Tiny sap-sucking bugs are being unleashed in the outback battle against a destructive cactus infesting parts of western Queensland.
The cochineal insect was bred in Queensland to specifically target coral cactus, which is wreaking havoc on graziers' properties.
The bug feeds only on the cactus by sucking its sap.
It was trialled in a Brisbane laboratory last year and will be released into the wild on Wednesday.
Last year, one farmer in the region reported a 500-hectare area of his property being infested by the weed, which is closely related to the prickly pear.
The sharp spines of the cactus make it difficult for livestock to reach food.
"It is hoped (the bug) will provide much-needed relief to land managers who are experiencing major infestations on their properties in Queensland," Biosecurity Queensland senior entomologist Michael Day said.
Currently, graziers must use herbicides or physically remove the weed - a time-consuming and costly process.
The first bug release will happen near Longreach with further releases scheduled around Charleville, Hebel, Emerald and Cloncurry in the coming months.
Similar coral cactus control measures have proven successful in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
