Lace bug to control woolly nightshade, submissions

Media release

27 April 2009

Call for submissions on lace bug to control woolly nightshade

The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application to introduce the lace bug Gargaphia decoristo control the weed woolly nightshade.

ERMA New Zealand’s New Organisms General Manager, Libby Harrison, says an application has been made by Environment Bay of Plenty on behalf of a group of regional councils and the Department of Conservation.

Woolly nightshade is an invasive weed that is well established in the North Island.

Its large leaves form dense canopies that prevent other vegetation from establishing. It takes over pasture and is thought to be toxic to stock. Handling the leaves can also cause skin and respiratory tract irritation and nausea in humans.

Its sale or propagation is banned in New Zealand under the National Pest Plant Accord (2008).

Herbicides can control woolly nightshade, but Environment Bay of Plenty says the weed is too widespread to make this option feasible.

The lace bugGargaphia decorisoriginally comes from southeast Brazil. It has already been introduced to South Africa for woolly nightshade control.

Environment Bay of Plenty says testing has shown the lace bug does not pose any risk to native plants in New Zealand, or related field and tree crops.

If the application is ultimately approved, this would be the first biological control agent for woolly nightshade to be released in New Zealand.

Submissions from the public are now sought, and close on 9 June, 2009.

Dr Harrison says submissions form an important part of the information presented to the Environmental Risk Management Authority to consider before making its decision.

Submissions can be made by letter or email (submissions@ermanz.govt.nz ), or through the ERMA New Zealand website www.ermanz.govt.nz .

The full application can be found at http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/search/registers.html?id=23982

ENDS

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