Herbicide for Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant Description

• The low growing prickly pear cactus grows to a mature height of about 1 ½ feet. The plant has distinctly segmented pads and spiny branches. The foliage is inconspicuous and deciduous, densely covered with fine spines. Prickly pear cactus blooms with 3-inch-wide, multi petaled, yellow flowers between May and July. The flowers are followed by the edible, red, berry-like, 2-inch fruit. Sweet in flavor, the outer fruit skin is covered with fine spines and requires a glove to remove.

Invasive Nature

• Prickly pear is among the very difficult plants to control, cites the Purdue Cooperative Extension. The seeds are not only spreads by animals, but the pads or flat sections of the stems readily root wherever they touch ground. The plant is also found in other countries with an equally invasive potential, cited in Australia as the cause of the largest ecological disasters resulting from an invasive plant.

Recommended Herbicide

• The most effective herbicide for pricklypear is picloram, but the majority of products containing this chemical are restricted in nature and only available to licensed operators. Homeowners may use triclopyr products. Though not as effective as picloram, triclopyr still provides good level of control. The chemical 2,4-D has minimal to no effect on pricklypear. Manufacturers sell each of these chemicals under different trade names.

Use Methods

• For best results, apply the herbicide at the start of the new growth season and until the bloom stage. Waiting too long allows the plants develop a thick wax covering that resists moisture. Though the chemical is also absorbed through the soil and roots, foliar applications provide faster results. Add a surfactant like methalated seed oil to the herbicide to help it adhere to the plant surface. Mix together one percent of surfactant for every one percent of herbicide solution. Make sure to coat all cactus areas are fully with the herbicide. Aerial applications are recommended for control in larger areas such as rangeland and pastures.