PLANTS AND ENVIRONMENT health surveillance and incursion investigation report Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) family (melons, pumpkins acted quickly to contain the spread by Incursion Investigators received 201 plant and ). It is regulated and spraying the ants, the external gasket and environment notifications during the not permitted entry into New Zealand. and corner castings of the container 3-month period July to September 2018. Furthermore, the seeds may be a with insecticide, before reporting their The investigators immediately stood disease risk. The Facebook member find to MPI. MPI Quarantine Officers down 64 notifications where the presence was contacted and asked to destroy the (QOs) inspected the site and submitted of biological risk was ruled out. The 201 seeds. MPI confirmed the plant had been an ant to the MPI PHEL where the notifications represented a 5 percent destroyed by grinding. identification was confirmed and MPI decrease compared with the same quarter directed that the container be fumigated. in 2017 (212). Although notifications Carpenter ants in ceramic tiles A QO also inspected the devanned cargo decreased for this reporting period, there from China at the Transitional Facility and no more was a notable increase in the number Ants were found in a pallet of ceramic ants were found. of cases (122) that required further tiles from China, and the importer After fumigation a QO inspected the investigation to determine the magnitude advised MPI Border Clearance Services. container and removed all potential of the risk, compared with July– Staff at the retail store in Auckland were ant habitat ( and debris). Dead September 2017 when 79 investigations instructed to spray the pallet with knock- ants from were submitted to MPI to resulted from the 212 notifications. down insecticide, six-side shrinkwrap it, see whether a colony might be present, then spray the surrounding area. An MPI Of the 122 cases investigated, a biological and a single queen was found, along Quarantine Officer inspected the site the risk was found in 42 (34 percent) and of with many workers and larvae. Given following day and only dead ants were those investigations that required urgent the uncertainty as to whether ants had found. The remainder of the consignment measures to contain and manage that escaped during devanning, MPI took at the distribution warehouse was also risk, 46 were negative for a biological further precautionary measures. Toxic inspected and no live ants were seen. risk and 19 were inconclusive with no bait was laid and visual surveillance Specimens were submitted to MPI’s further investigation warranted. The undertaken at Wellington Port and the Plant Health & Environment Laboratory remaining 15 investigations were still Transitional Facility, but no live exotic (PHEL), where entomologists identified in progress at the end of the reporting ants were found. Residual insecticide them as carpenter ant (Camponotus sp.), period. Following are some examples of was applied everywhere the container a regulated organism. Some the investigations during this quarter. had been, i.e. Wellington Port, the of Camponotus are known to damage Transitional Facility and the truck depot structural timber, so an ant-control Investigation positive; used for container deliveries between specialist was contracted to check the these two sites. These places will also be establishment prevented two sites. The first treatment was not surveyed as part of the National Invasive completely effective and an active nest through urgent measures Ant Surveillance programme in early containing more than 50 workers and These investigations found organisms 2019 to rule out any residual risk that winged queens was found in the original that were not known to be present in crazy ant may have persisted. New Zealand, and in circumstances pallet. Residual contact insecticide was that enabled treatments to be applied applied at both sites to kill the colony and Organic oyster mushroom and biosecurity mitigation confirmed. eliminate any residual risk. Dome traps growing kit were also deployed and no further ants They typically involved imported goods MPI was notified that an Australian were found on subsequent inspections. and containers. company was selling oyster mushroom The two sites have been added to the (Pleurotus ostreatus) growing kits on Mexican sour gherkin, a 2018–2019 National Invasive Ant Trademe. The MPI National Operations Surveillance programme. plant not permitted entry to Centre was notified and contacted New Zealand Crazy ants in a container from Trademe to request withdrawal of the The Administrator of the NZ Vege Taiwan auction and to request details of the sales Growers Facebook Forum recognised history. One growing kit had been sold A number of crazy ants (Paratrechina a picture of Mexican sour gherkin in New Zealand, and when the buyer was longicornis), a regulated pest, were ( scabra) on their web page. contacted they said that the mushrooms found inside a container of chemicals They reported the page to MPI because had not thrived and any that had grown shipped from Taiwan. The container the picture was accompanied by the had already been eaten. The growing was devanned at a Transitional Facility message “Dragons eggs. I’ll wait and medium had been disposed of with in Lower Hutt before being returned to see what hatches”, and other members household rubbish, and it was concluded Wellington Port. Port surveyors opened of the Facebook forum had expressed that this had mitigated any risk. The the container and discovered live ants interest and asked for seed. This plant is Australian seller was told that these kits swarming inside the door lashing. They also known as cucamelon and is in the were not permitted to be imported into

24 Surveillance 45 (4) 2018 New Zealand and could not be sold ago. The seeds had not been distributed cap that contained sweet pea (Lathyrus through Trademe. nor sown and back-tracing did not yield odoratus) seeds and “wood flour”. Sweet any further information. pea seeds are “basic” under the IHS for Borer in furniture from Egypt As a result of the TV coverage, a seeds for sowing, but need to be correctly In Christchurch, a full container of used member of the public contacted Seven labelled and either accompanied by a furniture from Egypt was heavily infested Sharp and sent them some “blue phytosanitary certificate or inspected on with borer, with some items seriously strawberry” seeds that he had purchased arrival. The pencils were neither correctly damaged and disintegrating. The goods from an e-commerce site. Seven Sharp labelled nor inspected and therefore had been cleared by MPI because a delivered the seeds to MPI and the Plant unauthorised goods so MPI removed and treatment certificate had been provided Health and Environment Laboratory destroyed all the seeds and wood flour by the importer, and the extent of the (PHEL) extracted DNA to carry out and returned the pencils to the importer. borer damage only became evident when gene sequencing in order to use this the goods were unloaded. Although opportunity to raise public awareness of Investigation positive; no live borer were seen, abundant frass non-compliant e-commerce trade. urgent measures limit harm suggested they were still present so the DNA sequencing identified the These investigations resulted in detection consignment was fumigated. as Potentilla indica (also known as of organisms that are not known to Duchesnea indica and Fragaria indica), Seeds purchased online be present in New Zealand and in a member of the family Rosaceae A person in Hamilton ordered seeds circumstances enabling treatments to be commonly known as Indian strawberry through the online store wish.com, applied to all retrievable items, usually or mock strawberry because the and on receiving the consignment, recent imports. There may be some closely resembles edible species of the realised that they had not been correctly residual risk associated with items that strawberry genus, Fragaria. P. indica imported and contacted MPI, who took cannot be retrieved. originates from India and east Asia, and the seeds and destroyed them. is widely naturalised in New Zealand. Regulated exotic plants for “Blue strawberry” seeds sold The fruit is drier than a true strawberry, sale on Trademe online almost inedible, with little flavour and A person from Whangarei reported The Incursion Investigation Plant Health is not blue. P. indica is closely related the exotic plants, tree (IIPH) team was notified of a Trademe to another naturalised exotic species, (Dendrosicyos socotrana) and socotran listing for “blue strawberry seeds”. No P. vesca (synonym Fragaria vesca), dragon tree (Dracaena cinnabari), for such species exists, but so-called “blue the alpine strawberry, which is more sale on Trademe. Both are considered strawberry” seeds have been sold on line, common as a weed in NZ gardens and rare in their native countries and are backed by a false story involving genetic often eaten. P. indica is listed in MPI’s not listed on the Plant Biosecurity Index modification using anti-freeze genes Plant Biosecurity Index (PBI) under the (PBI) so they are not allowed entry to from an Arctic flounder. Strawberry synonym Duchesnea indica as “basic”, i.e. New Zealand. The seller advised that imports to New Zealand must comply does not require additional testing or a the seeds had been imported from with an Import Health Standard (IHS) phytosanitary certificate for importation. hobby groups in the US and France, and that requires 6 months’ active growth True Fragaria spp. are listed in the PBI that they were labelled correctly and in the highest level (3b) of post-entry and may be imported under the Seed for accompanied by appropriate declarations quarantine. In addition, imported Sowing IHS 155.02.05 under the Fragaria at the time of import through the mail strawberry plants and seeds must have schedule. The forensic results were pathway. The person removed the plants phytosanitary certification for the forwarded to Seven Sharp, who did a from the pots and submitted them and absence of regulated pests and diseases follow-up story highlighting the risks and the seeds to MPI for identification and as specified in the IHS. Whatever the uncertainties of purchasing seeds online destruction, and the soil and pots were “blue strawberry seeds” actually were, from non-reputable sources. double-bagged for disposal by MPI the investigator considered it was highly Sweet pea seeds not meeting Quarantine Officers in Whangarei. PHEL unlikely that they met any of these import requirements Botany confirmed D. cinnabari and requirements. D. socotrana, and identified two more MPI was notified of a promotion in At MPI’s request Trademe withdrew species, Bursera fagaroides (torchwood the NZ Herald where “seed pencils” the auction and notified the seller copal) and Pachypodium brevicaule, were part of a prize pack. Follow-up accordingly. The seller then informed both listed as “basic” on the PBI and revealed the supplier of the prize had Trademe and Television New Zealand requiring declaration and inspection at been in contact with MPI’s Plant Imports (Seven Sharp), that he had previously the border. The importer was not aware Team regarding the importation of seen “blue strawberries” growing in that even small quantities of seeds require the pencils. The supplier imported New Zealand, although MPI had no a phytosanitary certificate. On previous a range of non-alcoholic beverages record of them. occasions seeds had been inspected by and had received about 400 pencils as The IIPH investigation revealed that the MPI at the border and released. Relevant merchandising material from their head seller had incinerated the seeds because sections from the MPI Import Health office in England. The pencils had been of the biosecurity issue. The seller advised Standard 155.02.05 “Seeds for sowing” sent via express courier and not been that he had received one hermetically were provided. The importer apologised intercepted at the border. They had a gel sealed bag of about 30–40 seeds 5–6 years for this mistake and volunteered to

Surveillance 45 (4) 2018 25 educate his hobby group, clubs and according to the case. Typically, they pathogen known to cause black foot societies to avoid a recurrence. include cases where a risk assessment disease in New Zealand grapevines, three indicates that a new to New Zealand additional new species were identified Imported maize and wheat organism (or a newly described (based on ITS and H3 sequences) from contaminating bulk salt indigenous organism) has become well different isolates of this entity. These were An MPI Quarantine Officer at Ports of established and is considered unlikely Ilyonectria capensis, Ilyonectria sp. 2, Tauranga was contacted by an importer to damage economic, environmental, and Neocosmospora rubicola. Although to report maize and wheat grain social and cultural values. Alternatively, these three are species not previously contamination in piles of bulk salt on the the organism may be established and considered present in New Zealand, wharf. The source of the contamination causing problems and is already under collection data show the isolates have had been traced back to machinery management as a pest by MPI and/or been present at least since 2009, 2007 and used to unload bulk grain from ships. regional and local authorities. 2005 respectively, and likely longer. The The grain had been imported under change in these isolates’ taxonomic status the Grain Import Scheme (GIS), which New to NZ booklouse in has not changed their biosecurity risk or requires thorough cleaning of machinery Dunedin any other attribute. No further action was handling grain, but this had not been A company importing basketware required except to confirm the taxonomic done properly. The salt importer was from China received a complaint from changes and update databases. concerned about the possible presence a Dunedin customer that a basket The fungus Didymella segeticola (syn. of genetically modified organisms was infested with borer insects. PHEL Phoma segeticola) (Dothidomycetes: (GMOs) and gluten in the grain, which Entomology examined the basket and Pleosporales) was found on leaves of was destined for processing. However, no borers were found, but two species the native tree Lophomyrtus bullata the maize had a GMO-free certificate of psocids (booklice) were present: (ramarama) collected by DOC staff from from the exporting country, and gluten Liposcelis pearmani and Liposcelis decolor the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, a is a normal constituent of wheat and (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae). L. pearmani sparsely populated area on State Highway was therefore certain to be present. had not previously been reported in 63 between Havelock and Nelson. Seed samples were submitted for 7-day New Zealand, but L. decolor is present. This fungus has not previously been tests and no seedlings The imported baskets had received recorded as present in New Zealand. emerged. The non-compliance for the heat treatment before entry, and it was The find suggests populations of machinery cleaning was managed under therefore concluded that the customer’s D. segeticola may exist in the reserve and the GIS requirements and the MPI home was the most likely source of these surrounding native . The samples quarantine audit programme. insects, as they are commonly found in were submitted because they exhibited houses. Other species including L. decolor red--spot symptoms, and the fungus Mango seed weevil have been first found in New Zealand by Pseudocercospora sp. (Dothidomycetes: MPI was contacted by a Wellington non-targeted collections and without any Capnodiales) was consistently isolated resident who found a live insect larva association with imported goods. Owing from the leaf spots and was considered inside the seed of a green mango to their small size, cryptic habits, similar the causative agent. Very limited imported from Fiji. Green mangoes (used general appearance between species, lack information is available on D. segeticola, to make chutney) have an immature seed, of study, and worldwide distributions, though some Didymella species cause unlike mature fruit where the seed is hard they can be difficult to identify, so it is leaf spots, and D. segeticola may cause to split open. Photos of the larva and hard to be certain as to which species minor leaf spotting on some plants in seed were requested to rule out exotic are actually present in each country. The New Zealand. However, there is no fruit fly, though mangoes imported from biosecurity risk posed by L. pearmani evidence that this fungus causes leaf-spot Fiji must have a phytosanitary certificate is considered most likely similar to symptoms on ramarama. D. segeticola confirming that they have undergone an that of other Liposcelis spp. present in was originally described in 2015 (as agreed treatment that is effective against New Zealand, and no further action was Phoma segeticola) and in China is known fruit flies. The photos were consistent considered necessary. with the larva of the mango seed weevil to cause leaf spots on Cirsium segetum (a (Sternochetus mangiferae), which is New to NZ fungi plant absent from New Zealand). It has often found in imported mangoes. This Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research also been found on plant litter collected weevil poses a low biosecurity risk to (MWLR) maintains living cultures from fresh water in Korea. New Zealand as it requires growing of fungi and bacteria, which together Previously this fungus had not been mango fruit to lay its eggs and complete with other collections provide the basis previously reported to be associated with the lifecycle. for listing and describing microbial any plant hosts in New Zealand. This taxa present in New Zealand. As many detection is not believed to be associated Investigation positive; no taxa were originally identified by their with any disease symptoms and it is action taken morphology, MWLR routinely reviews considered most likely an incidentally such identifications by molecular present organism colonising the plant These investigations resulted in diagnostic techniques. When this either as an endophyte or saprophyte. It is detections of organisms that were not was undertaken for the ascomycete unlikely to be associated with biosecurity previously known to be present in fungus Cylindrocarpon destructans risks, but rather has gone undetected New Zealand, but no action was taken. (Dothideomycetes: Hypocreales), a owing to very limited mycological Reasons for taking no action vary surveys of the microbial communities in

26 Surveillance 45 (4) 2018 native forests, and because Phoma spp. trees, and not an aggressive pathogen The fungi were identified as are difficult to identify to species without capable of colonising and establishing Scedosporium minutisporum and using DNA sequencing. Although the in healthy trees. A similar heart-rot Exophiala oligosperma, and AsureQuality Pelorus reserve is popular with tourists, fungus, Phlebiopsis gigantea, is present in notified the MPI PHEL because these there is nothing to suggest D. segeticola New Zealand and acts in this manner; it species were not recorded as present has recently arrived in New Zealand attacks late-mature Pinus radiata but is in New Zealand. The cultures were and that D. segeticola populations are not known to attack production- received by PHEL and the identifications confined to this locality. Rather, it is more P. radi ata , which are typically harvested confirmed. There are no records of these likely that populations exist elsewhere when aged 25–35 years. The 203 pine fungi causing diseases in plants and they within the Richmond Range, and trees in which the rot was found were are not Unwanted Organisms in terms of possibly beyond. Diagnostic results were 95 years old, dying of old age, and their the Biosecurity Act 1993. Consultation provided to DOC, who administer the removal was planned for public safety with the Animal Health Team suggested Pelorus reserve, but no further action was reasons. Whether P. b al s ame a might no animal disease risk. However, like considered necessary by MPI. infect native plants and ecosystems many others that are ubiquitous, these The fungus Xenodidymella saxea is largely unknown. Based on known fungi could cause issues for people who (syn. Phoma saxea) (Dothidomycetes: impacts of the only similar heart-rot are immunocompromised. In the past it Pleosporales) was found during routine fungus long established in New Zealand has been difficult to identify such fungi, water-quality testing in a concrete (P. gigantean) no significant impacts are but with the ever-increasing records storage tank supplying water to a expected. Neither the entry pathway of available and ease of access to DNA Gisborne fruit packhouse. This fungus P. balsamea, nor how these pines became barcode technology there are many has not previously been recorded in infected is known, so the investigation “new” records available for reference. New Zealand, and is consequently a concluded that the initial infestation new organism under the Hazardous was elsewhere and that other undetected Investigation for high- Substances and New Organisms Act populations must exist. Discussions with impact pests: negative (1996). Little information is available New Zealand polypore fungal specialists, These investigations resulted from on this species, but it is not a plant forestry industry representatives and reports of suspected high-impact pests pathogen (though related to known Auckland Council staff concluded that no or diseases that were proven not to be plant pathogens) and is associated with further action was justified. present. stone or rock. Apart from its formal description, the only available reference Ladybirds on from Suspect Ceratocystis sp. on mentioning X. saxea associated it pohutukawa Two ladybirds found in Mexican with the degradation of marble in a Rapidly declining health and apparent grapes purchased from an Auckland 500-year-old building in Spain, which death of a pohutukawa (Metrosideros supermarket were identified as the seven- may be consistent with its being found excelsa) tree was observed at a Waiheke spot ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata. in a concrete tank. The investigation Island property. Samples sent to PHEL This aphid predator is not regarded as concluded this organism posed no Pathology did not enable the cause of present in New Zealand though it was plant biosecurity risk. The ecology of the decline to be determined. As there introduced several times in the 1970s in this organism is somewhat unusual was concern that a high-risk invasive an attempt to establish a population. It is and NIWA and ESR were consulted pathogen of the genus Ceratocystis was not an Unwanted Organism and, given to determine whether the find was of involved, the site was visited to collect its history, it likely poses a low risk of interest to them. No new information representative soil, trunk and branch establishment. Tracing established that was received to alter MPI’s determination samples. This genus includes a number all the grapes from this consignment had and no further action is planned. of high-risk internationally emerging been sold and no further information A fungus not previously considered pathogens that are causing significant was available. present in New Zealand was found damage overseas, including to kiwifruit in Pinus radiata trees at a Western in Brazil and ohi’a lehua (Metrosideros Springs public reserve owned by Fungi identified on butter production line polymorpha) in Hawaii. Molecular testing Auckland Council. Postia balsamea for Ceratocystis was negative but two Environmental hygiene swabs taken from (syn. Oligoporus balsameus) (Polyporales: well-established pathogens, Phytophthora surfaces of a butter-packing machine at Fomitopsidaceae) is a bracket fungus cinnamomi and P. mu ltiv ora , were found a dairy factory tested positive for fungal known to cause rot in the heartwood in the samples and were likely to have contamination. Swabs are routinely taken of Pinus species (including P. radi ata ), caused the problem. macrocarpa (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) from machinery for quality assurance and other amenity and forest production and traceback testing for yeast and Suspect brown marmorated trees. Although reported from North moulds, to identify possible sources of stink bugs (BMSB) contamination that could affect butter America, Europe, Hawaii, Russia, Eight investigations involved BMSB quality. Company scientists cultured Japan and China, it is not commonly (Halyomorpha halys) but only one the contaminants on petri plates and encountered. The little published required urgent action. The remaining provided these to AsureQuality scientists, literature on its biology and impact cases involved pentatomid species who isolated pure fungal cultures for suggests it to be associated with already already present in New Zealand. damaged or otherwise compromised identification.

Surveillance 45 (4) 2018 27 A single lethargic BMSB was found by Inconclusive investigations Dunedin. The mower had been imported a loader driver on the tarmac outside Possible new to NZ from Peru 6 months previously so the mail interchange at Auckland the presence of live spiders was not International Airport, 50–100 m from Phytophthora in soil samples considered a high biosecurity risk. The the International Mail Centre (IMC) and A plant pathologist at Scion has notifier reported that the packaging about 3 m from the mail interchange exit. detected a possible new to New Zealand included a wooden pallet that revealed The surrounding area was immediately Phytophthora species in soil samples wood borer when cut up for firewood. It inspected by airport staff and no more collected in Rotorua, as part of a was not possible to determine whether BMSB were found. Surveillance at the collaborative project with overseas live borer had been seen, and efforts detection site and in nearby vegetation pathologists to look at oomycete to trace the origin of the mower were by MPI staff, a BMSB detector dog and diversity. Oomycetes (fungus-like unsuccessful. Since the pallet had been handler was negative. The specimen microorganisms, some of which are burnt no further action was required. was delivered to MPI and confirmed to serious pathogens) are often cryptic be a live mated female BMSB with fully and can remain undetected for a long Unusual disease symptoms in developed eggs in both lateral oviducts. time until signs of disease appear in monkey-puzzle tree This suggested that the bug could lay susceptible plants, but there are now Unusual ill-thrift symptoms were fertilised eggs but it was not known methods to detect them in the absence observed in a monkey-puzzle tree whether it had already done so. Although of these signs. Working with PHEL (Araucaria araucana) during MPI’s there was no way to tell whether the eggs Mycology, the organism was identified High Risk Site Surveillance (HRSS) at were the insect’s first batch or otherwise, as Phytophthora amnicola: Phytophthora Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury. it was considered highly unlikely that an taxon Pgchlamydo. Landcare Research Survey notes and photos taken at the adult mated female with well-developed had previously isolated P. amnicola from time suggested the tree was badly eggs could be produced in July by a another location in New Zealand, but affected and might die. Few records New Zealand population, based on this information was not available on could be found of plant pathogens BMSB reproductive biology, winter the Landcare database at the time Scion attacking this species in New Zealand, temperatures and daylength in Auckland. submitted isolates to MPI for validation. so the decision was made to collect The BMSB had most likely come from To identify these cultures by sequence samples to rule out the presence of a the northern hemisphere, where in July analysis, PHEL Mycology collaborated new exotic pathogen. As the tree was in BMSB are in an active reproductive with Scion and Landcare Research. a prominent location in Hanmer Springs phase. The investigation was closed. Landcare Research submitted three village, the Hurunui District Council isolates that were suspected to be wanted trunk sampling limited to a Suspect fruit fly P. amnicola. The isolates appeared to be single 20 x 20-mm sample. Under those MPI frequently receives reports of hybrids, and gene sequences were sent circumstances the likelihood of a useful fruit fly that turn out to be common to Oregon State University in the US diagnostic outcome was considered locally present caterpillars and flies. for evaluation by a Phytophthora hybrid low. The overall risk of a new exotic This requires significant effort by MPI, expert. They recommended cloning species being present was considered particularly in the late summer and when and sequencing the nuclear genes to low and instead of sample collection and events such as responses lead to publicity determine the potential parents of the laboratory analysis, surveillance of the through the news media. There were four isolates. After extensive consultation and tree by HRSS staff is planned. If the tree cases during the reporting period: two diagnostic tests, it was concluded that the dies, Hurunui Council staff will remove it from Auckland, one from Hamilton and Phytophthora cultures belonged to clade 6 and MPI may then be able to more fully one from Waihi. and they were suspected to be hybrids investigate the causal agent. In general, The two cases in Auckland involved moth or a different species. Since there was investigations of tree death are time- caterpillars that were likely guava moth no specific identification or association consuming, expensive and frequently (Coscinoptycha improbana), in citrus. The with any plant disease or plant hosts, not productive, particularly when they Hamilton case was a three-lined hover fly the investigation was stood down. involve isolated localities throughout (Helophilus trilineatus), which is endemic However, work to identify the organism New Zealand. In respect to case-by-case and common in New Zealand. The is continuing and further reports can probability, involvement of new exotic Waihi case was inconclusive but highly be anticipated. There is strong interest diseases is likely to be low, so when unlikely: a look-alike fly was found inside in the genus Phytophthora because of deciding whether or not to investigate a house and reported. A photograph was its importance as a plant pathogen, and it is necessary to take into account all requested but not received despite several researchers are conducting surveys that the circumstances, including history reminders and eventually MPI was told may lead to further new to New Zealand and locality. reports. the specimen had been destroyed. In this Caterpillar found on imported case, apart from the report about the fly, there was no other evidence that further Spiders in wood packaging ginger follow-up would be needed. from Peru A live caterpillar was found on raw Live spiders were found in the packaging ginger (Zingiber officinale) imported of a ride-on mower purchased in from Australia. The ginger had been

28 Surveillance 45 (4) 2018 stored in a bowl with home-grown fruit, a possible source of the caterpillar. PHEL Entomology examined the damaged specimen, which could only be identified to the family Tortricidae (Tortix moths). This family includes more than 10,000 species, some of which are significant pests such as leaf rollers and codling moth. Some leaf rollers and codling moth are present in New Zealand. The single isolated caterpillar had been destroyed, thus mitigating the risk. Fungus in timber from Peru In Tauranga, garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa) timber decking imported from Peru was reported to have internal and external black and green fungal growth after it was brought out of storage to build a deck. PHEL Mycology confirmed that a sample of timber had superficial black- green discolouration, but there was no sign of fungal growth. Some pieces of wood were plated onto agar and others were kept in high humidity, but no fungal growth was observed after 7 days’ incubation. This indicated the absence or lack of viability of fungal organisms. The discolouration may have been caused by sap-staining fungi that were devitalised when the timber was kiln-dried.

Carolyn Bleach Manager Biosecurity Surveillance and Incursion Diagnostics and Surveillance Directorate Ministry for Primary Industries [email protected]

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