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.