Testing has been carried out in New Zealand in containment to ensure the Tamarixia will not harm native psyllid species.

Potatoes New Zealand Inc, Tomatoes NZ Inc, Vegetables NZ Inc, Heinzâ€�Wattie’s NZ Ltd, and NZ Tamarillo Growers Association Inc; are asking growers to make a submission to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in support of the use of the Tamarixiaâ€�trioaze as a bio control agent in New Zealand.

Application forms and other information regarding the submission process can be found at: http://www.potatoesnz.co.nz/hot�topics/tamarixa�triozae�tpp�bio�control�agent/

Benefits of Tamarixia introduction into New Zealand

• Effective and sustainable control of TPP through the adoption of an integrated pest management. This will help reduce insecticide use, improving human health outcomes;
• An overall benefit conservatively valued at between $4 million and $12.2 million per year over 20 years;
• Help traditional Maori food growers to control TPP and support sustainability in growing and providing food for their families.

Risks of introduction

• The main risk is to native psyllid species, however, after host range testing, it has been found that Tamarixiaâ€�trioaze will not cause significant risk to native species or cause significant deterioration of natural habitats.

For more information, visit: http://www.potatoesnz.co.nz/news/general�industrynews/epa�application�for�tamarixia�a�tpp�bio�control�agent/