January 22, 2000
ERMA New Zealand has received two applications for the importation and release of two parasitoids to control insects which damage horticultural crops in New Zealand. These are the first applications for the release of a new organism since the introduction of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act in 1996. Up until now all the applications received by ERMA have been for organisms in containment facilities and not release.
The applications have been lodged by the Hawkes Bay Pip Fruit Growers IFP Group 20 and the New Zealand Citrus Growers Association and the Avocado Industry Council
The Hawkes Bay Pip Fruit Growers want to introduce the insect parasitoid Pseudaphycus maculipennis for the biological control of the obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni) which they say causes an estimated $7 million worth of damage to pip fruit crops in Hawkes Bay. P. maculipennis is a tiny wasp about 1.0 to 1.5 mm long, (or about the size of pin head) and is incapable of harming human beings. The obscure mealybug, also known as bakers mealybug was accidentally introduced into New Zealand in the 1920?s and the pip fruit growers say that they have been a major problem in Hawkes Bay for the last 40 years. The tiny wasp lays its eggs inside the developing obscure mealybug eventually killing it. (link to feature)
Meanwhile the New Zealand Citrus Growers Association and the Avocado Industry Council have applied to import and release a new parasitoid, Thripobius semiluteus for the control of greenhouse thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis. The parasitoid T. semiluteus, which is also a tiny wasp, measuring 0.6 mm in length (about half the size of a pinhead) lays it eggs in larval thrips - eventually killing them before they mature. The applicants claim that greenhouse thrips are a major pest of commercial citrus and avocado crops and cost an estimated $6.25 million to either control the thrips or by way of damaged fruit. (see feature)
These two applications have now been publicly notified (22 January 2000) and interested parties, including the public can make written submissions on these. The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 3 March 2000. The applications are available at ERMA New Zealand's office in Wellington or an executive summary of them can be viewed on our web site. Executive Summaries: NOR99001 NOR99002. Submissions must be in writing, stating the reason for the submission, what outcome the submitter wants and whether or not they wish to be heard at a hearing by the Authority. Full details on how to make a submission are contained in a brochure on this subject which is available from ERMA New Zealand or this material is also available on the web site.
Once submissions close, ERMA New Zealand will arrange a public hearing if the applicant or submitters request it, or if the Authority considers it necessary. This is likely to take place in April. The decisions of the Authority are publicly notified in the main metropolitan newspapers.
The Authority must consider the potential adverse effects of these new organisms on the environment and on the health and safety of people and communities. In particular it will consider the potential adverse effects on natural habitat and native species, and New Zealand?s inherent genetic diversity. It must also take into account matters relating to Maori Culture and values and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
This decision could set a precedent for future applications for the introduction of new organisms.
For further comment, contact the Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand, Dr Bas Walker.