We are conducting a risk analysis for the release of leaf rust pathogen Puccinia lantanae. The proposed release is for the biological control of lantana (Lantana camara).
We have released a draft risk analysis report for a 30-day public consultation period.
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 draft report 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.
Draft report
The draft risk analysis report proposes 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 draft report found:
- the overall risk estimate for Puccinia lantanae targeting other plants is negligible
- this risk estimate achieves Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP)
Details of the risk estimate assessment are contained in the draft report.
Make a submission
You are invited to:
- read the draft report
- submit your feedback through Have Your Say.
This consultation closes on 6 March 2026.
We will consider your comments when preparing the final report.
Download the draft report
This draft risk analysis assesses the application made by QDPI to release the leaf rust pathogen Puccinia lantanae to control lantana in Australia.
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
Our public consultation will close on 6 March 2026.
After this we will:
- consider all feedback
- develop and publish a final report.
Your feedback during the consultation period will help inform our final report.
We expect to release the final report in the second half of 2026. Please note that this is an indicative timeline and may be subject to change.
Keep informed
Register as a stakeholder
Subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant via our online subscription service to receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy.
Contact us
For more information, email imports or phone 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1).