19 June 2013
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders that a policy recommendation has been made to allow release of the parasitoid wasp Mastrus ridens for the biological control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella). Release of Mastrus ridens may be permitted, subject to standard quarantine conditions associated with the import and release of biological control agents.
DAFF has completed a risk analysis assessing an application from the Department of Primary Industries Victoria to release the parasitic ichneumonid wasp, Mastrus ridens for the biological control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella). In support of this application, the Department of Primary Industries Victoria has provided a submission detailing results of host specificity testing, along with other relevant information. This submission is included as an appendix to the final risk analysis.
The Department of Primary Industries Victoria submitted an application for the release of the parasitic ichneumonid wasp, Mastrus ridens in June 2012.
A preliminary draft risk analysis report was distributed to state and territory departments of primary industry and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) through the Plant Health Committee (PHC). All comments endorsed the preliminary draft and its recommendations.
A draft risk analysis report was released for a 30 day stakeholder consultation period on 23 April 2013. Written submissions from 5 stakeholders were considered in the preparation of the final report. All comments endorsed the draft and its recommendations.
The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) has a parallel approval process for the import and release of biological control agents under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. Under Section 303EE (4) of the EPBC Act, this final risk analysis report may be used by the responsible Minister in making a determination to include the item on the List of specimens suitable for live import (the live import list). DAFF Biosecurity has consulted with DSEWPC prior to the release of the final report and it has endorsed the findings of this report.
The final report has identified no significant off-target effects or potential consequences that would be associated with the release of Mastrus ridens. The risk is estimated to be negligible, which meets Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).
In accordance with the IRA handbook 2011, this risk analysis has been undertaken as a non-regulated analysis of existing policy.
Tom Aldred
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant
Contact: Bill Magee
Tel: +61 2 6275 3933
Fax: +61 2 6271 3307
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