EPA approves release of non-toxic Epichloë fungi

EPA approves release of non-toxic Epichloë fungi

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved an application to release 18 additional strains of non-toxic asexual Epichloë fungi.

The application, by Grasslanz Technology Ltd, was made in order to introduce these Epichloë into rye corn and other annual cereal crops, to improve their resistance to pests and diseases.

A hearing was held in March 2015 to focus on the benefits, risks and costs of the Epichloë fungi in new cereal-endophyte associations for applications in agricultural systems.

All 18 strains were approved without controls and added to the 45 strains of asexual Epichloë fungi the EPA has previously approved for importation and release.

The EPA’s role is to decide on applications for new organisms under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. We assess the benefits, risks and costs of releasing new organisms to safeguard people and the environment.

You can read more about this application, hearing and decision on the EPA website http://www.epa.govt.nz/search-databases/Pages/applications-details.aspx?appID=APP202236

ENDS

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