Suchergebnisse

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Cadang-Cadang viroid for the European Union (EU) territory. Coconut cadang-cadang viroid (CCCVd) is a well-known viroid for which efficient molecular detection assays are available. It is transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts, by seed and pollen and, possibly, by the action of unknown vector(s). CCCVd is reported from a few countries in Asia and is not known to occur in the EU. It therefore does not meet one of the criteria for being a Union regulated non-quarantine pest. The host range of CCCVd is restricted to Arecaceae species (palms), in particular coconut and it is listed on all known hosts in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. CCCVd is expected to be able to enter in the EU and to be able to establish in the open in the southernmost regions of the EU and elsewhere under protected cultivation. It has the potential to subsequently spread via plants for planting and possibly other mechanisms. CCCVd is able to cause severe symptoms in some Arecaceae species while others seem less affected. The potential impact of CCCVd if introduced in the EU is very difficult to assess. Given that the spread potential is, as for other viroids, likely to be limited, the potential impact is estimated to be limited in extent but this judgement is affected by large uncertainties. Overall, CCCVd meets all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as Union quarantine pest. The main knowledge gaps concern (1) the relationships between CCCVd-related RNAs and CCCVd, (2) the origin and volume of the trade in palm seeds and plants for planting imported in the EU (3) the efficiency of natural spread under EU conditions and (4) host status and susceptibility of many palm species grown in the EU.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of non-EU isolates of the Little cherry pathogen (LCP) for the European Union (EU) territory. LCP is now known to be in fact two distinct, well characterised viruses, Little cherry virus 1 (LChV1) and Little cherry virus 2 (LChV2) collectively referred to here as LChV. Efficient molecular detection assays are available for both viruses but not to discriminate EU and non-EU isolates. LChV are transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts and, for LChV2, by mealybug vectors. LChV are reported from a range of countries, both outside and within the EU. 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 host ranges of LChV are restricted to Prunus species, in particular cultivated and ornamental cherries. LChV non-EU isolates are listed for some, but not all hosts, in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. LChV isolates are expected to be able to enter and establish in the EU. They have the potential to subsequently spread through plants for planting and, for LChV2, through the action of the Phenacoccus aceris vector, which is present in many EU MS. LChV are able to cause severe symptoms in some cherry varieties while others are less affected. Overall, non-EU LChV isolates meet all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as Union quarantine pests. However, given the currently limited impact of EU LChV isolates, the impact of non-EU isolates, if introduced, could be similarly limited. The main knowledge gaps and uncertainties concern (1) whether EU and non-EU isolates of LChV might differ in their biology, epidemiology or symptomatology, (2) efficiency of natural spread by vectors under EU conditions and (3) extent of symptoms caused on many EU-grown varieties.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the South African citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the European Union (EU). This is a well-de fi ned and distinguishable species, recognised as a pest of citrus and mangoes in South Africa, which has been cited on more than 70 different plants, including woody and herbaceous species. It feeds exclusively on young actively growing foliage and fruit. S. aurantii is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism presenting a risk to EU plant health. The international trade of hosts as either plants for planting or cut fl owers provide potential pathways into the EU. However, current EU legislation prohibits the import of citrus plants. Furthermore, measures aimed at the import of plants for planting in a dormant stage (no young foliage or fruits present) with no soil/growing medium attached, decreases the likelihood of the pest entry with such plants. Interceptions have occurred on Eustoma grandi fl orum cut fl owers. Considering climatic similarities between some of the countries where S. aurantii occurs (South Africa, Australia) and the EU, its thermal biology and host distribution in the EU, S. aurantii has the potential to establish, especially in citrus-growing regions of the EU. S. aurantii would most probably breed all year long around the Mediterranean and could cause crop losses in citrus, especially oranges. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the introduction of S. aurantii . Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP), S. aurantii meets with no uncertainties the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the European Union (EU). This is a well-de fi ned and distinguishable species, occurring in North America and Asia. Its precise distribution in Asia is uncertain. S. citri is a pest of citrus and blueberries and has been cited on over 50 different host species in 33 plant families. Whether all plants reported as hosts are true hosts, allowing population development of S. citri , is uncertain. S. citri feeds exclusively on young actively growing foliage and fruit. It is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism. The international trade of hosts, as either plants for planting or cut fl owers, provide potential pathways into the EU. However, current EU legislation prohibits the import of citrus plants for planting. Furthermore, measures aimed at the import of plants for planting in a dormant stage (no young foliage or fruits present) with no soil/growing medium attached, decreases the likelihood of the pest ' s entry via other hosts. Considering that there are regional climatic similarities where S. citri occurs in the USA with climates in the EU, and taking EU host distribution into account, S. citri has the potential to establish in the EU, especially in citrus and blueberry growing regions around the Mediterranean where quality losses in citrus and yield losses in blueberry could occur. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the likelihood of introduction of S. citri from infested countries. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP), S. citri meets with no uncertainties the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP.

The Panel on Plant Health assessed the risk to plant health of Strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV) for the European Union (EU) territory, and evaluated the current EU legislation and possible risk reduction options. This virus is widely distributed both within and outside Europe and the same applies to its main vector, the strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii. At-risk hosts (Fragaria spp.) occur widely in Europe. Plants for planting were identified as the most significant entry pathway and the probability of entry is rated as unlikely to moderately likely with high uncertainty. The probability of establishment is rated very likely with low uncertainty. The probability of local spread by natural means is moderately likely to likely, with medium uncertainty, whereas that of human-assisted long-distance spread is unlikely, with medium uncertainty. The potential consequences are rated as minimal to minor with medium uncertainty. Prohibition and restricting import or intra-EU trade to certified materials or to materials originating from pest-free areas or pest-free places of production are the options with highest effectiveness against the risks of introduction or against the risks of further spread. Prohibition and certification are also among the options of high or very high feasibility. In addition, it should be noted that the combination of options (cultural practices, certification, exclusion conditions, tolerant varieties) has an overall high to very high level of effectiveness and feasibility. The current legislation has few weaknesses: the reliance on inefficient visual inspection as well as the exceptions or derogations offered to some countries in which SMYEV is present. If the current legislation were removed, no major consequences would be expected unless the industry simultaneously ceased its widely adopted certification activity, which seems unlikely given the potential consequences.

The Panel on Plant Health assessed the risk to plant health of Strawberry crinkle virus (SCV) for the European Union (EU) territory, and evaluated the current EU legislation and possible risk reduction options. This virus is widely distributed both within and outside Europe and the same applies to its main vector, the strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii. At-risk hosts (Fragaria spp.) occur widely in Europe. Plants for planting were identified as the most significant entry pathway and the probability of entry is rated as unlikely to moderately likely with high uncertainty. The probability of establishment is rated as very likely with low uncertainty. The probability of local spread by natural means is moderately likely, with high uncertainty, whereas that of human-assisted long-distance spread is unlikely, with medium uncertainty. The potential consequences are rated as minimal to minor with medium uncertainty. Prohibition and restricting import or intra-EU trade to certified materials or to materials originating from pest-free areas or pest-free places of production are the options with highest effectiveness against the risks of introduction or against the risks of further spread. Prohibition and certification are also among the options of high or very high feasibility. In addition, it should be noted that the combination of options (cultural practices, certification, exclusion conditions, tolerant varieties) has an overall high to very high level of effectiveness and feasibility. The current legislation has few weaknesses: the reliance on visual inspection, as well as the exceptions or derogations offered to some countries in which SCV is present. If the current legislation were removed, no major consequences would be expected unless the industry simultaneously ceased its widely adopted certification activity, which seems unlikely given the potential consequences

The Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest risk assessment for the grapevine insect pest, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (an aphid species commonly known as phylloxera), in the European Union, identified risk reduction options and evaluated the effectiveness of the phytosanitary measures listed in Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Entry was assessed as potentially very likely for plants intended for planting (although the pathway is closed by Article 15 of Annex III) and very unlikely for fruit for consumption because transport and transfer would be very difficult, even though phylloxera has a moderate likelihood of association with the pathway. Establishment is very likely as the pest is already very widespread in the risk assessment area, occurring almost everywhere Vitis plants are present. Successful eradication is very unlikely and small populations can persist undetected in the soil. Spread within the EU is considered to be very likely because there are no effective barriers, it can disperse up to a few kilometres aided by the wind and it can readily be moved long distances with planting material. Grafting with resistant rootstocks throughout the EU ensures that the production of fruit and plants for planting is rarely affected by phylloxera infestations and, if so, only at a limited level. The Panel considers that the IIAII measures for D. vitifoliae do not assist in preventing entry and are ineffective in preventing spread because detection is so difficult. Restricting movements of plants for planting to cuttings grafted on resistant rootstocks, in combination with treatments (e.g. particularly fungicides and hot water treatments), was found to be the most effective risk reduction option. Limitations in the Cyprus protected zone regulations were identified.

The Panel conducted a pest risk assessment for Xanthomonas campestris (all strains pathogenic to Citrus) for the EU territory and an assessment of the effectiveness of present EU requirements against Xanthomonas strains pathogenic to citrus. The risk assessment was conducted under the scenario of absence of the current specific EU plant health legislation and the assumption that citrus-exporting countries apply measures to reduce yield and quality losses. Risk reduction options were systematically identified and evaluated. The strains of X. campestris pathogenic to citrus have been reclassified as four distinct infraspecific taxa within two species: X. citri and X. alfalfae. Only two pathovars (X. citri pv. citri and X. citri pv. aurantifolii) are responsible for the citrus bacterial canker that presents a major risk for the citrus industry in the EU. Seven entry pathways have been identified and evaluated. The likelihood of entry was rated unlikely for fruit, very likely for fruit plants for planting, moderately likely for ornamental plants for planting and unlikely for leaves and twigs. The uncertainty of probability of entry was rated as high. The probability of establishment was rated as moderately likely to likely with a medium uncertainty because host plants are widely present in EU areas where environmental conditions are suitable. Once established, spread would be likely with a low uncertainty. The impact of the disease, even if control measures are applied, was rated as moderate to major with a medium uncertainty. The disease would cause yield losses in areas where citrus is the main crop, increase the need for control measures and create environmental problems.The combined EU regulations have been shown to be effective in preventing the introduction of X. citri pv. citri or X. citri pv. aurantifolii in the EU, as no outbreaks of citrus canker in the EU territory have been reported.

The Panel conducted a risk assessment of Phyllosticta citricarpa for the EU. P. citricarpa causes citrus black spot (CBS) and is absent from the EU. Under the scenario of absence of specific risk reduction options against P. citricarpa, the risk of entry of P. citricarpa was rated as likely for citrus plants for planting and citrus fruit with leaves, moderately likely for citrus fruit without leaves, unlikely for citrus leaves for cooking and very unlikely for Tahiti lime fruit without leaves. Establishment was rated as moderately likely because susceptible hosts are widely available and environmental conditions in many EU citrus-growing areas are suitable (with high uncertainty) for P. citricarpa ascospore production, dispersal and infection. Current fungicide treatments will not prevent establishment. Environmental favourability is increased by the use of sprinkler and micro-sprinkler irrigation in some EU citrus-growing locations. Spread with trade was rated as moderately likely. Model results indicate that CBS epidemics are most likely to develop in EU citrus-growing areas in late summer to early autumn and in some locations also in late spring to early summer. CBS is expected to affect mainly lemons and late-maturing sweet orange and mandarin varieties, with moderate negative consequences for the production of fresh fruit, but with environmental impact of additional fungicide treatments. Negative consequences would be minor for early-maturing citrus varieties and minimal for citrus for processing. Uncertainty concerning the consequences is high, mainly because of the lack of data on critical climate response parameters for the pathogen but also because information on impact in areas at the limits of the current distribution is scarce. Since eradication and containment are difficult, phytosanitary measures should focus on preventing entry. Current phytosanitary measures are evaluated to be effective, with the exception of pest-free production sites.

The EFSA Journal is a publication of the European Food Safety Authority, an agency of the European Union. Requestor: European Commission. Question number: EFSA‐Q‐2020‐00126 ; Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation on tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). ToLCNDV is a well-defined bipartite Begomovirus species, sometimes associated with satellite molecules. It is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci to a wide range of hosts. ToLCNDV is reported from Estonia, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, with limited distribution. The prevalent strain (ToLCNDV-ES) in these countries is particularly adapted to cucurbits and is different from isolates reported outside the EU, which are better adapted to solanaceous crops and could therefore pose additional risk for EU agriculture. The virus is regulated under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The main pathway of entry identified is plants for planting of susceptible hosts, even if entry could also occur via commodities carrying viruliferous B. tabaci and possibly by seeds. While establishment and local spread rely on B. tabaci, the virus can also be dispersed over long distances by movement of infected plants for planting. Establishment and spread are limited to regions with ecoclimatic conditions suitable for the establishment of vector populations (southern regions of Europe) or can occur as outbreaks wherever crops are grown under protected cultivation. The main uncertainties associated with this pest categorisation are the distribution and prevalence of ToLCNDV in the EU, the magnitude of the virus impact particularly on hosts different from Cucurbitaceae, and seed transmission. ToLCNDV meets all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as potential Union Quarantine Pest (QP); conversely, ToLCNDV does not meet the criterion of being widespread in the EU to qualify as a Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest (RNQP). Should new data show that ToLCNDV is widespread in the EU, the possibility would exist for non-EU isolates to qualify as QP, while ToLCNDV EU isolates (ToLCNDV-ES) could qualify as RNQP.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the Siberian moth, Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetverikov (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae). D. sibiricus is a well-defined and distinguishable species, native to Asian Russia and northern regions of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea, and recognised as a severe pest of Pinaceae conifers, mainly larch (Larix spp.), fir (Abies spp.), spruce (Picea spp.), five-needle pines (Pinus spp.). It has also a potential to develop on non-native Pinaceae: Cedrus, Pseudotsuga, Tsuga. It defoliates healthy trees and kills thousands of hectares of forests. It is absent from the EU and is listed as a quarantine pest in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. Plants for planting, branches of conifers and non-squared wood from its distribution range are considered as pathways for the pest, which can also disperse by flight over tens of kilometres. The females produce sex pheromones. Adults do not feed and can survive for about 2 weeks. One female lays up to 400 eggs, attaching them to needles. One generation usually develops in 2–3 years, with larvae passing winter diapause and some undergoing facultative summer diapause. Exceptionally, 1-year generations may occur if the number of degree-days above 10°C is higher than 2,200. Larvae feed on needles through 5–6 instars and pupate in a cocoon on tree branches. Mature larvae have urticating setae on thoracic segments that protect them from enemies and may cause allergic reactions in humans and animals. The contradictory studies regarding the climatic requirements of D. sibiricus make the issue of its establishment in most of the EU territory uncertain, although its host trees are widely present. All criteria for considering D. sibiricus as a potential quarantine pest are met. The species is presently absent from the EU, and thus, the criteria for consideration as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest are not met.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Guignardia laricina , a well-de fi ned and distinguishable fungal species of the family Phyllostictaceae. The pathogen is regulated in Council Directive 2000/29/EC (Annex IAI) as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. G. laricina is native to East Asia and causes a shoot blight disease of Larix spp. Major hosts of G. laricina are European larch ( Larix decidua ) and two North American larch species ( Larix laricina (tamarack) and Larix occidentalis (Western larch)). Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) is reported as susceptible. The only other host in nature is Douglas fi r ( Pseudotsuga menziesii) , which is reported as an incidental host, but various other conifers have been reported as susceptible following arti fi cial inoculation, including Picea abies . The fungus is not known to occur in the EU but could enter via plants for planting (including arti fi cially dwarfed plants) and cut branches of Larix spp. It could establish in the EU, as hosts are present and climatic conditions are favourable. The pathogen would be able to spread following establishment by natural dissemination of ascospores and pycnospores and by human movement of infected plants for planting. Should the pathogen be introduced in the EU, impacts can be expected in larch forests, plantations and nurseries, leading to reduced tree growth and ecosystem service provision. The key uncertainties concern the current distribution and level of impacts in the native range of the pathogen. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. As the pest is not present in the EU, not all criteria for consideration as a regulated non-quarantine pest are met.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the fungus Synchytrium endobioticum, the causal agent of potato wart disease, for the European Union (EU). The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. S. endobioticum is present in most continents. The pest is listed in Annex IAII of Directive 2000/29/EC and is present with a restricted and fragmentary distribution in the EU. The major host is Solanum tuberosum (potato), but in Mexico, the pest also affects wild Solanum spp. S. endobioticum could potentially enter the EU through multiple pathways associated with soil as substrate for non-host plants, contaminant or commodity. The presence of the pest in 16 EU Member States characterised by different climatic conditions suggests that it could establish in the rest of the EU. The disease induces the formation of warts on potato tubers, stolons and stem bases reducing plant growth and yield and making tubers unmarketable. Additional losses may occur during storage. The only available strategy to control the disease and prevent it from spreading is the application of strict phytosanitary measures and the cultivation of potato varieties resistant to the pathotype(s) present in the infested field(s). Specific phytosanitary measures exist (Council Directive 69/464/EEC) for the control of potato wart disease in the EU. The main uncertainties refer to the distribution and host range of the pest, and the importance of some pathways of entry. S. endobioticum meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering S. endobioticum as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met since, in addition to potato seed tubers, soil (as commodity, substrate or contaminant) and ware potato tubers are major means of spread.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Melampsora medusae, a well-defined and distinguishable fungal species of the family Melampsoraceae. The pathogen is regulated in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. M. medusae is a heteroecious rust fungus with Populus spp. as primary telial hosts and various conifers (Larix, Pinus, Pseudotsuga, Abies, Picea and Tsuga spp.) as secondary aecial hosts. M. medusae is native to North America and has spread to South America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, as well as the EU, where M. medusae f. sp. deltoidae has been reported with a restricted distribution and low impacts from Belgium, south-west France and southern Portugal. The pest could spread to other EU countries, via dissemination of spores, movement of host plants for planting and cut branches. Climate is assumed not to be a limiting factor for the establishment of the pathogen in the EU. M. medusae is the most widespread and important Melampsora rust in North America. In western Canada, extensive damage has been reported to conifers and Populus spp. in nurseries and plantations as well as in woodlands. M. medusae is damaging in both Australia and New Zealand. The pest could have economic and environmental impacts in the EU if aggressive isolates of M. medusae were introduced into the EU. Import prohibition of host plants for planting is an available measure to reduce the risk of further introductions. Some resistant Populus cultivars are available. Moreover, increasing the genetic diversity of poplar plantations can prevent disease impacts. The main uncertainty concerns the factors explaining the low pathogenicity of the populations of M. medusae present in the EU. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met (the pest is present, but with a restricted distribution, and is officially under control). Given that plants for planting are not the main pathway of spread, not all criteria for consideration as a regulated non-quarantine pest are met.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the non-EU Pissodes spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). They constitute a well-defined taxon, with non-EU species distributed in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, China, Japan, Korea, Russia and South Africa, some of which are recognised as severe pests of conifers, mainly Pinus spp. and Picea spp., or vector pathogens. The immature stages either live in the phloem and cambium of healthy, weakened or dead trees, or in the terminal shoots of living trees. They are listed as quarantine pests in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. Plants for planting, branches of conifers and non-squared wood are considered as pathways. The pest can also disperse by hitchhiking, and fly over kilometres. The adults are long-lived (up to 4 years). They feed by puncturing the bark of stems or shoots. Females lay eggs in chewed-out cavities in the bark. The life cycle varies with species and local climatic conditions. At the end of the larval stage, the larva excavates a pupal cell between the sapwood and the bark, in the sapwood or in terminal shoots. Pissodes spp. overwinter as adults in the litter or as larvae or teneral adults in the galleries or pupal cells. The current geographic range of the non-European Pissodes spp. suggests that many of them may establish in the EU territory, where their hosts are widely present. We list some species which, if introduced to the EU, would most probably have an economic impact on plantations or may interfere with forest ecosystem processes although they are mainly abundant and damaging in intensively managed monocultures. All criteria for considering those non-EU Pissodes spp. as potential quarantine pests are met. The criteria for considering them as non-regulated quarantine pests are not met because they are absent from the EU territory.