4 November 2008
Media Release
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved for release
in New Zealand a leaf-eating Brazilian beetle, Neolema ogloblini, as a
biological control agent for the weed tradescantia.
Acting General Manager New Organisms Asela Atapattu said the
application was lodged by the Auckland Regional Council on behalf of a
group of regional councils and the Department of Conservation.
“Trandescantia, which is sometimes known as wandering willie, is a
South American native that has spread rapidly in New Zealand. It forms
dense mats of leaves which can smother low-growing native plants and is
a threat to forest regrowth.”
Neolema ogloblini is believed to play a part in keeping tradescantia in check in South America and it is hoped that it can stop or slow the spread of the weed in New Zealand.
Landcare Research has carried out laboratory testing to assess the safety of the beetle for release in the New Zealand environment. The committee considered the risk to native plant species is negligible as tradescantia is not related to any New Zealand plants.
As part of the application process requests for submissions were sent
to the Ministry for the Environment, the Department of Conservation, the
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand, other
government departments and agencies, local authorities, iwi,
universities, crown research institutes and interest groups. A total of
59 submissions was considered by the committee. A public hearing was not
requested.
After weighing the costs, risks and benefits, the committee
considered the overall beneficial effects of releasing N. ogloblini for
the biological control of tradescantia outweighed the negligible adverse
effects.
For further information contact:
Mark Walles, Senior Communications Advisor, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 -4 -918 4813 • Mobile 021 976 853
• Facsimile +64- 4 -914 0433 • Email:
mark.walles@ermanz.govt.nz