ERMA New Zealand Evaluation and Review Report Application for approval to import for release of any New Organisms under section 34(1)(a) of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 Application for approval to import for release Gargaphia decoris (Hemiptera, Tingidae), for the biological control of Solanum mauritianum (woolly nightshade). Application NOR08003 Prepared for the Environmental Risk Management Authority Summary This application is for the import and release of Gargaphia decoris (lace bug) for use as a biological control agent for the control of Solanum mauritianum (woolly nightshade). Woolly nightshade is a rapid growing small (10m) tree that grows in agricultural, coastal and forest areas. It flowers year round, and produces high numbers of seeds that are able to survive for long periods before germinating. It forms dense stands that inhibit the growth of other species through overcrowding, shading and production of inhibitory substances. It is an unwanted organism and is listed on the National Pest Plant Accord. The woolly nightshade lace bug (lace bug) is native to South America, and was introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent for woolly nightshade in 1995. Success of the control programme in South Africa has been limited to date. The lace bug has been selected as a biological control agent because of its high fecundity, high feeding rates, gregarious behaviours and preference for the target plant. Host range testing has indicated that the lace bug has a physiological host range limited to species within the genus Solanum, and that in choice tests woolly nightshade is the preferred host by a significant margin. Host range testing also indicated that the three species of Solanum native to New Zealand do not support survival of the lace bug. The applicant carried out level one national Māori consultation prior to submitting the application to ERMA. The application was also opened for public submissions for 30 working days after formal receipt, resulting in 14 submissions. The responses received by the applicant through national consultation, and submissions received from MAF, DOC and the public were considered when potential effects were identified and assessed. The main beneficial effect identified is reduced environmental impacts from woolly nightshade. In additional beneficial effects through changes in food web interactions and biodiversity we considered to be potentially significant. Potential beneficial effects on the relationship of Māori to the environment were also assessed. Potential adverse effects through negative changes in food web interactions and biodiversity were identified and assessed as potentially significant. Potential adverse effects on the relationship of Māori to the environment, and on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi were also assessed. We consider that the potential benefits of the release of G. decoris outweigh the potential adverse effects and recommend that this application be approved without controls. ERMA New Zealand Evaluation & Review Report: NOR08003 Page 2 of 82 Table of Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 6 What is biological control? ......................................................................................................................... 6 1.2 Application process ............................................................................................................... 6 Purpose of the application ........................................................................................................................... 6 Application receipt and public notification ................................................................................................. 7 Agencies notified ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Public Submissions ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Supporting information ............................................................................................................................... 8 1.3 Decision path ........................................................................................................................ 8 2. Gargaphia decoris ........................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Taxonomy ............................................................................................................................. 8 2.2 Description and lifecycle ...................................................................................................... 8 2.3 Affinities with New Zealand flora and fauna ........................................................................ 9 Other Tingidae in New Zealand .................................................................................................................. 9 The target plant: Solanum mauritianum ...................................................................................................... 9 Other Solanum species in New Zealand ...................................................................................................... 9 2.4 Inseparable and associated organisms ................................................................................... 9 3. Release of Gargaphia decoris ....................................................................................... 10 3.1 Gargaphia decoris as a biological control agent ................................................................ 10 Potential for establishment in New Zealand ............................................................................................. 10 Potential efficacy against Solanum mauritianum ...................................................................................... 11 3.2 Potential for post-release eradication of Gargaphia decoris .............................................. 11 4. Scenarios and assumptions for this assessment ............................................................. 12 Low to zero establishment scenario .......................................................................................................... 12 Moderate to high establishment scenario .................................................................................................. 12 5. Risk Assessment ............................................................................................................ 13 Assumption ............................................................................................................................................... 13 5.2 Effects on the environment ................................................................................................. 13 Reduced impact on the environment from S. mauritianum ....................................................................... 13 Impact on native flora from non-target feeding by G. decoris .................................................................. 15 Impact on food web interactions and biodiversity .................................................................................... 18 Indirect effects on the environment from the release of G. decoris .......................................................... 19 5.3 Effects on human health and safety .................................................................................... 20 5.4 Effects on society and communities .................................................................................... 20 5.5 Effects on the market economy ........................................................................................... 20 Effect of non-target feeding on economically important crop .................................................................. 20 Effect of vectoring economically important plant disease ........................................................................ 21 Reduced control costs to landowners/occupiers, regional Authorities and DOC ...................................... 22 Increased revenue for Landcare Research ................................................................................................. 22 Conclusion on effects on the market economy ......................................................................................... 23 ERMA New Zealand Evaluation & Review Report: NOR08003 Page 3 of 82 5.6 Effects on Māori interests and concerns ............................................................................. 23 Consultation with Māori ........................................................................................................................... 23 Adverse Effects on the relationship of Māori to the environment ............................................................ 25 Beneficial Effects on the relationship of Māori to the environment ......................................................... 28 Adverse Effects of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi ..................................................................... 29 5.7 Table 1. Summary of potentially significant effects and concerns raised by submitters ... 31 6. Minimum standards (s36) .............................................................................................. 34 7. Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi .............................................................................