16 June 2022
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the release of the final risk analysis report for the release of the gall-inducing thrips, Acaciothrips ebneri for the biological control of the weed, prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica).
The final report recommends that the biological control agent should be permitted to be released, subject to standard import and release conditions associated with exotic biological control agents.
The final report takes into account comments received from stakeholders on the draft report released on 30 March 2022.
The final report recommends that the biological control agent, Acaciothrips ebneri, should be permitted to be released to control the weed, prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica). The risk is estimated to be Negligible, which achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).
The applicant, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF), provided a submission in support of its application to release the biological control agent. The submission detailed the results of host-specificity testing, together with other relevant information. This submission is included as an attachment to the final report.
The department announced the release of the draft report for public consultation on 30 March 2022. One submission was received during the consultation period, the submission supported the outcomes of the draft report.
The final report and more information about this risk analysis are available on our website. Printed copies of the report are available on request.
We invite stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses to subscribe via our online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, you will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy, including this risk analysis.
Peter Creaser
Acting First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1)
Email: imports@awe.gov.au