Samurai wasp can be used to fight stink bug

The samurai wasp - Trissolcus japonicas. Photo:www.freshfromflorida.com

The samurai wasp can now be released – if needed – into New Zealand to combat any Brown Marmorated Stink Bug invasion, following a decision by the Environmental Protection Authority.

Earlier this year the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Council – which includes groups representing the avocado, apple and pear, tomato, vegetable and wine industries – applied to the EPA to seek pre-approval to release the Samurai wasp as a biological control agent for brown marmorated stink bug in the event that the pest is found in NZ. 

After a public hearing and consideration of 69 submissions, including 65 that supported the application, the EPA has approved the application, subject to a range of controls, saying the wasp is a natural enemy of the stink bug.

“Only the Ministry for Primary Industries and its appointed agents may evoke the approval, as it is responsible for managing incursion responses and has the requisite expertise,” says EPA’s media statement.

“The samurai wasp may only be released in NZ after a stink bug invasion has been detected, and only at the location of the incursion.

“Before any conditional release is made MPI, in conjunction with the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Council, must submit a Response Readiness Plan to the EPA.

“This must provide verification of the incursion and how conditions imposed for any release will be met. “The plan must be reviewed and resubmitted within three years.”

Any EPA approval to release the samurai wasp will expire after 10 years, but may be extended.

In considering the application, the EPA says it considered whether the samurai wasp might displace any native species or harm natural habitats.

“It also assessed the possibility of adverse effects on human health and safety, and on NZ’s genetic diversity.”

The EPA heard from a number of grower organisations and individual growers about the potential impact the brown marmorated stink bug might have on their industries and livelihoods.

It noted many horticultural industries rely on integrated pest management practice, or use of softer chemicals for pest control.

“A broad incursion by the brown marmorated stink bug would lead to widespread use of broad-spectrum agrichemicals, which are likely to adversely affect sustainable practices and access to export markets,” the EPA noted.

The EPA sets the rules for bringing new organisms into NZ under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, by assessing environmental and economic risks and benefits to New Zealanders and the environment.


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