We conducted a risk analysis for the release of the gall-inducing thrips Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica).
We conducted the risk analysis in two key steps:
- Released the draft report of the risk analysis for the release of Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica on 30 March 2022, via Biosecurity Advice 2022/P02 for a 30 day consultation period, closing on 29 April 2022.
- Released the final report of the risk analysis in June 2022, following consideration of stakeholder submissions.
We recommended that the release of the gall-inducing thrips Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica) should be permitted, subject to meeting the standard quarantine requirements for biological control agents.
It has been determined that the risk estimate for the gall-inducing thrips targeting plants other than prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica) is Negligible. This risk estimate achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP). Details of the assessment that determined this risk estimate are contained in the final risk analysis report.
The application that was submitted by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) was included with the final report.
Application for the release of Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica
This risk analysis assesses the application made by QDAF to release the gall-inducing thrips Acaciothrips ebneri to control prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica) in Australia.
The published application report may not meet Australian Government accessibility guidelines as it has not been prepared by the department.
Download application
Application for the release of Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica (PDF 2.2 MB)
Annexure 1 (PDF 438 KB)
Annexure 2 (PDF 1.3 MB)
Annexure 3 (PDF 2.1 MB)
Download final report
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, June 2022
Final risk analysis report for the release of Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica (PDF 841 KB)
Final risk analysis report for the release of Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica (DOCX 968 KB)
Download draft report
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, March 2022.
Draft risk analysis report for the release of Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica (PDF 883 KB)
Draft risk analysis report for the release of Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica (DOCX 962 KB)
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Next steps
Publication of the final risk analysis report represents the end of the risk analysis. There is also an approval process administered within the department under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Risk analysis reports may be used by the Minister for the Environment in making a determination to include the species on the List of specimens taken to be suitable for live import (the Live Import List). This approval process will occur following release of the final report. If we approve release of the biological control agent and the Live Import List is amended to include the agent, a letter will be sent to the applicant providing conditions of release.
Keep informed
Register as a stakeholder
Subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant via the department’s online subscription service to receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy.
Contact us
For more information, email imports or phone 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1).