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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 557 asked in the Legislative Council on 10 June 2020 by Hon Diane Evers

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

DIEBACK — BIOCONTROL SPECIES

557. Hon DIANE EVERS to the Minister for Environment:

I note that international research has identified biological methods of controlling pathogens, such as the use of trichoderma species to control Phytophthora cinnamomi in various plants.

(1) Has the government evaluated the potential for the biocontrol of Phytophthora cinnamomi using trichoderma species, or other fungal or microbial species?

(a) If yes, will the minister please detail the biocontrol species used or evaluated, including their effectiveness and cost benefit?

(b) Will the minister please table any reports; and, if not, why not?

(2) If not, why not?

Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1)–(2) I am advised that research into the biocontrol of phytophthora species has been conducted in Western Australia through the nursery and horticultural industries using microorganisms that supress Phytophthora cinnamomi. Biocontrol is better suited to small areas and controlled environments such as nurseries or orchards, and is generally effective only when used in conjunction with disease control measures. Biocontrol methods for plant diseases such as that caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi have not been developed to be effective at the landscape scale.