The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on application NOR08003 to introduce the lace bug Gargaphia decoris for use as a biological control agent for the weed woolly nightshade. Submissions open on Monday 27 April and close on Tuesday 9 June.
The application has been made by Environment Bay of Plenty on behalf of a group of regional councils and the Department of Conservation. The lace bug Gargaphia decoris originally comes from southeast Brazil, and has been introduced to South Africa for woolly nightshade control.
Environment Bay of Plenty says testing has shown the lace bug does not pose any risk to native plants in New Zealand, or related field and tree crops.
Submissions from the public are now sought on this application. Submissions form an important part of the information presented to the Environmental Risk Management Authority to consider before making its decision. The submission period closes on 9 June, 2009.
For further information or assistance, please contact Donna Campbell by email at donna.campbell@ermanz.govt.nz or by phone on (04) 918 4865.
Link to application is here
Registry entry and documentation for NOR08003 is here