COCHINEAL insects will be used by the ACT government to manage an invasive prickly pear cactus outbreak in Molonglo Gorge.

If left unchecked, environment minister Rebecca Vassarotti says an outbreak of prickly pear has the potential to form a dense, impenetrable patch of shrubs with spines that can cause injury to native animals and wildlife, harbour pest animals and reduce land productivity.

“To address the outbreak, the ACT will use a cochineal insect which specifically targets prickly pear,” says Vassarotti.

“The trial of cochineal insects is a significant step towards eradicating the pest species in the ACT.”

“The use of a biocontrol agent has proved extremely successful in NSW and Victoria and significantly reduces the requirement for chemical treatments.

“Trials of these insects in Australia to effectively target prickly pear date back 90 years in Queensland.”

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