January 22, 2000
The Hawkes Bay Pip Fruit Growers IFP Group 20 has applied to import and to release into New Zealand the insect paristoid, Pseudaphycus maculipennis for the biological control of the obscure mealybug which damages pip fruit crops.
This and application NOR99002 will be the first to be considered under the new organisms provisions of the HSNO Act which came into effect 1998.The application was notified on 22 January 2000 and interested parties, including the public are invited to make submissions. The submission period closes on 3 March 2000. The Authority is expected to consider the application in April. For more details see our media release dated 22 January 2000.
As this is a "release application, the Authority is required to take into account the environmental and health impacts of any new organism being introduced into New Zealand. The Authority is also required to take account of Maori values and culture.
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 introduced into New Zealand
in the 1920's. P.maculipennis lays its eggs inside the developing
obscure mealybug eventually killing it.
For further details refer to the Application Summary. Copies of the full application are available from ERMA New Zealand's office in Wellington.
Details on how to make a submission and the hearings process are available in "Quick Guide to making submissions" for information on making a submission or the hearing process view
For further information, reports and decision refer to the Application Register.