Saturday, 13 February 2016 11:25

Parasitic wasp release proposed to combat vege pest

Written by 
The application seeks approval to release the psyllid parasitoid Tamarixia triozae (the wasp) to kill the tomato potato psyllid (pictured). Image: Plant & Food Research. The application seeks approval to release the psyllid parasitoid Tamarixia triozae (the wasp) to kill the tomato potato psyllid (pictured). Image: Plant & Food Research.

Release of a type of parasitic wasp is proposed as a biological control agent to combat a psyllid - plant louse - that attacks tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums and tamarillos

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has opened submissions on an application to release the wasp.

The application, from Horticulture NZ, on behalf of a number of growers' industry groups, seeks approval to release the psyllid parasitoid Tamarixia triozae (the wasp) to kill the tomato potato psyllid or TPP (Bactericera cockerelli).

This application was made under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.

"Biological control is where the natural enemies of a plant pest (weed) or insect pest are released to reduce, eradicate and / or control those pests. We're notifying this application to ensure that the EPA can consider all views about potential risks and benefits of introducing Tamarixia triozae into New Zealand," said applications and assessment general manager Sarah Gardner.

The psyllid was first found in New Zealand in 2006. It has been reported as a pest in several countries. If left without control it can have a significant impact on plant health and crop yield.

The psyllid has three life stages – egg, nymph and adult. Adult females lay eggs on the upper and lower surface of potato, tomato, capsicum and tamarillo plant leaves. Both nymphs and adults feed on the underside of leaves, causing discoloration and stunting of the plant, with poor or little fruit growth. The psyllid is also known to transmit a bacterial pathogen that causes Zebra Chip disease in some horticulture crops, like potatoes, which also impacts crop yields.

Tamarixia triozae is a parasitoid which means it attaches to or within a single host and eventually kills it. It is a small, black, winged red-eyed wasp that is found mainly in North America and Mexico. It lays its eggs on the surface of psyllid nymphs (the host). Once hatched, the eggs develop into larvae that feed on the psyllid nymphs, eventually killing them.

If released as a biological control, Tamarixia triozae will establish self-sustaining populations, meaning it will be able to live and reproduce without any human intervention in the New Zealand environment.

The application concludes that this would reduce psyllid pressures on potatoes, tomatoes and other solanaceous crops. If released Tamarixia triozae will not be constrained in the environment and its movement and interaction with other species will be unrestricted.

The applicant notes that Tamarixia triozae would be part of an integrated pest management (IPM) programme, using the natural enemies of psyllid to achieve effective control in combination with traditional and chemical control strategies.

The public are invited to make submissions on the application to the EPA. The submission period opens on Thursday, February 11, 2016 and closes at 5pm on March 24, 2016.

Submissions are an opportunity to provide further information and raise issues about an application. They will inform a decision-making committee that will decide whether to approve or decline the application.

A public hearing may be held before a decision is made. The EPA will provide at least 10 working days' notice of the hearing date, time and place. We'll provide this information to all submitters and the applicant.

The EPA's role is to decide on applications for the release of new organisms under the HSNO Act. It assesses the benefits, risks and costs of releasing new organisms to safeguard people and the environment.

More like this

EPA clarifies GMO definition, researchers happy

Researchers are celebrating an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ruling that removes restrictions on the use of null segregants- descendants from genetically modified organisms but do not contain genetic modifications themselves.

Food security crucial

Hort NZ chair Barry O'Neil says food supply and security is fundamental to New Zealand's future.

How hort fared in 2023

For the country's horticultural sector, it's been a year that started off with the worst weather imaginable. It also had plenty of drama and intrigue and ended up with us getting a new tri-party government that has collectively promised to fix everything! Peter Burke reports.

Glyphosate use under review?

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is deciding whether there are grounds to reasses the use of the herbicide glyphosate in NZ.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter