Opuntia spp. biocontrol

Opuntia spp. (except tiger pear & wheel cactus) Go to the project pages for [tiger pear](https://biocollect.ala.org.au/biocontrolhub/project/index/ffeb44d7-08d0-4627-a31b-6a6365700a18) and [wheel cactus](https://biocollect.ala.org.au/biocontrolhub/project/index/26ae9f28-4916-4579-afc0-7a9af3e19e0a) for further information on these weeds. All species of Opuntia have been declared [Weeds of National Significance](http://weeds.ala.org.au/WoNS/opuntioidcacti/). Opuntia spp. are mainly distributed in QLD and NSW, where they impede the grazing ability of pasture livestock and harbour pests. Opuntia spp. are drought-tolerant and resistant to burning, enabling established cacti to live for several decades growing in dense patches which hinder the growth of native species. Their sharp bristles may also cause injury to humans and animals. A successful biocontrol program from 1911-1939 resulted in the release of 20 biocontrol agents, 14 of which established in Australia. Since then, some species have subsequently died out, however 5 species remain active in controlling Opuntia spp. 1. Cactoblastis *Cactoblastis cactorum* 2. Cochineal scale insect *Dactylopius ceylonicus* 3. Cochineal scale insect *Dactylopius confusus* 4. Cochineal scale insect *Dactylopius opuntiae* 5. Tree pear beetle *Archlagocheirus funestus* Each biocontrol agent is effective at controlling specific species of Opuntia spp. Cactoblastis and Dactylopius spp. are the main agents used to control Opuntia spp. and have established many large populations across Australia since their releases in 1926 and 1933.本数据集涵盖仙人掌属物种（Opuntia spp.），但排除虎梨（tiger pear）与轮仙人掌（wheel cactus）。 如需了解上述两种杂草的详细信息，请前往[虎梨](https://biocollect.ala.org.au/biocontrolhub/project/index/ffeb44d7-08d0-4627-a31b-6a6365700a18)与[轮仙人掌](https://biocollect.ala.org.au/biocontrolhub/project/index/26ae9f28-4916-4579-afc0-7a9af3e19e0a)的项目页面。 所有仙人掌属物种均被列为[国家重点杂草（Weeds of National Significance）](http://weeds.ala.org.au/WoNS/opuntioidcacti/)。仙人掌属物种主要分布于昆士兰州（QLD）与新南威尔士州（NSW），此类杂草会阻碍牧场牲畜的放牧活动，并为害虫提供滋生场所。仙人掌属物种兼具耐旱与耐火特性，成熟植株可形成密集斑块存活数十年，进而抑制本土植物的生长。其尖锐的刺毛还可能对人类与牲畜造成伤害。1911年至1939年间实施的生物防治项目取得了良好成效：共释放20种生防天敌，其中14种在澳大利亚成功定殖。此后部分天敌物种逐渐消失，但目前仍有5种活性生防因子可用于防治仙人掌属物种。 1. 仙人掌螟（*Cactoblastis cactorum*） 2. 胭脂蚧（*Dactylopius ceylonicus*） 3. 混淆胭脂蚧（*Dactylopius confusus*） 4. 仙人掌胭脂蚧（*Dactylopius opuntiae*） 5. 树梨象甲（*Archlagocheirus funestus*） 每种生防天敌仅对特定仙人掌属物种具有防治效果。其中仙人掌螟与胭蚧属（*Dactylopius* spp.）物种为主要防治天敌，自1926年与1933年释放以来，已在澳大利亚多地建立起大规模种群。