Eradicating Prickly Pear: Diesel Poisons Soil; Use Biological Control

Diesel: Terrible Idea

Kills plants but contaminates soil long-term, harms microbes, groundwater, and future planting.

Cactoblastis cactorum (cactus moth) larvae bore into pads. Used successfully in Australia and Africa.

UC Davis Weed Gallery details this and other methods.

Large infestations: consult county extension for approved biocontrol agents.

Cactus: Heliotropism in Prickly Pear: Universal Cactus Behavior; Propagating Prickly Pear from Pads; Biological Control of Invasive Prickly Pear: Cactoblastis Moth Introduction; Prickly Pear in New Jersey: Native or Naturalized?; Propagating Prickly Pear: Cut, Callous, Plant; Propagating Prickly Pear Cactus in Southwest Florida; Prickly Pear Control: Herbicide Not Diesel; Three Delicious Ways to Preserve Pears: Butter, Chutney, and Chow Chow; Growing Pears: High-Quality Fruit Unavailable in Stores; Canning Pears: Resources for Home Preservation

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