January 22, 2000
The Avocado Industry Council and the New Zealand Citrus Growers Inc has applied to import and release into New Zealand a new parasitoid, Thripobius semiluteus for the control of greenhouse thrips, heliothrips haemorrhoidalis)
This and application NOR99001 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 about the public submissions 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.
 |
The parasitoid T. semiluteus, is a tiny wasp, measuring 0.6 mm in length (about half the size of a pinhead) which lays it eggs in larval thrips - eventually killing them before they hatch. |
For further details refer to the Application Summary. Copies of the 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 Making a Submission and Quick Guide No 8 - Hearings which are available from ERMA New Zealand.
For further information, reports and decision view the Application Register.