NZFGA reports that Australia has requested MPI to provide information on the use of predators and parasitoids on cut flowers. This is part of a study where Australia is considering re-assessing the pest status of predators and parasitoids used on imported cut flowers and foliage. MPI says it is of the view that this as a positive move that should be beneficial for NZ’s industry.

The Ministry suggests that there’s an opportunity to provide comment on the types of arthropod predators and parasitoids and any other microorganisms used in cut flower and foliage production sites in New Zealand. Growers may have used these to enhance resilience or as a biological control.

This is a great opportunity for cut flower growers, particularly those that use predatory mites or other biological controls, to contribute information as in time any changes could be beneficial for the export of cut flowers to Australia.  

MPI would appreciate if they would take the time to provide them with the following technical information to allow Australia to assess the impact of methods used for the control of pests on exported cut flower and foliage:

• Provide a list of all predators, parasitoids and microorganisms used (as biocontrol agents or to enhance crop resilience) during production of each different crop type exported to Australia;
• The origin of all predators, parasitoids and microorganisms, for example are they indigenous to New Zealand;
• A description of the stage at which predators, parasitoids and microorganisms are used in crop production and their benefits. If a pathway diagram or table could be provided, MPI says that it would be considered very helpful;
• A description of the methods used to remove predators, parasitoids and microorganisms from cut flowers and foliage prior to their export to Australia.

MPI believes that this is a great opportunity for the cut flower industry to comment on production in New Zealand, as it may ultimately benefit the industry. The Ministry has recently received this request for information creating a very tight turn around for comment. Any information will therefore need to be sent directly to MPI by Thursday, 2 February 2017 to meet the deadline set by Australia.

It says it recognises it may be difficult to meet this time frame, but please provide whatever information you can. Also advise MPI if there is any other information that could possibly provided at a later date, if it’s able to extend the deadline.

Source: NZFGA