We have released the final risk analysis report for the proposed release of the leaf rust pathogen, Puccinia lantanae for the biological control of the weed lantana (Lantana camara).
The final report recommends that the release of the biological control agent should be permitted, subject to standard import and release conditions associated with exotic biological control agents.
No comments were received from stakeholders on the draft report, which was released on 5 February 2026.
The final report recommends that the biological control agent, Puccinia lantanae, should be permitted for release to control the weed lantana (Lantana camara). The risk is estimated to be Negligible, which achieves Australia's appropriate level of protection (ALOP).
The applicant, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI), provided a submission in support of their application to release the biological control agent. The submission detailed the results of host-specificity testing, together with other relevant information. This submission is included as an attachment to the final report.
We released the draft report for public consultation on 5 February 2026 (Biosecurity Advice 2026-P01). No submissions were received.
The final report and information about the risk analysis process are available online.
We invite stakeholders to contribute scientific information relevant to this risk analysis at any time by emailing plantstakeholders@aff.gov.au.
We encourage stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses to subscribe via our online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, you will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy, including this risk analysis.
Dr Peter Finnin
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (when prompted select option 1, then option 1)
Email: imports@aff.gov.au