August 14, 2000
Embargoed until noon Monday 14th August, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has given approval for another wasp to be released into the environment, to control insects that damage horticultural crops.
The tiny parasitoid wasp, Pseudaphycus maculipennis will be used to control the obscure mealybug Pseudococcus viburni, which causes considerable damage to pipfruit crops such as apples and pears, and is becoming increasingly resistant to available insecticides.
The application to release the wasp from containment was lodged by a Hawke's Bay pipfruit growers group on 16 April 1999. It was one of two bio control agent applications considered by the Authority at a public hearing on 9 May 2000. (The other application - to release a parasitoid to control greenhouse thrips - was approved by the Authority in June).
The Environmental Risk Management Authority controls the introduction to New Zealand of new plants and animals, including genetically modified organisms GMOs, and hazardous substances.
At the hearing, the Department of Conservation and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society raised concerns about the possible effects the parasitoid might have on other mealybugs in New Zealand. In approving the application, the Authority gave particular attention to these risks and concluded that non-target parasitism and other adverse environmental effects were very unlikely.
Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act, the Authority is unable to place control measures on the release of a new organism, unlike field tests or laboratory research that can be contained and controlled.
Since the Act started in July 1998, there have been four applications to release new organisms, none of which has been for GMOs.
Full details of this application and the Authority's decision can be found via the feature page on the insect as well as a summary feature page on Biological Control Agents.
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin,
Communications Manager
ERMA New Zealand
Ph: 04 496 4826
Mob: 04 918 4826