Introduction of potential disease vectors into a new geographic area poses health risks to local human, livestock, and wildlife populations. It is therefore important to gain understanding of the dynamics of these invasions, in particular its sources, modes of spread after the introduction, and vectorial potential. We studied the population genetics of Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus japonicus (Theobald), an Asian mosquito that was recognized for the first time in the United States in 1998. We examined patterns of genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA and sequences of ND4 of mtDNA by comparing samples from populations spanning the range of this mosquito in Japan (six samples) and the United States (nine samples) as well as specimens intercepted in New Zealand in 1999. We found geographically differentiated populations in Japan, indicating limited gene flow even on small spatial scales. In the United States, we found evidence of significant genetic differentiation between samples from New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey and those from mid-Pennsylvania and Maryland. We were unable to pinpoint the source location(s) in Japan, although some of the U.S. samples are genetically close to samples from south Honshu and western Kyushu. Further studies should include samples from Korean populations. Distinct genetic signatures in U.S. populations undergoing expansion suggest the possibility of local increases in genetic diversity if and where they meet.

The tomato potato psyllid (TPP) Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera Triozidae) was first notified to the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) in May 2006 although it has been suggested by several authors to have been present in New Zealand in 2005 MAF undertook an entry pathway analysis during the initial investigation into TPP in 2006 TPP is a vector of the bacteriumlike pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (liberibacter) and MAF further analysed the entry pathway of TPP during the liberibacter incursion response in 2008 This paper summarises the data and reasoning behind the conclusion that TPP was most plausibly introduced to New Zealand as a result of smuggling rather than through slippage on regulated pathways

The placement of Leptusa chiltoni is restored to its original status as sole member of the genus Baeostethus. Baeostethus chiltoni is a subantarctic intertidal species that is present on the shores of Auckland, Antipodes, and Campbell islands. Baeostethus is concluded to be a member of Liparocephalini based on the absence of seta v on the adult mentum, several setae distributed only on the mesal surface and apex of the galea, and contiguous mesocoxal cavities. The phylogenetic relationships of Liparocephalini are investigated in the context of a previous study and Baeostethus is shown to be a sister taxon to Liparocephalus based on 12 synapomorphies (nine are unique). The majority of Liparocephalini are distributed along the coasts of the northern Pacific rim, some 9000 km away from B. chiltoni. Most are apterous, and with Baeostethus as a relatively derived member of the group, it is difficult to reconcile the biogeographic pattern based on a dispersal event from the northern Pacific to the Campbell Plateau. We argue that the trans-Pacific pattern in Liparocephalini is due to an older contiguous distribution along the coastal margins of Pangea. The data are supported by an alternative area cladogram derived from a rerooted tree, congruence with a Pacific rim pattern seen in intertidal Aegalitinae (Salpingidae), and the distribution and phylogeny of terrestrial Gymnusini (Aleocharinae).

On 13 January 2006, the MAF Investigation and Diagnostic Centre (IDC) was alerted by a corn seed-crop manager to a possible new to New Zealand corn disease in Gisborne. Samples were immediately collected by IDC and identified as the Basidiomycete fungus Ustilago maydis Corda, which was later validated by Landcare Research. A survey of the field showed that symptomatic plants were concentrated to five rows in the field's southeast corner. Symptomatic plants observed in the field were immediately removed and destroyed. A delimiting survey of associated Zea mays crops showed no further infection in the region. Remaining plants in the original field were cut and processed into silage to kill any spores. The field was then cross-sown with ryegrass to minimise disease spread. Machinery used on the property was traced for cleaning and disinfection. The likely pathway of entry to New Zealand was considered to be contaminated seed. Library seeds of all seed-lines of interest were tested by IDC, and spores of the correct dimensions and morphology for U. maydis were detected in all samples. However, the majority of spores were considered non-viable due to heavy loading of fungicide on the seeds. Further organism management and surveillance actions are planned for spring 2006.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand runs several surveillance programmes to detect new or emerging risk organisms in New Zealand Reporting of these organisms is through the exotic disease and pest emergency hotline Notifications received through the hotline are screened and investigated to determine if they pose a risk to New Zealands core biosecurity values (economic environmental human health and cultural) Significant numbers of notifications are received each year Data detailing the notification and investigation of suspect risk organisms in the plants and environment domains for the last 2 years are presented and compared with previously published data The trend in notifications and the resulting outcomes of investigations are discussed