May 4, 2000
Application NOR 99004
The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions
on an application to import a tiny 
gall
fly to control mist flower, Ageratina riparia in the Auckland and Northland
regions. This is the first application for the importation of a biological
control agent to deal with a weed species since the Hazardous Substances
and New Organisms Act came into effect in July 1998.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority is responsible for controlling the introduction of new organisms and genetically modified organisms into New Zealand and the importation and manufacture of hazardous substances.
The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is applying to introduce and release the mist flower gall fly, Procecidochares alani (Steyskal) to combat the mist flower which it says is a serious plant pest in conservation areas in Northland and is becoming a problem in Auckland. The ARC says mist flower grows densely in near streams and in the semi shade of forests where it forms a dense mat limiting forest regeneration and is a threat to rare plants that grow in these areas.
They
believe that the gall fly, with a wing span of just 8mm will insert its
eggs into the mist flower plant and when these hatch and the gall fly
larvae emerge, they will feed on the mist flower, reducing its growth
and allowing the native species to regenerate. For further details refer
to our news release dated May 2, 2000.
This application was notified on April 26 and submissions close on June 7. The Authority is expected to consider the application in July. Copies of the application are available from ERMA New Zealand's office in Wellington.
Details on how to make a submission are available in Quick Guide Making a Submission which is available from ERMA New Zealand or on this web site.
For further information, reports and decision view the Application Register.