We conducted a risk analysis for the release of leaf rust pathogen Puccinia lantanae for the biological control of lantana (Lantana camara).
We conducted the risk analysis in 2 key steps:
- Released the draft report of the risk analysis for the release of Puccinia lantanae for the biological control of Lantana camara on 5 February 2026. This was via Biosecurity Advice 2026/P01 for a 30-calendar day consultation period.
- Released the final report of the risk analysis on 22 April 2026.
About the risk analysis
Lantana is a Weed of National Significance (WONS). It is a weed of agriculture, livestock, plantation timber and orchards that is difficult and costly to control. It is also a significant environmental weed.
Lantana biological control programs have been operating in Australia since 1914.
The risk analysis is based on an application submitted by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI). The application included results of host specificity testing carried out by CABI UK on behalf of QDPI. The application is available below.
Final report
We recommended that the release of the leaf rust pathogen Puccinia lantanae should be permitted. The proposed release is for the biological control of lantana (Lantana camara). The release is subject to meeting the standard quarantine requirements for biological control agents.
The risk analysis found:
- the overall risk estimate for Puccinia lantanae targeting plants other than lantana is negligible
- this risk estimate achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP)
Details of the risk assessment are contained in the final report.
Download the final report
This final risk analysis assesses the application made by QDPI to release the leaf rust pathogen Puccinia lantanae to control lantana in Australia.
Final report for the release of Puccinia lantanae for the biological control of Lantana camara
If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.
Download the draft report
Available until February 2027
Draft report for the release of Puccinia lantanae for the biological control of Lantana camara
If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.
Download the application from Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Note: the application report may not meet Australian Government accessibility guidelines as it has not been prepared by the department.
If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.
Next steps
Publication of the final risk analysis report represents the end of the risk analysis process. As we have approved the release of the biological control agent, we will send a letter to the applicant providing conditions of release.
Keep informed
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Contact us
For more information, email imports or phone 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1).