May 11, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority is now considering applications to import and release two new tiny wasps to control pests in orchards. These are the first applications to release a new organism into the New Zealand environment since the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act came into effect in July 1998. Previous applications have been to import new organisms into containment only for trials and evaluation.
On Tuesday May 9th the Authority heard an application by the Hawkes Bay Pipfruit IFP Group to import the insect parasitoid Pseudaphycus maculipennis for the biological control of the obscure mealybug while the New Zealand Citrus Growers Incorporated applied to import the parasitoid wasp Thripobius semiluteus to control greenhouse thrips which cause damage to avocado and citrus orchards. The two parasitoid wasps are about the size of a pin head lay eggs in their quarry eventually killing them.
The applications to import these biological control agents was publicly notified in January this year and a total of eight submissions were received. Three support the applications, three oppose them and two of the submitters did not state that it wanted the Authority to make a specific decision.
Only two submitters spoke at the hearing - the Department of Conservation and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, both of whom oppose the application. The other organisation opposed to the application, the Ngatiwai Trust Board of Whangarei stated it did not wish to be present at the hearing. Those in support of the applicants are the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation, Lincoln University and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity Authority. Te R?nanga o Ng? Tahu and Landcare Research made submissions but have taken a neutral stance.
The Authority has now adjourned to makes its decision and this may take several weeks.
For further information contact:
| Bas Walker Chief Executive Ph (04) 473-8426 |
Peter Burke Public Awareness Advisor Ph (04) 473-8426 |