Over The Horizon

NZ Biocontrol Lauded

New Zealand is decades ahead of the United States in development of protocols for importing biocontrols.

Visiting American entomology professor Jeff Lockwood, of the University of Wyoming, is impressed by New Zealand's overall approach to risk management, and the awareness the country has for protecting native flora and fauna.

"I believe New Zealand is actually emerging as a world leader with its progressive biocontrol legislation. Compared to the United States, New Zealand is much more ecologically aware. New Zealanders are very aware of the harm that's already been done by introduced species, and value highly their native species, to an extent you don't see in the States," he says.

While importing biological material is a calculated risk, and every country makes mistakes, Lockwood believes New Zealand scientists are very aware of the importance of maintaining and protecting native and existing ecosystems, and have a good understanding of the complexity of introducing something new into the environment.

He points out throughout the world people are constantly making trade-offs to protect the environment because of our monoculture mode of food production.

"Biological control is a very valuable tool for pest management, but it is something that needs to be weighed up carefully. That means careful analysis of the potential risk to other non-target species, and examining the effects of alternatives such as chemical control on the environment, or even questioning the impact of doing nothing," he emphasises. "New Zealand has developed good risk management skills in this area."

Lockwood believes the quality of scientific work New Zealand achieves is something the nation should be proud of, particularly in the way scientists deal with local issues.

"The productivity and high level of communication within the New Zealand science system is enviable."

Lockwood was in New Zealand recently to work with AgResearch Invermay's entomology group on study of a parasitic wasp brought into this country to control lucerne weevil. The wasp is controlling the pasture pest, but has been found to infect non-target weevils including several native species, and the group want to know why this is happening.

He is interested in finding out if the wasp that has established in New Zealand has become better at attacking. Non-target weevils from the United States have been exposes to New Zealand parasitic wasps to compare their ability to attack the New Zealand and American weevils. Lockwood will continue this research and contact with AgResearch in the United States.