New Zealand EPA consults on moth plant rust fungus application

The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) advises a hearing is scheduled for an application to release the moth plant rust fungus Puccinia araujiae. If approved for release, this fungus would be used to help control the weed, moth plant (Araujia hortorum). The hearing will be held on 11 November in Wellington.

The application, from Northland Regional Council, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective (12 regional/unitary authorities and the Department of Conservation) is made under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.

Moth plant is a tough perennial, broad-leaved herbaceous climber with twining stems, clusters of small cream tubular flowers and choko-like fruit. It can reach over 5 metres when it grows up trees or creeps over the ground, shading out low-growing vegetation. The sap of the fruit and stem is a skin irritant. The weed is considered a threat and cannot be sold, propagated or distributed in New Zealand. Regulation varies from region to region, but most regional councils require landowners or occupiers to remove moth plant from their property.

The rust fungus Puccinia araujiae is a highly specific parasite that is expected to severely impact on moth plant, its primary host, if approved for release.