Containment trials are getting underway to test a new-to-New Zealand bioinsecticide against the priority brassica pest, diamondback moth (DBM).
The trials, being undertaken in a secure, purpose-built facility by Bioeconomy Science Institute, are the next step in seeking registration of the bioinsecticide, following approval under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) to import the product for testing.
A Lighter Touch, together with Vegetables New Zealand and Key Industries Ltd, is taking the biopesticide through the regulatory pathway with the goal of mapping the complexity of biopesticide approval regulations.
The project’s primary aim is to produce a case study providing guidance to industry on how to navigate the regulatory pathway in a faster and more cost-effective manner.
Additional benefits from the project include providing growers with a new crop protection control option for DBM upon registration of the bioinsecticide, demonstrating integration of biopesticides into crop protection programmes and supporting pesticide resistance management.
DBM larvae feeding on a cabbage leaf as part of containment trials. Credit: BSI.
The containment trials will test the efficacy of the biopesticide against DBM using two different methods – contact and ingestion. In the contact trials, the biopesticide will be sprayed on the early and late instar DBM larvae at different application rates. With the ingestion trials, brassica leaves will be sprayed with the biopesticide. Early and late instar DBM larvae will then be placed on the leaves and monitored for 14 days to assess insect leaf damage and larvae mortality.
Plutella moth larvae infected with the biopesticide for which registration is being sought. Credit: Andermatt.
Contact and ingestion trials will also be undertaken using the larvae of non-target Lepidoptera species to establish if the biopesticide impacts species other than DBM. All plant and animal material used in the trials will be destroyed at their completion.
Diamondback moth.
The containment trials are expected to be completed by the middle of the year, and if the biopesticide is found to be effective against DBM, the next step will be to submit a New Organism application to the Environmental Protection Authority. This approval is required before the project can proceed to the next step of undertaking field trials.
Read more about this project here.
