Submissions on Brazilian beetles to control tradescantia

16 March 2011

The Environmental Risk Management Authority is calling for submissions on an application to introduce two beetles for the control of the weed tradescantia.

The application is from Auckland Council on behalf of a group of regional councils and the Department of Conservation.

Tradescantia, commonly known as wandering Willie, is a problem weed in conservation areas and home gardens. It forms dense mats which can smother low-growing plants, including native tree seedlings.

The beetles, Lema basicostata and Neolema abbreviata, come from Brazil, the home of tradescantia. They feed on the stems and shoot tips of the tradescantia.

If released, the beetles are expected to reduce the growth rate and bulk of tradescantia at existing infestation sites, and reduce its spread to new sites.

The application states the beetles will complement Neolema ogloblini, which was approved for release in 2008.

Submissions from the public are now being sought.

Submissions can be made by letter, 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/consultations/Pages/default.aspx

Submissions close on 29 April, 2011.

ENDS

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