shire Senior Weeds Officer Council Mal Stein 0429 821 579 Authorised Officer - Weeds Weeds Officer Mike Whitney 0427 961 980 Robert Burr 0419 271 593

60 Station Street Ray Walsh House NSW 2343 437 Peel Street Phone 02 6746 1755 Tamworth NSW 2340 Postal Address Phone 02 6767 5555 PO Box 152 Postal Address Quirindi NSW 2343 PO Box 555 Email [email protected] Tamworth NSW 2340 Email [email protected]

7 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 7 Further Information Websites Atlas of Living Australia - https://www.ala.org.au/ Australian Invasive Cacti Network (AICN) - http://www.aicn.org.au/ Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicinal Authority (APVMA) - https://portal.apvma.gov.au Biological Control DPI - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/projects/biological-control Department of Primary Industries (DPI) - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ DPI Weeds - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds NSW Biocontrol Weeds Taskforce - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weed-control/biological-control/ nsw-weed-biocontrol-taskforce NSW WeedWise - http://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ North West Local Land Services (NW LLS) - https://northwest.lls.nsw.gov.au/ North West Weeds - http://www.northwestweeds.com.au/ PlantNET - http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/ Weed Control and Identification - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weed-control Weeds of National Significance - http://weeds.ala.org.au/WoNS/

North West Landcare North West Plains Sustainability Group - https://www.facebook.com/northwestplainsgroup/ Northern Slopes Landcare Association - http://www.northernslopeslandcare.com.au/ Tamworth Regional Landcare Association - http://www.trla.org.au/

Resources Australian Weed Strategy - http://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/pest-animals- and-weeds/review-aus-pest-animal-weed-strategy/aus-weeds-strategy New South Wales Weed Control Handbook - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weed-control/ management-guides/noxious-enviro-weed-control Invasive Cacti Field Guide: Identification and control of invasive cacti, North West NSW - https:// www.northernslopeslandcare.com.au/images/Cacti/5537_Cacti_Booklet_VeryFINAL_WEB.pdf Opuntiod Cacti Best Practice Control Manual - https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/invasive-species/opuntioid-cacti-best- practice-control-manual

NSW Acts and Regulations Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 - https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/2016/63 Biosecurity Act 2015 - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/legislation/list/biosecurity-act-2015 EPA Pesticide Act 1999 - https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/licensing-and-regulation/legislation-and-compliance/acts- administered-by-the-epa/act-summaries#pa EPA Pesticide Regulation 2017 - https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/licensing-and-regulation/legislation-and-compliance/ acts-administered-by-the-epa/regulation-summaries#PestReg Local Land Services Act 2013 - https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/2013/51

Cactus Quarterly - Sign Up Cactus Quarterly - Contact NW Local Land Services - Feedback Online: http://eepurl.com/dH1wAv NW Cacti Control Coordinator Online: rateitnow.com/ QR Reader App Northern Slopes Landcare Association northwestllsregion Email: [email protected] Phone: 0402 014 769

8 How invasive is YOUR cactus? Page 8