June 25, 2001
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has given approval for release into the environment of three small flies designed to control the spread of Hieracium species (hawkweeds) in the New Zealand hill and high country pastoral areas and also conservation land.
The three tiny flies - Macolabis pilosellae, Cheilosia urbana and Cheilosia psilopthalma have been identified by Landcare Research and CABI Bioscience as being part of a suite of biological control agents that are likely to have the most impact on Hieracium. The weed has the potential to displace a million stock units worth $76million because of reduced pasture production. This does not include large areas of native grassed in conservation areas that are also threatened by Hieracium. The application to release the flies was lodged by the Hieracium Control Trust in November 2000.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority controls the introduction to New Zealand of new plants, animals and microorganisms (including genetically modified organisms GMOs), and hazardous substances. Since the new organisms component of the HSNO Act started in July 1998, there have been five applications approved to release new organisms, none of which have been GMOs. In this case, the Authority was satisfied that the insects would only feed on Hieracium species and would have no other adverse effects on the environment or human health. By controlling Hieracium spread, benefits are expected to for high country pastoral farmers and the conservation estate.
Further information about this application, the Authority's decision and other biological control agents can be found under the Focus Pages (Bio Control Agents page) in the News & Issues section of our website.
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin,
Communications Manager,
ERMA New Zealand
Ph: 04 496 4826