Risk analysis for the release of Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata
We conducted a risk analysis for the release of the gall fly Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata (commonly known as chromolaena).
We conducted the risk analysis in two key steps:
- Released the draft report of the risk analysis for the release of Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata on 18 July 2018, via Biosecurity Advice 2018-13 for a 30 day consultation period, closing on 17 August 2018.
- Released the final report of the risk analysis, on 11 October 2018, via Biosecurity Advice 2018-28. No stakeholder comments were submitted during the consultation period.
Summary of the risk analysis for the release of Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has undertaken this risk analysis to assess the proposal by the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) to release the gall fly Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata in Australia.
The final report recommends that the release of C. connexa should be permitted, subject to standard quarantine conditions associated with the import and release of biological control agents.
The final report has determined the overall likelihood of off-target effects and potential consequences associated with the release of C. connexa to be Negligible. A risk estimate of Negligible meets Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).
The assessment of risk to off-target plants included consideration of the testing methodology used and the plant species test list, including non-target species tested in described experiments and previous host specificity testing conducted overseas. The biology and state of knowledge of the biology of the proposed biological control agent, and departmental (NAQS) observations of target and off-target effects in areas overseas where C. connexa has been released for the biological control of C. odorata were also considered.
Application for the field-release of Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata
This risk analysis assesses the application made by the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to release the gall fly Cecidochares connexa to control chromolaena in Australia.
The published application report may not meet Australian Government accessibility guidelines as it has not been prepared by the department.
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| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
Application for the field-release of Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata PDF |
45 | 2.1 MB |
Final risk analysis for the release of Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata
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Draft risk analysis for the release of Cecidochares connexa for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata
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Next steps
Publication of the final risk analysis report represents the end of the risk analysis process. Following the risk analysis process, if the department approves release of the biological control agent, the applicant will be contacted and informed of the release process and provided with conditions of release.
Please note that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water also has an approval process for the importation and release of biological control agents under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. More information on this process can be found on the Department of the Environment and Energy website.
General Information
Register as a stakeholder
The Biosecurity Plant Division uses the stakeholder register for distributing biosecurity risk analysis policy information to registered stakeholders. Stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses are invited to subscribe via the department’s online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, you will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy.
New scientific information
Scientific information can be provided to us at any time, including after a risk analysis has been completed. We will consider the information provided and review the analysis.
Contact information
For more information, stakeholders can email imports or phone 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1).