Tomatoes New Zealand has applied to import and release the predatory mirid, Macrolophus pygmaeus. The application says this insect has proved effective at controlling whitefly overseas, and it could be used to control this greenhouse pest here in New Zealand. 

If the application is approved, Tomatoes New Zealand says commercial operators will rear colonies of Macrolophus pygmaeus, which would then be released into greenhouses. 

More information about the application can be found here.

Public submissions are an important part of the process for considering applications to release new species into New Zealand. Those wanting to make a submission must have submitted it to the EPA by 5:00pm Friday, 7 February 2014.

Source: scoop.co.nz