Exotic pest closes Domain attraction

By ANNE BESTON environment reporter

An alien bug infestation has closed one of Auckland's top visitor attractions, but getting rid of the tiny pest threatens rare plants at Auckland's Wintergarden.

The Florida red scale (Chrysomphalus Aonidum), a member of the aphid family between 1mm and 3mm in size, has been living undetected among the exotic plants at Auckland's best-known botanical display for up to two years.

Biosecurity officials are hoping the insect is confined to the Victorian-era Winterhouse glasshouse and three nursery glasshouses it has been found in because it is a potential threaten to New Zealand's citrus industry.

New Zealand Citrus Growers spokesman Keith Pyle said while the insect preferred subtropical climates, Northland citrus growers would be concerned.

"We don't think it's a major risk but there is always the chance it could be, especially in areas like Kerikeri," he said.

"If it can be eradicated, it should be."

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry scientist Dr Barney Stephenson said the insect had been found on a wide range of plants in both the Victorian-era Winterhouse and three nursery glasshouses nearby.

"It's a reasonably heavy infestation and we think it's probably been here at least two years," he said.

A group of research scientists had spotted the tiny alien, he said, although it was surprising it had not been detected earlier.

The aim now was to find out how far the insect had spread and to treat it with chemical sprays that wouldn't harm valuable plants at the Wintergarden.

The gardens, established in 1929, include a fernery, succulents and tropical orchids.

"We don't want to go in boots and all to treat it and kill all the plants in there, so we've been quite measured in what we're doing," Dr Stephenson said.

"We're doing our utmost to identify plants that might be threatened, but things like palms might be difficult to deal with."

The Wintergarden, a tourist attraction often used as a backdrop for wedding photos, was likely to stay closed into next week, but MAF was mindful that Easter was a busy time.

Florida red scale is a citrus pest in some parts of the world and widespread in tropical and subtropical countries, including Asia, Africa, the Pacific and Australia.

The citrus industry's annual domestic and export production is worth around $40 million.