New Year, New Agents
Moth Plant
Welcome to 2016!
So what can we expect 2016 to hold with regards to new weed biocontrol agents? Well potentially quite a few. Just before Christmas the EPA approved the release of a second agent for moth plant (Araujia hortorum). However, it may be some time before this rust fungus (Puccinia araujiae), like the first agent approved against moth plant, the beetle (Colaspis argentinensis) can be released in New Zealand. Unfortunately, in recent years it has become extremely difficult to get permits to export prospective biocontrol agents out of Argentina. This is also the reason that the Chilean needle grass rust (Uromyces pencanus) has not been released here yet. However, it is hoped that a recent change of government in Argentina will finally make it possible to secure these long awaited export permits, allowing releases of these three new agents to get underway. Fortunately the Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) project has not struck any permitting issues and the first release of the Japanese honeysuckle longhorn beetle (Oberea shirahati) is expected to be made later this year. It is also looking hopeful that widespread releases of the white admiral (Limenitis glorifica) can begin then too (see story on page 6).
We will also be keeping the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) busy with applications to release a number of new agents. The EPA is currently considering applications to release a weevil (Grypus equiseti) for field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), and a beetle (Chrysolina abchasica) and a moth (Lathronympha strigana) for tutsan (Hypericum androsaemum). If approved, field releases of these insects are likely to begin this spring, and it will be the first time that any of them have been used as biocontrol agents anywhere in the world. An application is currently being prepared to request permission to release a gall-forming wasp (Tetramesa romana) and a scale insect (Rhizaspidiotus donacis) for giant reed (Arundo donax) control. Both species have been established for this purpose in the USA and Mexico. We originally imported these agents with the intention of gaining permission to release them in the Cook Islands, but there was a change of plan when it became apparent that some of the plants thought to be giant reed in Rarotonga were in fact other very similar-looking grasses. Giant reed is of limited distribution currently in New Zealand too, but appears to be spreading and is likely to become a worse problem since it has been nominated as one of 100 of the “World’s Worst” invasive species.
Later in 2016 we hope to be in a position, subject to final host-testing delivering suitable results, of being able to prepare EPA applications for a new agent, the leaf curling gall mite (Aceria vitalbae) for old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba), and the first agent for wild ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), which is likely to be the stem-mining fly (Merchlorops aff. dimorphus). Both will also be world firsts. So 2016 is well and truly shaping up to be another year in which New Zealand leads the world in the development of new weed biocontrol agents.
If you would like to find out more about new agents being put forward for approval, or to make a submission to the EPA, you can find further details on our website and/or on the EPA's website.
The field horsetail and tutsan projects are funded by the Lower Rangitikei Horsetail Control Group and Tutsan Action Group respectively, both primarily with funds from the Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Farming Fund plus co-funding from a range of sources. The old man’s beard, wild ginger, moth plant and Chilean needle grass projects are funded by the National Biocontrol Collective. Members of this collective are also supporting the giant reed project.