The importance of introducing biological control for weeds and pests in an environmentally acceptable way can not be underestimated.

AgResearch Invermay scientist Dr Barbara Barratt is well aware of that responsibility, and her research groups’ expertise in safe biocontrol methods is now internationally recognised.

Biocontrol is the control of a pest species – be it animal, insect or plant - using a natural predator, parasite or disease, and usually involves specifically bringing an exotic organism into a country and releasing it.

It is becoming an increasingly popular and effective way of controlling troublesome pests world-wide.  Already 25 countries regulate import and release of biological control organisms, and more are likely to follow suit.

However, it’s important the introduced organism only kills its target.  Although there is some work being done to develop an international code of conduct for importation and release of biological control, much detailed information and guidance is still needed on the practicalities of risk assessment.

Leading international entomologists are taking global responsibility, pooling their collective and considerable wisdom to come up with a guidance document for the universal introduction of biocontrol agents.  It’s hoped the document will provide a widespread approach for techniques in assessing environmental safety when introducing biocontrol agents, no matter where in the world that may be.

It’s aimed at providing practical methods for biocontrol practioners like scientists, who can demonstrate robust techniques in testing potential biocontrol agents, and for regulators who need to evaluate applications for biocontrol importation and their impact on the environment.

The resulting guidelines will help to provide effective assurances that imported organisms will only kill the target species and not harm the environment and cause further difficulties, here and elsewhere.  

New Zealand already does well in this, and many in the world are looking to us as leaders in effective biological control regulation.  New Zealand  has successfully introduced several exotic organisms to kill undesirable pasture weeds and pests, including the pasture pest Argentine Stem Weevil,  and many other insects and weeds including Californian thistle that decrease farm production are being targeted with controls like biopesticides.

The rigour in assessing environmental risk when studying biocontrol has demonstrated how seriously this country takes these issues.  In fact, our Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) is considered a world-leader in such legislation – the envy of many including scientists and regulators from the United States.

AgResearch’s capability in this science has been acknowledged , with scientist Dr Barratt being invited to contribute to the international publication, presenting her knowledge on the evaluation of post-release non-target effects.

Dr Barratt, based at AgResearch Invermay near Dunedin, and her colleagues in the Biocontrol and Biosecurity Group at Invermay and Lincoln have had considerable experience in analysing the effects of potential biological control organisms on native insects.  This has given a very good guide to how such a control will act once established in New Zealand, and improved assurance of environmental safety.