Weed Eating Rust Fungus gets ERMA approval
Released 24 Jun 2011
Federated Farmers supports the release of the rust fungus Uromyces pencanus which is a biological control agent against the noxious weed Chilean Needle Grass.
"The application to import the fungus has just been approved by ERMA. It will provide a new weapon in the fight to eradicate the weed which is gaining a firm hold in pastures around Hawke's Bay, Marlborough and Canterbury," says Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesperson John Hartnell.
"Like many other foreign invaders, the Chilean Needle Grass is an annoying pasture pest to farmers in certain regions of New Zealand.
"Not only does the weed have needle like seeds that pierce animals' skin causing wounds and animal welfare issues, but the weed can also reduce the amount of productive farmland, causing land values to drop.
"During the ERMA application process Federated Farmers raised some concerns with the proposed release of Uromyces pencanus around host specificity and whether benefits of release out weighed any risks. Our main concern was that it was unknown whether in the New Zealand climate the rust fungus could revert to new hosts, such as commercial arable species or beneficial pasture. If so, this could prove devastating to farmers and our conservation estate alike.
"While raising concerns, we are pleased that the ERMA risk assessment process proved that no significant risks have been identified and the effectiveness of the imported South American rust species far outweighs any long-term risks to the environment or farming.
"The rust fungus also proved to be very host specific to Needle Grass and we are pleased that our concerns annulled. In this case, the science proved strong and provides the reassurance we require before supporting this type of importation clearance.
"Federated Farmers regards itself as the final front of defence here as these kinds of biological issues seem to be of no interest to most New Zealanders. Any bad biological control release could be devastating to the farming industry and New Zealand's financial health as a whole.
"Farmers, like all other New Zealanders, need certainty. We now have that and the good news is that benefits of releasing Uromyces pencanus will help farmers in their future management of a high profile invasive noxious weed."
For further information:
John Hartnell, Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesman, 03 349 5590, 021 578 754
Mark Ross, Federated Farmers general manager policy and advocacy, 04 494 9187, 027 442 9965
