New Agent Approved

Brazilian yellow leaf spot fungus (Kordyana sp.).

In January the Environmental Protection Authority approved the release of a fourth biocontrol agent for tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis) in New Zealand.

The latest approval is for a yellow leaf spot fungus (Kordyana sp.), which causes large distinctive yellow spots to form on the leaves. Auckland Council was again the applicant. The yellow leaf spot fungus is expected to complement the activity of the three tradescantia beetles that have now all been released. Releases of the leaf beetle (Neolema ogloblini) began in autumn 2011 and some promising signs of establishment have been seen. Releases of the stem beetle (Lema basicostata) began last autumn followed by the tip beetle (Neolema abbreviata) earlier this year. When funds permit, we will import the yellow leaf spot fungus into our pathogen containment facility and over time obtain a clean colony that can be released.