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The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’). This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by 1- to 3-year-old dormant grafted plants and rootstocks of Malus domestica imported from Ukraine, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Ukraine. All pests associated with the commodity were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. Two quarantine pests (Lopholeucaspis japonica and Tobacco ringspot virus), one protected zone quarantine pest (Erwinia amylovora) and one non-regulated pest (Eotetranychus prunicola) that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. For Erwinia amylovora, for which special requirements are specified in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072, Annex X, item 9, the fulfilment of these requirements was evaluated. Based on the information provided in the dossier, the specific requirements for Erwinia amylovora were not met. For the three remaining selected pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Ukraine were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. For the selected pests, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with Eotetranychus prunicola being the pest most frequently expected on the imported plants. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated with 95% certainty that between 9,912 and 10,000 bundles (consisting of 50 plants each) per 10,000 would be free from Eotetranychus prunicola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Colletotrichum fructicola Prihast., a well‐defined polyphagous fungus of the C. gloeosporioides complex which has been reported from all the five continents to cause anthracnose, bitter rot and leaf spotting diseases on over 90 cultivated and non‐cultivated woody or herbaceous plant species. The pathogen is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. Because of the very wide host range, this pest categorisation focused on Camellia sinensis, Citrus sinensis, C. reticulata, Fragaria × ananassa, Malus domestica, M. pumila, Persea americana, Prunus persica, Pyrus pyrifolia and P. bretschneideri for which there was robust evidence that C. fructicola was formally identified by morphology and multilocus gene sequencing analysis. Host plants for planting and fresh fruits are the main pathways for the entry of the pathogen into the EU. There are no reports of interceptions of C. fructicola in the EU. The pathogen has been reported from Italy and France. The host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in some parts of the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogen. Economic impact on the production of the main hosts is expected if establishment occurs. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the re‐introduction of the pathogen into the EU. Although the pathogen is present in the EU, there is a high uncertainty on its actual distribution in the territory because of the re‐evaluation of Colletotrichum taxonomy and the lack of systematic surveys. Therefore, the Panel cannot conclude with certainty on whether C. fructicola satisfies the criterium of being present but not widely distributed in the EU to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest unless systematic surveys for C. fructicola are conducted and Colletotrichum isolates from the EU in culture collections are re‐evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’. This Scientific Opinion covers the plant health risks posed by 2‐year‐old grafted bare rooted plants for planting of Juglans regia imported from Turkey, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Turkey. The relevance of any pest for this Opinion was based on evidence following defined criteria. Two EU quarantine pests, Anoplophora chinensis and Lopholeucaspis japonica, and three pests not regulated in the EU, two insects (Garella musculana, Euzophera semifuneralis) and one fungus (Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae), fulfilled all relevant criteria and were selected for further evaluation. For these pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Turkey were evaluated by considering the possible limiting factors. For these pests, an expert judgement was given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pests, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. While the estimated degree of pest freedom varied among pests, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae was the pest most frequently expected on the commodity. The expert knowledge elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that 9,554 or more grafted bare rooted plants per 10,000 will be free from Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), for the EU. This polyphagous species feeds on citrus, almonds, pistachios, grapes and other crops cultivated in the EU. A. transitella occurs in North, Central and South America in a range of climates some of which also occur in the EU. Adult females lay up to 200 eggs on overripe, damaged, cracked or mummified fruits or nuts. In citrus, eggs are laid at the navel end of damaged fruit. On occasions, they may be found on adjacent leaves or stems. This species is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. Potential entry pathways for A. transitella, such as plants for planting, and fruit, exist. The pest is not known to be present in the EU territory although it has been intercepted in Italy and Austria. Should A. transitella arrive in the EU the availability of hosts and occurrence of potentially suitable climates would be conducive for establishment. Should this species establish in the EU, yield and quality losses in citrus, nuts, stone and pome fruit production is anticipated. A. transitella satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to conduct a pest categorisation of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Leipidoptera: Pyralidae) for the territory of the EU following interceptions of the organism within the EU and its addition to the EPPO Alert List. E. lignosellus feeds on over 70 species; hosts include cereals, especially maize, legumes, brassicas and a range of grasses. Seedlings of ornamental and forest trees can also be hosts. E. lignosellus is established in tropical and subtropical areas of North, Central and South America. Eggs are usually laid in the soil or on the lower stem of hosts. Larvae develop in the soil and feed on roots and stems causing stunting and yield losses. Plants for planting, rooted with growing media, or with stems cut close to the soil, and fresh vegetables harvested with stems, such as asparagus and cabbage, provide pathways for entry. Population development is favoured by dry and hot conditions (27–33°C). Adults fly and can be carried in air currents. Adults are recorded from temperate areas within the Americas contributing some uncertainty regarding the limits of its establishment potential in the EU. Although cultivated and wild hosts are distributed across the EU, impacts are likely to be confined to production areas on sandy soils around the coastal Mediterranean during hot dry years. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the entry of E. lignosellus. E. lignosellus satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the citrus pulp borer, Citripestis sagittiferella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), for the EU. This oligophagous species, which feeds on Citrus spp., occurs in Southeast Asia, mostly in lowlands but can also be found up to 1,200 m above sea level. Adults oviposit on citrus fruit at any stage of the fruit development. Larvae feed in the fruit then abandon it to pupate in the soil within an earthen cocoon. C. sagittiferella is multivoltine in its native range. This species is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. Potential entry pathways for C. sagittiferella, such as Citrus spp. plants for planting with foliage and soil/growing medium, and soil/growing medium by themselves can be considered as closed. The citrus fruit pathway remains open for countries where C. sagittiferella is known to occur. Indeed, this species was intercepted several times in the UK during the last decade. Hosts of C. sagittiferella are available (Citrus spp.) in the southern EU. The EU has climatic conditions that are also found in countries where C. sagittiferella occurs although it is unknown whether C. sagittiferella occurs in those areas. Economic impact in citrus production is anticipated if establishment and spread occur. C. sagittiferella satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. There is uncertainty about the climatic requirements of this species, which may hamper its establishment in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by tubers of Ullucus tuberosus imported from Peru, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Peru. The relevance of an EU quarantine pest for this opinion was based on evidence that: (i) the pest is present in Peru, (ii) U. tuberosus is a host of the pest and (iii) the pest can be associated with the commodity. The relevance of any other pest, not regulated in the EU, was based on evidence that: (i) the pest is present in Peru (ii) the pest is absent in the EU; (iii) U. tuberosus is a host of the pest; (iv) the pest can be associated with the commodity and (v) the pest may have an impact and can pose a potential risk for the EU territory. There are five pests i.e. one insect (Amathynetoides nitidiventris), two nematodes (Atalodera andina and Nacobbus aberrans) and two viruses (the Andean potato latent virus (APLV) and the potato virus T (PVT)) that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. For the five pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Peru were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. For each of the five pests, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with PVT being the pest most frequently expected on the imported commodities. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that between 9,157 and 10,000 tubers out of 10,000 would be free of PVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested EFSA Panel on Plant Health to evaluate a dossier from Israel in which the application of the systems approach to mitigate the risk of entry of Thaumatotibia leucotreta to the EU when trading citrus fruits is described. After collecting additional evidence from the Plant Protection and Inspection Services (PPIS) of Israel, and reviewing the published literature, the Panel performed an assessment on the likelihood of pest freedom for T. leucotreta on citrus fruits at the point of entry in the EU considering the Israelian systems approach. An expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom following the evaluation of the risk mitigation measures on T. leucotreta, including any uncertainties. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty that between 9,863 and 10,000 citrus fruits per 10,000 will be free from this pest. The Panel also evaluated each risk mitigation measure in the systems approach and identified any weaknesses associated with them. Specific actions are identified that could increase the efficacy of the systems approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ollowing a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health examined evidence as to whether the import of fruits of Musa (bananas and plantains) could provide a pathway into the EU for Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) or other non-EU Tephritidae for which Musa is a host. Relevant scientific and technical information, including unpublished information provided to the EFSA Panel on Plant Health by the European Commission from research conducted in Cabo Verde, were taken into account. The majority of EU imports of Musa fruit comes from Ecuador, Colombia and Costa Rica where B. dorsalis does not occur. Commercial Musa fruits are harvested at ‘green stage one’ before they begin to ripen naturally. Postharvest processes are designed to ensure that only high quality, unripe fruit are exported. Green stage one fruit are transported to the EU in controlled conditions and stimulated to ripen when exposed to exogenous ethylene in ripening rooms in the EU. There is no evidence that any Tephritidae can naturally infest commercial varieties of Musa fruit at green stage one or earlier. When experimentally infested with eggs of Tephritidae, larvae fail to develop in green stage one fruit. Physical and chemical changes that occur during fruit ripening enable B. dorsalis and 11 other species of Tephritidae to oviposit and develop in Musa at later stages of fruit development. Reports of B. dorsalis or other Tephritidae infesting bunches of Musa fruit are a consequence of the fruit being left to develop beyond green stage one in the field. There is no evidence that commercially grown fruits of Musa, for export to the EU, provide a pathway for the entry of non-EU Tephritidae. Passengers bringing Musa fruit from countries where Tephritidae can infest ripened Musa fruit do however provide a potential pathway for the entry of non-EU Tephritidae into the EU territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. Momordica fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high risk plants. This Scientific Opinion covers the introduction risk for T. palmi posed by fruits of Momordica charantia L. imported from Mexico, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the National Service of Health, Safety and Agrifood Quality (Senasica) of Mexico. The risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Mexico were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. An expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the potential pest pressure in the field, the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest in the field and in the packinghouse, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. For T. palmi on M. charantia fruits from Mexico, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom following the evaluation of the risk mitigation measures acting on T. palmi, including any uncertainties. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty that between 9,492 and 10,000 M. charantia fruits per 10,000 will be free from T. palmi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. Momordica fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high‐risk plants. This Scientific Opinion covers the introduction risk for T. palmi posed by fruits of Momordica charantia L. imported from Thailand, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the Department of Agriculture of Thailand. The risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Thailand were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. An expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the potential pest pressure in the field, the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest in the field and in the packing house, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. For T. palmi on M. charantia fruits from Thailand, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom following the evaluation of the risk mitigation measures acting on T. palmi, including any uncertainties. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty that between 9,496 and 10,000 M. charantia fruits/10,000 will be free from T. palmi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. M. charantia fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high‐risk plants. This Scientific Opinion covers the introduction risk for T. palmi posed by fruits of Momordica charantia L. imported from Suriname, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the National Plant Protection Organization of Suriname. The risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Suriname were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. An expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the potential pest pressure in the field, the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest in the field and in the packinghouse, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. For T. palmi on M. charantia fruits from Suriname, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom following the evaluation of the risk mitigation measures acting on T. palmi, including any uncertainties. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty that between 8,652 and 10,000 M. charantia fruits per 10,000 will be free from T. palmi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. Momordica fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high risk plants. This Scientific Opinion covers the introduction risk for T. palmi posed by fruits of Momordica charantia L. imported from Honduras, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the National Service of Agrifood Health and Safety (SENASA) of Honduras. The risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Honduras were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. An expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the potential pest pressure in the field, the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest in the field and in the packinghouse, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. For T. palmi on M. charantia fruits from Honduras, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom following the evaluation of the risk mitigation measures acting on T. palmi, including any uncertainties. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty that between 9,406 and 10,000 M. charantia fruits per 10,000 will be free from T. palmi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant health was requested to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in the relevant Implementing Acts as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects' (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 establishing a provisional list of high risk plants, plant products or other objects, within the meaning of Article 42 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031). This scientific opinion covers the plant health risks posed by the following commodities: (i) scions and (ii) grafted plants of Persea americana imported from Israel, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the Plant Protection and Inspection Services from Israel. The relevance of an EU quarantine pest for this opinion was based on evidence that: (i) the pest is present in Israel; (ii) P. americana is a host of the pest and (iii) the pest can be associated with the commodity. The relevance of any other pest, not regulated in the EU, was based on evidence that: (i) the pest is present in Israel; (ii) the pest is absent in the EU; (iii) P. americana is a host of the pest; (iv) the pest can be associated with the commodity and (v) the pest may have an impact and can pose a potential risk for the EU territory. Twenty‐six pests (15 insects, one mite, 9 fungi and one viroid) that fulfilled all criteria were selected for further evaluation. For the 26 selected pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier were evaluated. Limiting factors on the effectiveness of the measures were documented. For each of the 26 pests, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including any uncertainties. The fungi Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum were the pests most frequently expected on the imported commodities. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that between 9,573 and 10,000 bundles of scions per 10,000; and 9,747 and 10,000 grafted plants per 10,000 would be free of these two fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) (Asian citrus psyllid) for the EU. D. citri is a key pest of citrus in several countries as it is a vector of serious bacterial pathogens, the putative causal agents of Huanglongbing (HLB) also known as citrus greening. Eggs are laid on tips of growing shoots on and between unfurling leaves. Females may lay more than 800 eggs during their lives. Nymphs pass through five instars. The life cycle requires from 14 to 49 days, depending upon the season. There is no diapause, but populations are low in winter. It overwinters as an adult which may live for several months. The species completes 9-10 generations/year; however, under protected conditions, up to 16 generations have been recorded. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (Annex IIA) regulates D. citri, as a quarantine pest not known to occur in the EU territory. Fruits and plants for planting provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions and the availability of host plants provide conditions to support establishment in the EU. The introduction of D. citri would have an economic impact in the EU through direct but mainly indirect effects due to potential transmission of HLB. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. D. citri satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. D. citri does not meet the criteria of occurring in the EU, nor plants for planting being the principal means of spread, for it to be regarded as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects' . This Scientific Opinion covers the plant health risks posed by the following commodities: (i) dormant and free of leaves 1-year-old bare rooted plants and (ii) free of leaves 1-year-old liners of Ficus carica imported from Israel, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Israel. The relevance of any pest for this opinion was based on evidence following defined criteria. Four EU quarantine pests, Euwallacea fornicatus, Hypothenemus leprieuri, Scirtothrips dorsalis and Spodoptera frugiperda, and 11 EU non-regulated pests fulfilled all relevant criteria and were selected for further evaluation. For these pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Israel were evaluated separately for bare rooted plants and for liners, taking into account the possible limiting factors. For these pests, an expert judgement was given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The estimated degree of pest freedom varied among the pests evaluated. Aonidiella orientalis and Russellaspis pustulans were the most frequently expected pests on the imported bare rooted plants, and Scirtothrips dorsalis on liners. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that between 9,585 and 10,000 bare rooted plants per 10,000 would be free of Aonidiella orientalis and Russellaspis pustulans and between 9,456 and 10,000 liners per 10,000 would be free of Scirtothrips dorsalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health performed a categorisation of beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the causal agent of the sugar beet rhizomania disease. The virus is currently listed in Annex III as a protected zone (PZ) quarantine pest of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The identity of the BNYVV is well established. BNYVV is a soil‐borne virus transmitted by the obligate root plasmodiophorid endoparasite Polymyxa betae. BNYVV is widely distributed in the EU, but is not reported in the following EU PZs: Ireland, France (Brittany), Portugal (Azores), Finland and Northern Ireland. The virus may enter, become established and spread in the PZs via P. betae resting spores with soil and growing media as such or attached to machinery and with roots and tubercles of species other than B. vulgaris and with plants for planting. Introduction of BNYVV would have a negative impact on sugar beet and other beet crops in PZs, because of yield and sugar content reduction. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread in the PZs. Once the virus and its plasmodiophorid vector have entered a PZ, their eradication would be difficult due to the persistence of viruliferous resting spores in the soil. The main knowledge gaps or uncertainties identified concerning the presence of BNYVV in the PZs and the incidence and distribution of BNYVV in Switzerland, a country to which a range of specific requirements do not apply. BNYVV meets all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to qualify as a potential protected zone union quarantine pest. Plants for planting are not considered as a main means of spread, and therefore BNYVV does not satisfy all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the EU. L. decemlineata is primarily known as a major defoliator of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum); feeding damage can result in significant yield loss. Field grown tomatoes and eggplants can be attacked and wild solanaceous species are also hosts. Having first established in Europe from North America in the early 20th century, L. decemlineata is now distributed in 21 EU Member States and is regulated in the EU by Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072, (Annex III) with protected zones in place for Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, parts of Spain (Ibiza and Menorca) and Portugal (Azores and Madeira), seven districts of Finland and five counties in Sweden. Adults occasionally enter some protected zones due to wind currents that carry flying adults; pathways are also provided by plant produce moved in trade. The availability of hosts and suitable climate make establishment of the pest possible in protected zones in the EU, especially in the southern EU. Spread within the protected zones could occur via adult flight and via leafy vegetables moved in trade. Impacts on potato yields would be expected within the protected zones; outdoor grown tomatoes and eggplants could be impacted in the protected zones of southern Member States too. Previous incursions into the current protected zones have been eradicated. L. decemlineata satisfies all of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess, to conclude that it is a potential protected zone quarantine pest. L. decemlineata does not satisfy all of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess with respect to regulated non‐quarantine pest status, specifically plants for planting are not the main means of spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the EU. This subspecies occurs in North and Central America. Adults oviposit on annual plants in the families Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae and Solanaceae. Adults feed on tender plant parts in hosts in 40 additional botanical families. Preimaginal development takes place on the roots of the host plant, where larvae feed and pupate. D. undecimpunctata howardi is a multivoltine species. Overwintering adults, which may enter a facultative diapause, abandon crops in autumn and reinvade them in spring. D. undecimpunctata howardi is not known to occur in the EU and is regulated in Annex IIA of Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. This species is a competent vector of Erwinia tracheiphila (Smith) Bergey et al., which can cause bacterial wilt, a serious disease of cucurbits. The bacterium, which is restricted to temperate midwestern and eastern North America, is not regulated in the EU. Within Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072, potential entry pathways for D. undecimpunctata howardi, such as Asteraceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae plants for planting with foliage and soil/growing medium, and soil/growing media by themselves can be considered as closed. However, plants for planting of the families Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae and Polygonaceae are not specifically regulated. Should D. undecimpunctata howardi arrive in the EU, climatic conditions and availability of susceptible hosts provide conditions suitable for establishment and further spread. Economic impact is anticipated in maize and outdoor cucurbit production. D. undecimpunctata howardi satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. This species does not meet the criteria of being present in the EU, nor plants for planting being the main pathway for spread, for it to be regarded as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission submitted to the EFSA Panel on Plant Health a Dossier by USDA proposing a systems approach to mitigate the risk of entry of Bretziella fagacearum to the EU when trading oak logs with bark from the USA. Due to the forthcoming ban of methyl bromide (MB), the Dossier indicates sulfuryl fluoride (SF) as the substitute fumigant for this commodity. After collecting additional evidence from USDA,EU NPPOs, external experts and the published literature, the Panel performed a quantitative assessment on the likelihood of pest freedom for B. fagacearum at the point of entry in the EU, comparing the proposed systems approach with those already implemented by Commission Decision 2005/359/EC. The Panel provided also a non‐quantitative assessment for all risk reduction options (RROs) proposed to be undertaken in the EU, from the point of entry to processing at the sawmill. The quantitative assessment until the EU point of entry, based on experts' judgement, indicated that: i) the most effective import option remains the current one with MB (95% certainty that between 9,573 and 10,000 containers per 10,000 would be free of B. fagacearum), followed by that with SF (95% certainty that between 8,639 and 10,000 containers per 10,000 would be free of B. fagacearum) and, last, by the other existing option based on delivering white oak logs in certain periods of the year to certain regions of the EU without fumigation (95% certainty, between 7,803 and 10,000 containers per 10,000). RROs proposed to be undertaken in the EU are expected to further reduce the risk of establishment of B. fagacearum, should these RROs be regulated, correctly implemented and checked by NPPOs. A wood pathway analysis is needed to quantitatively assess the importance of each measure and to optimise regulatory actions and risk management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the beetle Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the EU. This species occurs in western USA and Mexico. Adults oviposit on annual plants in the families Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae and Solanaceae. Adults feed on tender plant parts in hosts in 30 additional botanical families. Preimaginal development takes place on the roots of the host plant, where larvae feed and pupate. The insect completes one to three generations per year depending on temperature. Overwintering adults (no diapause) may abandon crops to seek shelter in wild vegetation and reinvade crops in spring. D. undecimpunctata undecimpunctata is not known to occur in the EU and is regulated in Annex IIA of Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. This species is a competent vector of squash mosaic virus, a pathogen already present and not regulated in the EU. Within Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072, potential entry pathways for D. undecimpunctata undecimpunctata, such as Poaceae and Solanaceae plants for planting with foliage and soil/growing medium, and soil/growing media by themselves can be considered as closed. However, plants for planting of the families Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae and Polygonaceae are not specifically regulated. Should D. undecimpunctata undecimpunctata arrive in the EU, climatic conditions and availability of susceptible hosts provide conditions suitable for establishment and further spread. Economic impact is anticipated. D. undecimpunctata undecimpunctata satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. This species does not meet the criteria of being present in the EU nor plants for planting being the main pathway for spread for it to be regarded as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the planthopper Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) for the EU. This species occurs from south‐eastern USA to Northern Brazil and on many Caribbean islands. Adults oviposit on grasses, mostly Poaceae and Cyperaceae in the vicinity of palms (Arecaceae). The pest can also be found on plants of the families Arecaceae, Heliconiaceae, Pandanaceae and Verbenaceae. Preimaginal development takes place on the roots of grasses, where nymphs feed. Upon emergence, adults move to palms for feeding and return to grasses for oviposition. H. crudus is regulated in Annex IIA of Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 as Myndus crudus, a junior synonym. This species is a competent vector of Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae, the causal agent of coconut lethal yellowing, a disease also regulated in Annex IIA of the same regulation. Within this regulation, potential entry pathways for H. crudus, such as Arecaceae and Poaceae plants for planting with foliage and soil/growing medium, and soil/growing media by themselves can be considered as closed. However, plants for planting of the families Cyperaceae, Heliconiaceae, Pandanaceae and Verbenaceae are not specifically regulated. Should H. crudus arrive in the EU, climatic conditions and availability of susceptible hosts in a small area in southern EU (e.g. eastern Cyprus and south‐western Spain) may provide conditions for limited establishment, and further spread to neighbouring areas in the Mediterranean basin during summer months. Economic impact is anticipated only if Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae is also introduced into the EU. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. H. crudus satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. This species does not meet the criteria of being present in the EU and plants for planting being the main pathway for spread for it to be regarded as a potential non‐quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (American cotton bollworm, corn earworm) for the EU. H. zea is a polyphagous species that feeds on over 100 plant species. The crops most frequently recorded as host plants are maize, sorghum, cotton, beans, peas, chickpeas, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and, to a lesser extent, clover, okra, cabbages, lettuces, strawberries, tobacco, sunflowers, cucurbits and ornamentals. H. zea preferentially feeds on flowers and fruits of the host. Eggs are laid mostly on maize silks. Larvae feed on the silks and kernels. Pupation takes place in the soil. Hibernation and estivation as pupa are reported. Adults are nocturnal. H. zea is a strong flier, able to fly up to 400 km during migration. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (Annex IIA) regulates H. zea. Fruits and plants for planting, with and without soil, provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions and the availability of host plants provide conditions to support establishment in the EU. The introduction of H. zea could have an economic impact in the EU through qualitative and quantitative effects on agricultural production (e.g. tomatoes, soybean, sweet corn). Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. H. zea satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. H. zea does not meet the criteria of (a) occurring in the EU, and (b) plants for planting being the principal means of spread for it to satisfy the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the species within the Andean Potato Weevil (APW) complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the EU. The complex consists of 14 species, 12 belong to the genus Premnotrypes, plus Phyrdenus muriceus and Rhigopsidius tucumanus. These weevils co‐occur in the Andean region, usually above 2,100 m. Eggs are deposited in plant debris close to potato plants. Upon hatching larvae immediately bore into potato tubers where they complete development. Except for R. tucumanus, which pupates inside the tuber, mature larvae leave the tuber and pupate in the soil. Adults can survive feeding on different plants but cannot deposit fertile eggs unless fed on potato foliage. P. muriceus can also complete development feeding on tomato and eggplant roots and occurs at lower altitudes from southern USA to central Argentina. Within the APW complex only species in the genus Premnotrypes are regulated in Annex IIA of Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 as Premnotrypes spp. (non‐EU). Within this regulation potential pathways, such as solanaceous plants for planting with foliage and growing medium, seed and ware potatoes, and soil, can be considered as closed. There are no records of interception of any of these weevils in EUROPHYT. Should these species be introduced into the EU, climatic conditions and wide availability of potato crops in the EU territory would provide conditions for establishment, spread and economic impact. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. The species within the APW complex satisfy with no uncertainties the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess, for them to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pests. Although human‐assisted movement of seed potatoes is considered the main mechanism for spread of these species, these weevils do not meet the criterion of occurring in the EU for them to be regarded as potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Ripersiella hibisci (Hemiptera: Rhizoecidae) for the EU. R. hibisci occurs in Japan, China and Taiwan and has spread to the USA: Florida, Hawaii and the territory of Puerto Rico. R. hibisci is a polyphagous mealybug recorded feeding on roots of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Root damage reduces nutrient and water uptake, retards plant growth and may cause leaves to wilt or discolour, heavily infested plants can die. Literature most commonly refers to damage to greenhouse grown potted ornamentals such as Cuphea, Hibiscus, Pelargonium and Phoenix. All life stages occur in the soil and host plants for planting with growing media provide a pathway for eggs, nymphs and adults. Multiple overlapping generations occur in greenhouses each year. R. hibisci is listed in Annex IIA of EU Regulation 2016/2031, appearing with the synonym Rhizoecus hibisci. All plants for planting from third countries are regulated. The import of soil or growing medium attached to plants for planting from third countries (other than Switzerland) is prohibited and therefore reduces the likelihood, but does not prevent entry of R. hibisci, as individuals may remain attached to the roots. There have been interceptions of R. hibisci in the EU, usually on artificially dwarfed plants, i.e. bonsai/penjing. Findings in EU greenhouses have been eradicated. R. hibisci would be able to establish in the EU, greenhouse potted plant production would be most affected. Phytosanitary measures are available to lower the likelihood of introduction. R. hibisci satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. R. hibisci does not meet the criterion of occurring in the EU for it to be regarded as a potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant health was requested to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in the relevant Implementing Acts as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects' (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 establishing a provisional list of high‐risk plants, plant products or other objects, within the meaning of Article 42 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031). The current scientific opinion covers all plant health risks posed by dormant bare rooted plants for planting of Malus domestica (1–2 years old) imported from Serbia, considering the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the Plant Protection Directorate from Serbia on 27 December 2019. The relevance of an EU‐quarantine pest for this opinion was based on evidence that: (a) the pest is present in Serbia; (b) the pest uses M. domestica as a host; (c) one or more life stages of the pest can be associated with the specified commodity. The relevance for this opinion of pests not regulated in the EU was based on the following criteria: (i) the pest is present in Serbia; (ii) the pest is not present in the EU; (iii) M. domestica is a host of the pest; (iv) the pest can be associated with the commodity and (v) the pest may have an impact and can pose potential risk for the EU territory. After the assessment of 1191 potential pests, one bacterium, Erwinia amylovora, fulfilled all criteria and accordingly, was selected for further evaluation. For this bacterium, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier were evaluated. Limiting factors on the effectiveness of the measures were also considered. For the selected species, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on E. amylovora, including any uncertainties. Based on the outcomes of an Expert Knowledge Elicitation, the Panel is considering a pallet as a unit; and taking into account the uncertainties associated with the assessment, the panel is 95% sure that 9,934 or more pallets out of 10,000 will be pest free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers all plant health risks posed by dormant and free of leaves, 1‐ to 3‐year‐old bare root plants for planting of Acer spp. imported from New Zealand, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by New Zealand. The relevance of an EU‐quarantine pest for this opinion was based on evidence that: (i) the pest is present in New Zealand; (ii) Acer spp. are hosts of the pest and (iii) the pest can be associated with the commodity. The relevance for this opinion of any other pest, not regulated in the EU, was based on evidence that: (i) the pest is present in New Zealand; (ii) the pest is absent from the EU; (iii) Acer spp. are hosts of the pest; (iv) the pest can be associated with the commodity and (v) the pest may have an impact and can pose a potential risk for the EU territory. Four pests (Eotetranychus sexmaculatus, Meloidogyne fallax, Oemona hirta and Platypus apicalis) that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. For the selected pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from New Zealand were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. For the selected pests, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. Based on the outcome of Expert Knowledge Elicitation, the degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated. The mite, Eotetranychus sexmaculatus, was the pest most likely to cause plants to fail pest freedom status. The Panel is 95% sure that at least 9,240 plants per 10,000 will be free from E. sexmaculatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Exomala orientalis (Coleoptera: Rutelidae) (Oriental beetle) for the EU. Larvae feed on the roots of a variety of hosts including most grasses and many vegetable crops. Maize, pineapples, sugarcane are among the main host plants. Larvae are particularly damaging to turfgrass and golf courses. The adults feed on flowers and other soft plant tissues (e.g. Alcea rosea, Dahlia, Iris, Phlox and Rosa). Eggs are laid in the soil. Larvae feed on host roots and overwinter in the soil. Adults emerge from pupae in the soil in May‐June and are present for about 2 months. E. orientalis usually completes its life cycle in 1 year although individuals can spend two winters as larvae. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (Annex IIA) regulates E. orientalis. The legislation also regulates the import of soil attached to plants for planting from third countries; therefore, entry of E. orientalis eggs, larvae and pupae is prevented. E. orientalis is native to Japan or the Philippine islands. It is also found in East Asia and India, Hawaii and north‐eastern USA. It is assumed to have reached USA via infested nursery stock. Plants for planting (excluding seeds) and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. E. orientalis has been intercepted only once in the EU, on Ilex crenata bonsai. Climatic conditions and the availability of host plants provide conditions to support establishment in the EU. Impacts on maize, grassland and turfgrass would be possible. There is uncertainty on the extent of the impact on host plants which are widely commercially grown (e.g. maize) Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. E. orientalis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. Of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pest, E. orientalis does not meet the criterion of occurring in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Naupactus leucoloma Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the EU territory. N. leucoloma is a polyphagous pest reported to feed on 385 plant species; cultivated hosts include alfalfa, beans, brassicas, carrots, clover, onions, peas, potatoes and soft fruits. N. leucoloma is native to eastern South America. During the first half of the 20th century, it spreads to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA. In 2005, it was reported in the Azores where it occurs in the wild. In suitable conditions, N. leucoloma can develop from egg to adult in about 12 months with adults emerging during spring and summer. Outside of South America only females are known, they develop and lay eggs without fertilisation. Eggs are usually laid in the soil but can be laid on the stem or lower leaves of hosts. Larval root feeding causes damage to root surfaces leading to stunting and yield or quality losses. Larvae can tunnel inside potato tubers causing significant losses. Pupation takes place in the soil in spring and summer. Larvae and eggs that are laid late in the summer overwinter. Plants for planting and plant products, such as potatoes, provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. The suitable climate and the wide availability of host plants provide conditions to support the establishment of N. leucoloma in the EU. N. leucoloma is regulated in the EU by Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 (Annex IIA). The import of soil or growing medium, from third countries other than Switzerland, is prohibited in the EU and therefore so far inhibited the entry of N. leucoloma larvae and pupae. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration either as a potential union quarantine pest or as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLHP) performed a pest categorisation of Saperda tridentata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) for the EU. S. tridentata (elm borer) occurs in eastern North America. Ulmus americana and U. rubra are almost exclusively reported as hosts, apart from two 19th century records from the USA of larvae from Acer sp. and Populus sp. The Panel does not exclude the possibility of a post-entry shift in host range to European Ulmus or Acer and Populus. S. tridentata infests trees that are already weakened, and severe infestations can result in tree death. S. tridentata occurs across a range of climate types in North America that occur also in Europe. Between 2016 and 2019, S. tridentata larvae were intercepted with North American Ulmus logs imported into the EU. In the EU, American Ulmus species are mainly found in arboreta and as ornamental specimen trees. If only North American Ulmus are hosts, establishment is unlikely. However, if European Ulmus, Populus or Acer species become hosts, establishment is much more likely, with impact confined to already weakened trees. The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, impact and potential entry pathways of S. tridentata has been evaluated against the criteria for it to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest or as Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP). Since the pest is not reported in EU, it does not meet the criteria assessed by EFSA to qualify as potential Union RNQP. S. tridentata satisfies the criterion for quarantine pest regarding entry into the EU territory. Due to the scarcity of data, the Panel is unable to conclude if S. tridentata meets the post-entry criteria of establishment, spread and potential impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panel on Plant Health performed a group pest categorisation of non-EU Tephritidae, a large insect family containing well-studied and economically important fruit fly species and little studied species with scarce information regarding their hosts and species that do not feed on plants. Information was saught on the distribution of each species and their hosts. Tephritidae occur in all biogeographic regions except in extreme desert and polar areas, where their hosts are scarce or absent. Non-European Tephritidae are listed in 2000/29 EC as Annex 1/A1 pests whose introduction into the EU is prohibited. Non-EU Tephritidae are regularly intercepted in the EU. Interceptions mainly occur on fruits although there is potential for entry on other plant parts. Beginning with over 5,000 recognised species, factors relevant for pest categorisation were sequentially used to narrow down the list of species to create a list of Tephritidae not known to be established in the EU yet which occur in countries with some EU climate types and which feed on plants that occur in the EU. Following the introduction of pest species, impacts on cultivated host plants could result in yield and quality losses; harmful impacts on wild hosts are uncertain. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the entry of non-EU Tephritidae. Results are presented in a series of appendices listing species screened during the process. Of 4,765 species regarded as non-EU Tephritidae, 257 species satisfy the criteria assessed by EFSA such that they can be considered as potential quarantine pests for the EU. Lack of information of the distribution of hosts and/or impact on wild hosts means 1,087 species of non-EU Tephritidae do not satisfy all criteria to be considered as potential quarantine pests for the EU. Non-EU Tephritidae do not meet the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as regulated non-quarantine pests, as members of the group are not present in the EU and plants for planting are not the main means of spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non-EU isolates of potato virus Y (PVY). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways and potential additional impact of non-EU isolates of PVY, has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non-EU isolates of PVY are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. Populations of PVY can be subdivided into several strains and groups of isolates: strain C (PVY-C), strain N (PVY-N), strain O (PVY-O) and a wide range of recombinant isolates (PVYrecombinants) which have a worldwide distribution (including the EU). Two groups of isolates, i.e. the Brazilian (PVY-Br) and Chilean (PVY-Ch) isolates, are considered absent from the EU. Non-EU isolates of PVY-C, PVY-N, PVY-O and PVY-recombinants identified so far are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU compared to the PVY isolates already present and, therefore, do not meet the corresponding criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. The Panel is unable to conclude on the potential additional impact of isolates of PVY-Br and PVY-Ch in the EU territory, but these isolates meet all the other criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panel on Plant Health of EFSA conducted a pest categorisation of 17 viruses of Rubus L. that were previously classified as either non-EU or of undetermined standing in a previous opinion. These infectious agents belong to different genera and are heterogeneous in their biology. Blackberry virus X, blackberry virus Z and wineberry latent virus were not categorised because of lack of information while grapevine red blotch virus was excluded because it does not infect Rubus. All 17 viruses are efficiently transmitted by vegetative propagation, with plants for planting representing the major pathway for entry and spread. For some viruses, additional pathway(s) are Rubus seeds, pollen and/or vector(s). Most of the viruses categorised here infect only one or few plant genera, but some of them have a wide host range, thus extending the possible entry pathways. Cherry rasp leaf virus, raspberry latent virus, raspberry leaf curl virus, strawberry necrotic shock virus, tobacco ringspot virus and tomato ringspot virus meet all the criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pests (QPs). With the exception of impact in the EU territory, on which the Panel was unable to conclude, blackberry chlorotic ringspot virus, blackberry leaf mottle-associated virus, blackberry vein banding-associated virus, blackberry virus E, blackberry virus F, blackberry virus S, blackberry virus Y and blackberry yellow vein-associated virus satisfy all the other criteria to be considered as potential QPs. Black raspberry cryptic virus, blackberry calico virus and Rubus canadensis virus 1 do not meet the criterion of having a potential negative impact in the EU. For several viruses, the categorisation is associated with high uncertainties, mainly because of the absence of data on biology, distribution and impact. Since the opinion addresses non-EU viruses, they do not meet the criteria to qualify as potential Union regulated non-quarantine pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health prepared a list of non-EU Scolytinae spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) affecting coniferous hosts. A literature review and search of databases, conducted up to January 2019, identified 804 Scolytinae species and subspecies of coniferous hosts. These Scolytinae were assigned to two categories (a) 705 non-EU species and subspecies, known to occur only outside the EU or having only limited presence in the EU, and (b) 99 species and subspecies with substantial presence in the EU (i.e. they are only reported so far from the EU or known to occur or be widespread in some Member States or reported in more than three EU MS). Scolytinae of category (b) will be excluded from further categorisation efforts. The main knowledge gaps and uncertainties of this listing concern (i) the status of species that are present in only a few MS and (ii) the status of the species that are present only at boundaries of the EU territory. The non-EU Scolytinae will be categorised by the Panel in a separate opinion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non-EU isolates of potato virus V (PVV). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non-EU isolates of PVV has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non-EU isolates of PVV are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. This categorisation was performed considering two lineages, PVV-I (present in and outside the EU) and PVV-II (not reported in the EU), and isolate PVV-PA4 (unknown distribution). Non-EU isolates of PVV-I and PVV-PA4 do not meet one of the criteria evaluated by EFSA to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest, since they are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU. With the exception of the criterion regarding the potential consequences in the EU territory, for which the Panel is unable to conclude, non-EU isolates of PVV-II meet all the other criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health was requested to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in the relevant Implementing Acts as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’ [Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 establishing a provisional list of high-risk plants, plant products or other objects, within the meaning of Article 42 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031]. The current Scientific Opinion covers all plant health risks posed by Albizia julibrissin imported from Israel, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Israel. The relevance of an EU-regulated pest for this opinion was based on evidence that: (i) the pest is present in Israel; (ii) A. julibrissin is a host of the pest and (iii) the pest can be associated with the commodity. The relevance of this opinion for other non EU-regulated pests was based on evidence that (i) the pest is present in Israel; (ii) the pest is absent in the EU; (iii) A. julibrissin is a host of the pest; (iv) the pest can be associated with the commodity and (v) the pest may have an impact and can pose a potential risk for the EU territory. Three pests (two insects, Aonidiella orientalis and Euwallacea fornicatus; one fungus, Fusarium euwallaceae) that fulfilled all criteria were selected for further evaluation. For the three selected pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier were evaluated. Limiting factors on the effectiveness of the measures were documented. For the selected pests, an expert judgement on the likelihood of pest freedom is given taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The Panel is 95% sure that 9,950 or more units per 10,000 will be pest free from these three pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for the European Union (EU). S. eridania (southern armyworm) is a highly polyphagous pest native to the Americas which has spread to Africa being first reported there in 2016. There are multiple generations per year. Although it can endure short freezing periods, prolonged frosts are lethal. Eggs are laid in batches on the leaves of host plants. Five to seven larval instars follow. Like other armyworms, early instars are gregarious and cause leaf skeletonisation. Older instars disperse and become more solitary and nocturnal. Larvae feed on field vegetables and can bore into tomato fruit. They can eat apical portions of branches and can bore into stems and tubers if preferred foods are scarce. Pupation takes place in the soil. S. eridania is regulated in the EU by Directive 2000/29/EC (Annex IAI). Within this Directive, a prohibition of soil imported from countries where S. eridania occurs, prevents the entry of S. eridania pupae. However, immature stages on plants (excluding seeds), fruit and flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. S. eridania adults have been intercepted in the EU as hitchhikers. Climatic conditions and the wide availability of host plants provide conditions to support establishment in frost-free regions of the EU. It could spread more widely forming transient populations during summer months. Impacts on field vegetables and ornamentals would be possible. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. S. eridania satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. S. eridania does not meet the criteria of (a) occurring in the EU, and (b) plants for planting being the principal means of spread for it to be regarded as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of non-EU Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of coniferous hosts (hereafter NESC). NESC occur worldwide, and some species are important forest pests. Species can be identified using taxonomic keys and molecular methods. Most NESC species (bark beetles) live in the inner bark of their hosts (phloem and cambium), while the remaining species mostly colonise the sapwood (ambrosia beetles). Bark- and ambrosia beetles are often associated with symbiotic fungi, which behave as pathogens towards the host trees, or are used as food by ambrosia beetle larvae. The larvae live in individual tunnels or in communal chambers. Pupation occurs in the wood or in the bark. Some species are semi- or multivoltine, others are monovoltine. Some species attack and kill living, apparently healthy trees. Other species specialise in weakened, dying or dead trees. The pathways for entry are cut branches, cones, round wood with or without bark, sawn wood with or without bark, wood packaging material, bark, manufactured wood items and wood chips and plants for planting (including seeds) of conifers. Availability of host plants and suitable climate would allow the establishment in the EU of NESC. Measures are in place to prevent their introduction through the pathways described above. NESC satisfy all the criteria to be considered as Union quarantine pests. As NESC are not present in the EU and plants for planting are not their major pathway for spread, they do not meet the criteria to be considered as regulated non-quarantine pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato leafroll virus (PLRV). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non‐EU isolates of PLRV has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PLRV are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. This categorisation was performed considering two groups of PLRV isolates: those associated with the tomato yellow top disease (PLRV‐TYTV), not reported from the EU, and all other isolates (hereafter referred to as PLRV), with a worldwide distribution. Isolates of PLRV‐TYTV could potentially have an additional impact over the current situation in the EU and therefore meet all the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. All other non‐EU PLRV isolates, should they be introduced, are not expected to have additional impact and therefore do not meet this criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non-EU isolates of potato virus X (PVX). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non-EU isolates of PVX has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non-EU isolates of PVX are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. On the basis of their ability to overcome potato resistance genes, PVX isolates can be divided into several pathotypes. PVX isolates that are not able to overcome resistance genes and PVX isolates that are able to overcome the Nb and/or Nx resistance genes are already present in the EU. Isolates able to overcome the Rx resistance gene have only been reported from South America. These Rx breaking isolates could potentially have an additional impact over the current situation in the EU and therefore meet all the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. All other non-EU isolates, should they be introduced, are not expected to have additional impact and therefore do not meet this criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non-EU isolates of potato virus A (PVA). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact over the current situation and availability of control measures of non-EU isolates of PVA has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest. Because non-EU isolates of PVA are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. This categorisation was performed considering two groups of isolates: those reported in Solanum betaceum (PVA-TamMV, not reported from the EU) and all other isolates (hereafter referred to as PVA, worldwide distribution). Non-EU isolates of PVA and of PVA-TamMV do not meet one of the criteria evaluated by EFSA to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest, since they are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non-EU isolates of potato virus S (PVS). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact compared to the current situation in the EU, and availability of control measures of non-EU isolates of PVS has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest. Because non-EU isolates of PVS are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as an RNQP (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. Populations of PVS can be subdivided into two strains: the ordinary strain (PVS-O) with a worldwide distribution (including the EU), and the Andean strain (PVS-A) which is absent from the EU or considered to have at most a limited distribution in the EU. Two additional divergent isolates (PVS-A/PVS-O recombinants and PVS-arracacha) have also been categorised. Non-EU isolates of PVS-A are expected to have an additional impact as compared to the PVS isolates currently present in the EU, and therefore meet all the criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pests; the magnitude of the additional impact is, however, unknown. Non-EU isolates of PVS-A/PVS-O recombinants and of PVS-arracacha also meet these criteria, with the exception of the criterion regarding the potential additional consequences in the EU territory for which the Panel was unable to conclude. Non-EU PVS-O isolates are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU as compared to EU isolates and therefore do not meet the corresponding criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non-EU isolates of potato virus M (PVM). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact compared to the current situation in the EU and availability of control measures of non-EU isolates of PVM has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non-EU isolates of PVM are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. Populations of PVM can be subdivided into two strains: the ordinary strain (PVM-O) is present in the EU, while the divergent strain (PVM-D) is absent from the EU or considered to have at most a limited distribution in the EU. Non-EU isolates of PVM-O are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU compared to EU isolates and therefore do not meet the corresponding criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. The Panel is unable to conclude on the potential impact of non-EU PVM-D isolates in the EU territory, but PVM-D isolates meet all the other criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]