It reported that the number of infested properties confirmed within the Controlled Area remains unchanged at thirteen (13). The burning of straw in the Wairarapa continues.

Surveillance for pea weevils outside the Controlled Area

MPI is planning surveillance for the presence of pea weevils in pea crops outside the Controlled Area. The Ministry will be working with specific farmers. Other farmers that are not part of its surveillance can use the guidelines below to help them monitor their crops. Growers are asked to share them with those who would find this useful: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/14140

MPI says it has not set an exclusion zone around the seed offal buried at Highbank. There will be increased monitoring for pea weevil around the site.

Those who have destroyed pea straw will need to get the destruction verified. Please call 0800 80 99 66 to arrange verification, it can be as simple as sending a photo to the permit team.

Destruction of straw that left the region before the CAN was issued continues. The seed dressing waste held at a seed processor will be disposed via certified waste.

A plan for monitoring for weevils outside the Controlled Area is currently being developed in conjunction with industry, while risk sites in the Controlled Area are being monitored.

Planting of trap crops will start soon. These pea crops will lure weevils to them and the plants will then be sprayed with insecticide and destroyed. For the trap crops to be successful no other peas must be grown inside the Controlled Area.

Managing self-seeding ‘volunteer’ plants

MPI suggests that some growers will be aware that there are instances of volunteer plants appearing in areas where pea crops have been grown in past seasons. Last week, it carried out an investigation after receiving two separate reports from people concerned about volunteer peas growing on a Wairarapa property. This incident has highlighted the vigilance required over the next two years if this pest is to be eradicated. Any potential non-compliance with the current Controlled Area Notice can place the entire industry at jeopardy if the correct procedures are not followed. Ultimately, the investigation concluded that no further action was required. MPI is now working with the farmer to thoroughly clear self-seeding pea plants from his property.

It is important that volunteer plants are managed so that they cannot attract weevils this coming season.

To help MPI get advice out to the wider community, particularly growers, about this issue would it asks that this information be circulated to grower association members and contacts.

MPI advises growers who have previously grown pea crops, particularly last season, to check for any self-sowing ‘volunteer’ plants in the areas previously planted. Either pull these out (where feasible), plough them in or treat with herbicide. Those who observe a large-scale problem with significant numbers of plants are asked to contact MPI on 0800 80 99 66 for advice. MPI is keen to keep records of any areas where large numbers of volunteer plants have been managed, so that these areas can be checked in future.

Please also re-emphasise that any sightings of growing peas should be reported to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

Keeping the messages going to home gardeners

MPI continues to remind home gardeners about the ban. Through a range of media, it's encouraging those who may have already sown peas to remove any plants and dispose of them in the home rubbish. If gardeners have applied pea straw, they are asked to check for any sprouting pea plants, remove and destroy.

Link to the Controlled Area Notice: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/13314

Link to the MPI website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/responding/alerts/pea-weevil/

Enquiries about movement control and permit requests should be sent via e-mail.