Have your say on fungi to protect cereal crops

20 November 2014

Have your say on fungi to protect cereal crops

The Environmental Protection Authority is inviting submissions on an application to release non-toxic Epichloë fungi. Epichloë endophytes could improve the resistance of cereal plants to insect pests, fungal diseases and droughts.

The applicant Grasslanz Technology Ltd states New Zealand would benefit from the introduction of endophytes that can help improve the resistance of cereal crops to pests and diseases. The aim is to reduce synthetic chemical use, which benefits the environment as well as reducing cost to farmers.

The EPA has previously approved the import and release of 45 strains of asexual Epichloë fungi. The current application is seeking to add a further 18 strains to the approved list of endophytes.

View application details and information

Public submissions are an important part of the process for considering applications to release new species into New Zealand.

If you want to make a submission you must submit it to the EPA by 28 January 2015 at 5pm.

To make a submission

ENDS

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