Suchergebnisse

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of non-EU Monochamus spp., a well-defined insect genus in the family Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). Species can be identified using taxonomic keys at national and regional level, and DNA barcoding. Two online world catalogues exist for the genus. The genus includes about one hundred species and many subspecies colonising conifers and non-conifer trees in many areas in the world. The non-EU species are listed in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Although Monochamus spp. colonise weakened or dead trees and have therefore no direct impact, some species vector the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which they inoculate to healthy trees when they proceed to maturation feeding on twigs, causing high mortality among pines in Asia and the EU (Portugal). Sixteen species in Asia and America attack conifers. The main pathways for entry are raw untreated wood and wood products, wood packaging material, particle wood and waste wood, finished wood products and hitchhiking. Monochamus species were categorised in two groups. The first group includes 16 species colonising conifers and absent in the EU known or likely to vector the pine wood nematode. The species in this group satisfy all the criteria to be considered as Union quarantine pests. Measures are in place to prevent the introduction of Monochamus with coniferous wood. The second group gathers all the remaining species, all non-EU species colonising non-conifers. These do not satisfy all the criteria to be considered as Union quarantine pests. As plants for planting are not a pathway for Monochamus spp., and as most of the species within these groups are absent from the EU territory, the two groups do not meet the criteria to be considered as regulated non-quarantine pests.(C) 2018 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.

The Panelon Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Venturianashicola, the causal agent of Asian pear scab, for the European Union (EU). The pathogen is a well-defined, distinguishable fungal species affecting Pyruspyrifolia var. culta, P.ussuriensis and P.bretschneideri in Asian countries. P.communis (European pear) is not a host of V.nashicola, but the host status of other Pyrus species is unclear. V.nashicola is not known to occur in the EU. It is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogen could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and fruit originated in infested countries. There are no climatic factors limiting the potential establishment and spread of the pathogen in the EU, as its epidemiology is similar to those of Venturiainaequalis (apple scab) and Venturiapyrina (European pear scab), which are well-established in the EU. The hosts are present in the EU, but no data were found on their abundance and distribution. In the infested areas, V.nashicola causes premature leaf and fruit drop and fruit distortion resulting in considerable yield/quality losses. The introduction of the pathogen into the EU could cause yield/quality losses and environmental consequences because of the additional fungicide sprays for disease control. Cultural practices and chemical measures applied in the infested areas reduce the inoculum sources but they cannot eliminate the pathogen. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pathogen in the EU. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As V.nashicola is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion assessed by EFSA to consider it as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of non‐European isolates of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) for the EU territory. CTV is a well characterised virus for which efficient detection assays are available. It is transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts and by aphid vectors. The most efficient one, Toxoptera citricida, has limited EU presence but another one, Aphis gossypii, is broadly distributed. CTV is reported from a range of countries outside the EU and EU isolates are present in seven of the eight citrus‐growing member states. Non‐EU isolates are not known to occur in the EU and therefore do not meet one of the criteria for being a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest. The natural host range of CTV is restricted to Citrus, Fortunella and Poncirus species. CTV non‐EU isolates are listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and the main pathway for entry, plants for planting, is closed by the existing legislation. CTV isolates may therefore only enter through minor alternative pathways. They have the potential to subsequently spread through plants for planting and through the action of aphid vectors. CTV non‐EU isolates are able to cause severe symptoms on a range of citrus crops that EU isolates do not induce. Overall, non‐EU CTV isolates meet all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as Union quarantine pests. The main knowledge gaps and uncertainties concern (1) the status of Rutaceae species other than Citrus, Fortunella and Poncirus as natural hosts for CTV; (2) the potential undetected presence of non‐EU CTV isolates in the EU and in particular the prevalence and biological properties of CTV isolates that may be present in ornamental citrus; and (3) the inability of EU CTV isolates apparently related to non‐European stem pitting (SP) isolates to cause SP in sweet orange.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Venturia nashicola, the causal agent of Asian pear scab, for the European Union (EU). The pathogen is a well‐defined, distinguishable fungal species affecting Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta, P. ussuriensis and P. bretschneideri in Asian countries. P. communis (European pear) is not a host of V. nashicola, but the host status of other Pyrus species is unclear. V. nashicola is not known to occur in the EU. It is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogen could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and fruit originated in infested countries. There are no climatic factors limiting the potential establishment and spread of the pathogen in the EU, as its epidemiology is similar to those of Venturia inaequalis (apple scab) and Venturia pyrina (European pear scab), which are well‐established in the EU. The hosts are present in the EU, but no data were found on their abundance and distribution. In the infested areas, V. nashicola causes premature leaf and fruit drop and fruit distortion resulting in considerable yield/quality losses. The introduction of the pathogen into the EU could cause yield/quality losses and environmental consequences because of the additional fungicide sprays for disease control. Cultural practices and chemical measures applied in the infested areas reduce the inoculum sources but they cannot eliminate the pathogen. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pathogen in the EU. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As V. nashicola is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion assessed by EFSA to consider it as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest is not met.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of naturally‐spreading psorosis of citrus for the European Union. Naturally‐spreading psorosis is poorly defined, because the status of both the disease and its causal agent(s) is uncertain. However, Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) is a well‐ characterised Ophiovirus that is systematically associated with the psorosis disease and therefore considered to be its causal agent. Efficient diagnostics are available for CPsV. It is present in at least three EU MS. Naturally‐spreading psorosis is currently regulated by Directive 2000/29/EC, while CPsV is not explicitly mentioned in this Directive. CPsV has the potential to enter, establish and spread in the EU territory. However, the main pathway for entry is closed by the existing legislation so that entry is only possible through minor alternative pathways. Plants for planting are the major means of spread while there are uncertainties on the existence and efficiency of a natural spread mechanism. CPsV introduction and spread in the EU would have negative consequences on the EU citrus industry. Of the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union quarantine pest or as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP), Naturally‐spreading psorosis does not meet the criterion of being a well characterised pest or disease. As it is not explicitly mentioned in the legislation, it is unclear whether CPsV meets the criterion of being currently regulated or under official control. It meets, however, all the RNQP criteria. The key uncertainties of this categorisation concern: (1) the causal role of CPsV in the psorosis disease as well as elements of its biology and epidemiology, (2) the exact nature of the Naturally‐spreading psorosis syndrome and the identity of its causal agent and, consequently, (3) whether CPsV should be considered as being covered by the current legislation.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Citrus tatter leaf virus (CTLV) for the EU territory. This virus is the causal agent of tatter leaf and graft incompatibility in trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) and its hybrids. CTLV is now recognised as a synonym of Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), the type Capillovirus species, for which efficient diagnostics are available. There are no known ASGV vectors. The virus is reported in citrus from many countries. In the EU, while ASGV is widely present on apple and pear, it has never been reported on citrus. Since the citrus plants for planting pathway is closed by existing legislation, the main pathway for entry is plants for planting of other host species. In the EU, the high prevalence of ASGV in non‐citrus hosts, but its absence in citrus ones suggests that interspecific host transfers are rare. However, there are high uncertainties on the importance and specifics of such host change events. No limits to the establishment of ASGV are identified and spread is likely through the vegetative propagation and trade of infected hosts. Infection of sensitive citrus rootstocks leads to stunted growth and decline of the entire plant a few years after grafting. The rootstocks that are now widely used to prevent citrus tristeza decline are the most affected. Among the criteria evaluated by EFSA for an organism to qualify as a Union quarantine pest, ASGV does not meet the criterion of being absent from or under official control in the EU territory. ASGV satisfies all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest. The main uncertainties concern the possible unreported presence of ASGV in citrus in the EU, the existence and efficiency of interspecific host transfers and the existence of ASGV natural spread.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Satsuma dwarf virus (SDV) for the EU territory. SDV is a well‐known pathogen and the type species of the genus Sadwavirus in the family Secoviridae. SDV is now considered to include several other formerly distinct viruses which are therefore also covered in the present opinion. Citrus species and their relatives represent the main hosts of SDV and efficient diagnostic techniques are available. SDV is listed on some of its known hosts in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. It is transmitted by vegetative propagation of infected hosts and presumably through the soil, but the precise mechanism or vector(s) are still unknown. SDV is present in Asia and is not known to occur in the EU. Therefore, it does not meet this criterion to qualify as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNPQ). Plants for planting represent the main pathway for the entry, but this pathway is closed by existing legislation for the main hosts (Citrus, Fortunella and Poncirus). SDV is, however, able to enter the EU on plants for plants of its unregulated rutaceous or non‐rutaceous hosts. Should it be introduced, SDV has the potential to establish and subsequently spread with plants for planting and, possibly, through its poorly characterised natural spread mechanism(s). SDV is able to cause severe symptoms, quality and yield losses on a range of citrus crops. Overall, SDV meets all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union quarantine pest. The main knowledge gaps and uncertainties concern (1) the potential significance of the unregulated rutaceous and non‐rutaceous hosts for virus dissemination and epidemiology, (2) the origin and trade volume of the plants for planting of these host imported in the EU and (3) the efficiency of natural spread of SDV under EU conditions.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Satsuma dwarf virus (SDV) for the EU territory. SDV is a well-known pathogen and the type species of the genus Sadwavirus in the family Secoviridae. SDV is now considered to include several other formerly distinct viruses which are therefore also covered in the present opinion. Citrus species and their relatives represent the main hosts of SDV and efficient diagnostic techniques are available. SDV is listed on some of its known hosts in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. It is transmitted by vegetative propagation of infected hosts and presumably through the soil, but the precise mechanism or vector(s) are still unknown. SDV is present in Asia and is not known to occur in the EU. Therefore, it does not meet this criterion to qualify as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNPQ). Plants for planting represent the main pathway for the entry, but this pathway is closed by existing legislation for the main hosts (Citrus, Fortunella and Poncirus). SDV is, however, able to enter the EU on plants for plants of its unregulated rutaceous or non-rutaceous hosts. Should it be introduced, SDV has the potential to establish and subsequently spread with plants for planting and, possibly, through its poorly characterised natural spread mechanism(s). SDV is able to cause severe symptoms, quality and yield losses on a range of citrus crops. Overall, SDV meets all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union quarantine pest. The main knowledge gaps and uncertainties concern (1) the potential significance of the unregulated rutaceous and non-rutaceous hosts for virus dissemination and epidemiology, (2) the origin and trade volume of the plants for planting of these host imported in the EU and (3)the efficiency of natural spread of SDV under EU conditions.

The Panelon Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Cercosporaangolensis, the fungus responsible for Pseudocercospora fruit and leaf spot of citrus, for all territories except of the Union territories defined in Article 1 point 3 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031. C.angolensis is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to be present in the EU. The pathogen, which has recently been reclassified as Pseudocercosporaangolensis, is a well-defined, distinguishable fungal species affecting all cultivated Citrus spp. and Fortunellajaponica plants. It is currently distributed in sub-Saharan Africa (altitudes 80-1,800m) and Yemen. Although the epidemiology of P.angolensis is not well understood, infection is favoured by warm temperatures and humidity. The current distribution of the pathogen and climate matching suggests that it might not be well adapted to Mediterranean climates. However, the pathogen is also present in arid areas of Yemen and can infect young fruit with short wetness durations. Uncertainty exists on whether and at which extent the irrigation applied to EU citrus orchards can make the microclimate favourable for P.angolensis. There are no eco-climatic factors limiting the potential spread of the pathogen in the EU. Long-distance spread occurs by wind-disseminated conidia and movement of infected plants for planting and fruit. Short-distance spread occurs via water splash and/or wind-driven rain. In the infested areas, the disease causes premature abscission of young leaves and fruit resulting in yield losses up to 50-100%. Cultural practices and chemical measures applied in the infested areas reduce inoculum but they cannot eliminate the pathogen. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As P.angolensis is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion assessed by EFSA to consider it as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation for the Witches' broom disease of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) phytoplasma for the EU territory. The pest has been reported in a few countries in the Middle East and is not known to occur in the EU. The disease is caused by a well‐defined phytoplasma strain in the 'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia' species, for which efficient molecular detection assays are available. The most important known natural host is Citrus aurantifolia, which is only grown for ornamental purposes in the EU. Sweet limes, rough lemon and trifoliate orange are also naturally infected by that phytoplasma. The latter can be transmitted by grafting also to some citrus species. Other citrus species were reported to be resistant; however, their susceptibility has been assessed only by symptom observations, and the possible presence of phytoplasmas in symptomless plants cannot be ruled out. The phytoplasma is transmitted by the leafhopper Hishimonus phycitis, which is not known to occur in the EU. There is no information on the vector status of other phloem feeding insects of citrus present in the EU. The pest is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. The main pathways for entry, plants for planting and the vector insect, are closed by existing legislation on import of citrus plants. Nevertheless, should the pest enter, it could establish and spread. In countries where Witches' broom disease of lime (WBDL) is present, it has significant impact. The main knowledge gaps concern (1) and vertical transmission of the phytoplasma to H. phycitis eggs (2) lack of information regarding susceptibility of citrus crops grown in the EU (3) status of potential insect vectors in the EU. Therefore, the WBDL phytoplasma meets the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Satsuma dwarf virus (SDV) for the EU territory. SDV is a well-known pathogen and the type species of the genus Sadwavirus in the family Secoviridae. SDV is now considered to include several other formerly distinct viruses which are therefore also covered in the present opinion. Citrus species and their relatives represent the main hosts of SDV and efficient diagnostic techniques are available. SDV is listed on some of its known hosts in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. It is transmitted by vegetative propagation of infected hosts and presumably through the soil, but the precise mechanism or vector(s) are still unknown. SDV is present in Asia and is not known to occur in the EU. Therefore, it does not meet this criterion to qualify as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNPQ). Plants for planting represent the main pathway for the entry, but this pathway is closed by existing legislation for the main hosts (Citrus, Fortunella and Poncirus). SDV is, however, able to enter the EU on plants for plants of its unregulated rutaceous or non-rutaceous hosts. Should it be introduced, SDV has the potential to establish and subsequently spread with plants for planting and, possibly, through its poorly characterised natural spread mechanism(s). SDV is able to cause severe symptoms, quality and yield losses on a range of citrus crops. Overall, SDV meets all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union quarantine pest. The main knowledge gaps and uncertainties concern (1) the potential significance of the unregulated rutaceous and non-rutaceous hosts for virus dissemination and epidemiology, (2) the origin and trade volume of the plants for planting of these host imported in the EU and (3)the efficiency of natural spread of SDV under EU conditions.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest risk assessment on Ditylenchus destructor, the potato rot nematode, for the EU. It focused the assessment of entry, establishment, spread and impact on two crops: potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tulip (Tulipa spp.). The main pathways for entry of D. destructor into the EU and for spread of this nematode within the EU are plants for planting, including seed potatoes and flower bulbs. These commodities are also the main targets for the assessment of the impact. A modelling approach was used to quantitatively estimate entry, spread and impact. Literature and expert judgement were used to estimate model parameters, taking into account uncertainty. A baseline scenario with current pest-specific phytosanitary regulations was compared with alternative scenarios without those specific regulations or with additional risk reduction options. Further information is provided on the host range of D. destructor and on survival of the nematode in soil in the absence of hosts. The Panel concludes that the entry of D. destructor with planting material from third countries is small compared to the yearly intra-EU spread of this nematode with planting material. Changes in pest-specific regulations have little influence on entry of the pest as other non-specific regulation already lead to a good level of protection against the introduction of the nematode into the pest risk assessment (PRA) area. It is also concluded that the whole PRA area is suitable for establishment of D. destructor, but there is insufficient information to make a statement on the persistence of newly introduced populations in the entire PRA area. Impacts of this nematode on the quantity and quality of potato are considered negligible. The impact on flower bulb production in the EU is considered as very low.