16 April 2014
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders that a policy recommendation has been made to allow release of the rust fungus Baeodromus eupatorii for the biological control of crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora). Release of Baeodromus eupatorii may be permitted, subject to standard quarantine conditions associated with the import and release of biological control agents.
The Department of Agriculture has completed a risk analysis report assessing an application from CSIRO to release the rust fungus Baeodromus eupatorii for the biological control of crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora). In support of this application, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences and Biosecurity Flagship has provided a submission detailing results of host specificity testing, along with other relevant information. This submission is included as an attachment to the final risk analysis.
A preliminary draft risk analysis report was distributed to state and territory departments of primary industry and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) through the Plant Health Committee (PHC). The Department of Agriculture also consulted with the Department of the Environment prior to the release of the draft report. Comments received via this consultation process were incorporated into the draft risk analysis report. All comments endorsed the preliminary draft and its recommendations.
A draft risk analysis report was released for a 30 day stakeholder consultation period on 19 February 2014. A written submission from one stakeholder was considered in the preparation of the final report. The comment agreed with the draft and its recommendations.
CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences submitted an application for the release of the rust fungus Baeodromus eupatorii in April 2013.
The risk analysis report has identified no significant off-target effects or potential consequences that would be associated with the release of Baeodromus eupatorii. The risk is estimated to be negligible, which meets Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).
Printed copies can be provided, if required.
In accordance with the IRA handbook 2011, this risk analysis has been undertaken as a non-regulated analysis of existing policy.
Tom Aldred
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant
Contact: Rob Schwartz
Telephone: +61 2 6272 3933
Facsimile: +61 2 6272 3307
Email: Plant Biosecurity