Hudson pear has particularly vicious spines capable of penetrating boots and the tyres of vehicles.

The Lightning Ridge Miners Association has been on the front foot instigating control of the vicious weed Hudson pear on the opal fields in north western NSW.

Hudson pear, one of the cactus family, has become an extremely serious problem on the opal fields north of Walgett and is spreading onto adjoining rural properties. Anative of Mexico and Arizona, it is believed to have been introduced onto the opal fields by miners to deter nocturnal prowlers and thieves.

Hudson pear, which grows well in the exceptionally difficult conditions of the area, has particularly vicious spines capable of penetrating boots and the tyres of vehicles.

It does not spread from seeds but rather from segments which establish new plants wherever they touch the ground.While the segments are readily spread by water, their main proliferation is due to the long sharp spines which attach themselves to animals, people or rubber tyres.

Apart from its danger to livestock, Hudson pear presents a serious hazard to people, particularly in confined areas such as around the opal mines.

The Lightning Ridge Miners Association has done some great work by generating public awareness of the problem and initiating a control effort, which has had positive results.

Last October, representatives of various state government agencies met to develop a coordinated plan of attack. Department of Natural Resources, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Lands and the Western Catchment Management Authority were all represented.

A presentation outlining government responsibilities was subsequently shown to a Mining Board meeting where all agencies, the Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and concerned landholders had input into developing holistic control measures.

This second meeting, held in November, agreed to form two committees - a Hudson Pear Steering Committee, as a high level Ministerial advisory group and a Hudson Pear Task Force to ensure cooperative control is carried out. It’s essential that a coordinated control program is implemented with active community participation.

- PETER GRAY

This story appears in Agriculture Today.