Thierry Candresse

Pest risk assessment of Atropellis spp. for the EU territory

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Plant Health (PLH) Panel performed a risk assessment for Atropellis spp. in the EU focusing on the risk of entry, the host range and the potential impacts. Atropellis is a fungal pathogen of several Pinus spp. in North America. The pathogen has not been reported from Europe and is a quarantine pest regulated in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC on plants (other than fruit and seeds), isolated bark and wood of Pinus. The main pathways of entry considered were Pinus plants, wood and isolated bark. Given the ban of importing Pinus plants from outside Europe into the EU and the lack of information on EU imports of isolated Pinus bark, only the wood pathway was assessed quantitatively. The conclusion of the assessment of entry for scenario A0 (current regulatory situation) is that the risk of entry of Atropellis spp. is close to zero. This conclusion is expected to apply also in the case of removing the specific Atropellis regulations, because of the remaining generic Pinus requirements, as well as in a scenario with additional risk reduction options. The uncertainty associated with this assessment is relatively limited, given that all the quartiles of the estimated distribution of the number of potential founder populations are close to zero. For the North American Pinus spp. known to be susceptible and widely planted in the EU (mainly P. contorta and P. strobus), the damage observed in North America (loss of wood quality, stem deformations, mortality in young stands, environmental consequences) is expected in the EU to a similar (or higher) degree, should the pathogen be introduced. Similar impacts are expected on the European Pinus spp. known to be host of Atropellis spp. These include widespread and locally abundant species such as P. nigra, P. sylvestris and P. pinaster. There are, however, large uncertainties associated with this impact assessment due to the unknown susceptibility of several other Pinus spp. present in Europe. There is a need for research on the susceptibility to Atropellis spp. of those European Pinus spp.

Pest categorisation of Ips typographus

Abstract The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the eight‐toothed spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), for the EU. I. typographus is a well‐defined and distinguishable species, recognised mainly as a pest of spruce (Picea spp.) in Eurasia. It also attacks other conifers such as Abies spp., Larix spp., Pinus spp. and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Native to Eurasia, I. typographus has spread from the native range of spruce to new areas in Eurasia where spruce has been planted, and is now widely distributed throughout the EU (22 Member states). It is a quarantine pest listed in Annex IIB of Council Directive 2000/29/EC for Ireland and United Kingdom as protected zones. Coniferous wood, bark and wood packaging material are considered as pathways for the pest, which is also able to disperse by flight over tens of kilometres. The insects normally establish on fallen trees but can also mass‐attack healthy trees, killing millions of spruces. The males produce pheromones that attract conspecifics of both sexes. Each male attracts one to four females; each female produces 2–80 offspring. The insects also inoculate pathogenic fungi to their hosts. There are one to three generations per year. The wide current geographic range of I. typographus suggests that it is able to establish anywhere in the EU where its hosts are present. Sanitary thinning or clear‐felling are the major control methods. Pheromone mass trapping is presently judged unreliable because of the large dispersal capacity of the pest. Quarantine measures are implemented to prevent entry in yet uncolonised areas. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential protected zone quarantine pest are met. The criteria for considering I. typographus as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest are not met since plants for planting are not a pathway.

First Report of Carrot torradovirus 1 (CaTV1), a Member of the Torradovirus Genus, Infecting Carrots in France

First Report of [i]Carrot torradovirus 1[/i] (CaTV1), a Member of the [i]Torradovirus[/i] Genus, Infecting Carrots in France

Pest categorisation of Witches' broom disease of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) phytoplasma

Abstract 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.

Pest categorisation of Anthonomus signatus

Abstract The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the strawberry bud weevil, Anthonomus signatus Say, (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), for the EU. A. signatus is a well‐defined and distinguishable species, recognised as a pest of strawberry (Fragaria) fruit production in eastern North America where it is also a pest of Rubus. There are reports of A. signatus associated with non‐rosaceous plants such as Mentha, Nepeta, Rhododendron and Solidago although whether such plants are true hosts is uncertain. This pest categorisation focuses on Fragaria and Rubus as hosts. Anthonomus signatus is not known to occur in the EU. It is listed in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. The international trade in Fragaria and Rubus plants for planting provides a potential pathway to introduce A. signatus from North America. Considering climatic similarities between North America and the EU, the thermal biology of A. signatus and host distribution in the EU, A. signatus has the potential to establish within the EU. There would be one generation per year, as in North America. As a pest of field grown Fragaria and Rubus, A. signatus would not be expected to establish in EU glasshouses. In North America, adults clip developing buds, preventing fruit development and reducing yield. Losses are variable and depend on the cultivars attacked. Severe crop losses have been reported. However, some Fragaria cultivars can compensate the loss of buds, e.g. by increasing the weight of fruits developing on remaining buds. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of A. signatus from North America. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As A. signatus 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.

Pest categorisation of Ips sexdentatus

Abstract The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the six‐toothed bark beetle, Ips sexdentatus (Börner) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), for the EU. I. sexdentatus is a well‐defined and distinguishable species, native to Eurasia and recognised mainly as a pest of pine (Pinus spp., in the pests whole range) and spruce (mainly Picea orientalis in Turkey and Georgia). It also might occasionally attack Larix spp. and Abies spp. It is distributed throughout the EU (24 Member States). It is a protected zone quarantine pest in Ireland, Cyprus and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland, Isle of Man), listed in Annex IIB of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Wood, wood products, bark and wood packaging material are considered as pathways for this pest, which is also able to disperse by flight over tens of kilometres. The adults normally establish on fallen or weakened trees (e.g. after a fire or a drought) and can also mass‐attack healthy trees. The males produce aggregation pheromones that attract conspecifics of both sexes. The insects also inoculate pathogenic fungi to their hosts. There are one to five generations per year. The wide current geographical range of I. sexdentatus suggests that it is able to establish anywhere in the EU where its hosts are present. Sanitary thinning or clear‐felling are the major control methods. Pheromone mass‐trapping is also locally implemented. Quarantine measures are implemented to prevent entry into the protected zones. All criteria for consideration as potential protected zone quarantine pest are met. The criteria for considering I. sexdentatus as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest are not met since plants for planting are not viewed as a pathway.

Pest categorisation of Dendroctonus micans

Abstract The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the great spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann), (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), for the EU. D. micans is a well‐defined and distinguishable species, recognised mainly as a pest of spruce (Picea spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.) in Eurasia. Attacks on other conifers (Abies spp., Larix decidua, Pseudotsuga menziesii) are also reported. Supposedly originating from north‐eastern Eurasia, D. micans has spread westward and is now distributed throughout the EU (22 Member States). It is a quarantine pest listed in Annex IIB of Council Directive 2000/29/EC for Greece, Ireland and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Jersey) as protected zones. Wood, wood products, bark and wood packaging material of the conifers genera listed as hosts are considered as the main pathways for the pest, which is also able to disperse several kilometres by flight. The sib‐mating habits of the species allow each single female to start a new colony on her own. The pests wide current geographic range suggests that it is able to establish anywhere in the EU where its hosts are present. The beetles attack living trees and usually complete their life cycle without killing their host, except under epidemic conditions at the limits of their distribution range, where hundreds of thousands of trees can be killed. Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) is particularly susceptible. Biological control using the very specific predatory beetle, Rhizophagus grandis, is a widespread and efficient option that has been implemented in all areas suffering from outbreaks. It is complemented by sanitary thinning or clear‐felling. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential protected zone quarantine pest were met. The criteria for considering D. micans as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest are not met since plants for planting are not the main pathway.

Pest categorisation of Pseudocercospora angolensis

Abstract The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Cercospora angolensis, 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 Pseudocercospora angolensis, is a well‐defined, distinguishable fungal species affecting all cultivated Citrus spp. and Fortunella japonica plants. It is currently distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa (altitudes 80–1,800 m) 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.

Pest categorisation of Spodoptera frugiperda

Abstract The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct a pest categorisation of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a pest with hosts in 27 plant families. Favoured hosts include maize, rice and sorghum (Poaceae). Hosts also include crops within the Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Rutaceae and other families. S. frugiperda is a taxonomic entity with reliable methods for identification. It is regulated in the EU as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and migrates to temperate regions in North and South America during the summer. Establishment in temperate areas is prevented by its inability to overwinter. S. frugiperda has been intercepted on plant produce entering the EU. Phytosanitary measures are available to impede entry via traded commodities. In 2016, S. frugiperda was reported damaging maize in Africa. Subsequent reports indicate that it continues to spread severely damaging maize and other crops. If S. frugiperda spreads into north Africa, the likelihood of adults migrating into the temperate EU increases. Within the scope and level of analysis appropriate for pest categorisation, the EFSA Plant Health Panel concludes that S. frugiperda could establish in a small area of the southern EU from where it is likely to enter more northern regions forming transient summer populations, particularly in maize growing regions where impacts on yield could occur. However, uncertainties regarding establishment remain. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess as regards status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP), S. frugiperda satisfies the criteria to be regarded a Union QP but does not meet the criteria of (i) occurring in the EU territory, and (ii) plants for planting being the principal means of spread, criteria required for RNQP status.

Pest categorisation of Little cherry pathogen (non‐EU isolates)

Abstract 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.