Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi Pine) - Biosecurity New Zealand

There is, however, no evidence that any of the fungi noted are essential to the survival of
Wollemia nobilis and so do not need to be imported with this species (McGee, 1999).
Tests have shown that, like many other Australian plant species, Wollemia nobilis is
susceptible to two common and easily transmitted pathogens: Phytophthora cinnamomi and
Botryosphaeria sp. (Bullock et al. 2000). A promotional video produced by Wollemi Pine
International Pty Ltd describes the likely pest and diseases of Wollemia nobilis as follows:
“Like most ornamental plants the Wollemi pine is susceptible to common garden
pests. These include caterpillars and sap-sucking insects, such as aphids, scales and
mealybugs. The Wollemi pine has been found to be relatively resistant to most
diseases.”
The hazard assessment of the four organisms known to be associated with Wollemi nobilis
nursery stock at the time of undertaking the risk analysis is provided in chapters 10, 11 and
12. A summary of these hazard assessments is provided in table 3.3.
Table 3.3: Potential hazard organisms recorded on Wollemia nobilis nursery stock
Chapter Scientific name In
NZ?
Vector
of a
hazard
More virulent
strains on goods
overseas
In NZ but not
associated with
goods
In NZ but
not in region.
10 Arbuscular mycorrhizae Y/N
10 Ectomycorrhizae Y/N
11 Botryosphaeria sp. Y/N
12 Phytophthora cinnamomi Y N Y N N
Scientific name In NZ but
different host
associations
Under official
control or
notifiable
No or little
information on
organism
Potential
Hazard?
Arbuscular mycorrhizae Y
Ectomycorrhizae Y
Botryosphaeria sp. Y
Phytophthora cinnamomi Y N N Y
3.4.2 Potential hazard groups
It is likely that Wollemia nobilis nursery stock will be shown to be susceptible to infestation
or infection by many more potentially unwanted organisms as plants are distributed and
become more widely grown. In an attempt to anticipate the full range of organisms
potentially able to become associated with Wollemia nobilis nursery stock, a list was
generated of organisms that are:
a) Recorded as being associated with other plant species that are members of the
Araucariaceae; and
b) Currently believed to be established in Australia.
The list of these potential hazard organisms is provided in Appendix 1.
As the association of the list of organisms with Wollemia nobilis nursery stock is at this stage
hypothetical, detailed examination of each species of organism individually would seem
unnecessary. To simplify the analysis, each species or organism was allocated a group
corresponding to the basic nature of the organism association with its plant host. The species
Page 24 of 193 14 March 2008 Import Risk Analysis: Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi Pine) Araucariaceae Nursery Stock from Australia