Fines for importing predatory insect

Two horticulturalists were fined today over the illegal importation of an insect to control whitefly, after they pleaded guilty to charges earlier this year.

Reporoa horticultural business Great Lakes Tomatoes Ltd, Pukekohe biocontrol company Zonda Resources Ltd, and Zonda director Terril Marais had pleaded guilty to charges related to the illegal importation and distribution of the predatory mirid bug, Macrolophus pygmaeus, and of giving false information to an inspector.

In sentencing at Auckland District Court today, Judge Philippa Cunningham fined Great Lakes Tomatoes $30,000 - $20,000 for knowingly importing a new organism and $10,000 for knowingly buying unauthorised goods.

Zonda was fined $10,000 - $5000 for knowingly importing unauthorised goods and $5000 for knowingly selling unauthorised goods.

Judge Cunningham took into account the ability of the two companies to pay any penalties imposed, but concluded that a fine had to be significant enough to act as a deterrent.

Marais had her sentencing deferred until August 10.

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF) investigations found Zonda had produced colonies of Macrolophus and sold them for whitefly control in commercial glasshouses.

"It is concerning that the actions of a few individuals could put so much at risk," MAF senior adviser George Gill said.

The uncontrolled and illegal importation of insects increased the chances that other hitchhiker pests and diseases could arrive in New Zealand, potentially affecting the country's agricultural and horticultural industries and environment.

"This case is particularly disappointing, because of the horticultural backgrounds of the defendants," Mr Gill said.

"They had a good understanding of biosecurity import requirements and, more particularly, that such requirements and processes are in place to protect our environment and horticulture industry."

Plant and Food Research staff found the Macrolophus insect on a Zonda property in November 2007, but Marais told MAF that she had found the specimen in the Auckland Botanical Gardens and had inadvertently distributed the mirid bug to a number of greenhouses.

But in April 2009, MAF and Horticulture New Zealand received an anonymous letter about an illegal importation of the mirid bug, and investigated.

Macrolophus species feed on insects, including plant pests such as whiteflies and aphids, and can establish at fairly low temperatures.

- NZPA