Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi Pine) - Biosecurity New Zealand

found in plant material from small branches and seedlings to large logs (greater than 5
centimetres (2 inches) stem diameter). All are potentially damaging to agriculture and/or
forestry under suitable conditions.
5.1.4 Hazard Identification Conclusion
Based on the wood boring insects considered as potential hazards it is considered highly
unlikely that any would be found infesting seedlings or cuttings of the size likely to be
imported for propagation. It is possible however, that these wood boring insects could
establish in New Zealand from larger (greater than 5 centimetres (2 inches) stem diameter)
specimens of imported Wollemia nobilis nursery stock and cause an unwanted impact within
New Zealand. Wood boring insects are therefore considered a potential hazard requiring
further assessment.
5.2 Risk Assessment
5.2.1 Entry Assessment
The pathway for entry of Wollemia nobilis nursery stock, and any associated pests, has been
summarised in section 3.5.1. A whole plant or root-less cutting infested with a wood boring
insect should be considered highly likely to survive the packaging and transport to
New Zealand as conditions that would effect their survival would also be detrimental to the
whole plant or root-less cutting. It is very unlikely that a wood boring insect would infest a
small plant or cutting as they prefer larger diameter stems and wood. Infestation of larger
plants (greater than 5 centimetres (2 inches) stem diameter) should also be considered low if
the plants are healthy and showing vigorous growth.
It is not considered possible that wood boring insects would infest Wollemia nobilis plants in
vitro.
5.2.2 Conclusion of Entry Assessment
While it should be considered highly likely that an infestation of a wood bring insect within
Wollemia nobilis whole plants or root-less cuttings would enter New Zealand, the likelihood
that stems of diameters less than 5 centimetres (2 inches) becoming infested is very low and
increasing to low for stems of diameters greater than 5 centimetres (2 inches). The likelihood
of a wood boring insect will enter New Zealand on whole plants or root-less cuttings of
Wollemia nobilis originating from Australia should therefore be considered negligible for
material with maximum stem diameters of less than 5 centimetres (2 inches) and nonnegligible
for material with maximum stem diameters of greater than 5 centimetres (2
inches).
The likelihood of a wood boring insect entering New Zealand on plants in vitro is considered
negligible and the risks from this commodity will not be considered further in this
assessment.
5.2.3 Exposure Assessment
The pathway for exposure of Wollemia nobilis nursery stock, and any associated pests, has
been summarised in section 3.5.2.
Import Risk Analysis: Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi Pine) Araucariaceae Nursery Stock from Australia 14 March 2008 Page 51 of 193