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Hudson pear (Cylindropuntia rosea) is a branched cactus that grows to a height of about 1.5 metres and produces cylindrical, rope-like segments growing from a cylindrical trunk (Holtkamp 2006). The cactus has formidable spines encased in a detachable sheath (like a barb at the end), which become embedded upon contact and are difficult to remove. Infestations affect biodiversity and primary production as they can compete with other plants and injure native wildlife, humans, stock and other animals.  Hudson pear is thought to be a hybrid of a similar cactus, Cylindropuntia tunicata, and another species. It is known to reproduce vegetatively, with segments spread by livestock, wildlife, feral animals, vehicles, human traffic and water. Of Mexican origin, Hudson pear was first recorded in Walgett Shire in the late 1960s.  Spraying over the decades has had a positive impact in suppressing the weed, however with significant drought conditions experienced over recent years, Hudson pear has rapidly increased in extent, both in areas of thicker core infestations and scattered known and new infestations. ...