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Following a request from the EU Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of Apium virus Y (ApVY) for the EU territory. The identity of the ApVY, a member of the genus Potyvirus (family Potyviridae), is well established and reliable detection methods are available. The pathogen is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. ApVY, considered endemic in Australia, was reported also in New Zealand and USA. In the EU, the virus was identified in Germany and Slovenia. No information on adoption of official control measures is available. In natural conditions, ApVY infects plant species of the family Apiaceae (i.e. celery, coriander, dill, parsley, bishop's weed) in which it generally induces leaf symptoms and/or stunting. In some hosts (i.e. parsley and poison hemlock), ApVY may be asymptomatic. The virus is transmitted in a non‐persistent manner by the aphid Myzus persicae which is widespread in the EU. Although ApVY transmission through seeds has been experimentally excluded for some hosts (i.e. poison hemlock and celery), uncertainty exists for the other hosts because seed transmission is not uncommon for potyvirids. Plants for planting, including seeds for sowing, were identified as potential pathways for entry of ApVY into the EU. Cultivated and wild hosts of ApVY are distributed across the EU. Economic impact on the production of the cultivated hosts is expected if further entry and spread in the EU occur. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent further entry and spread of the virus. Currently, ApVY does not fulfil the criterion of being absent or present with restricted distribution and under official control to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine, unless official control is implemented. This conclusion is associated with high uncertainty regarding the current virus distribution in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the EU Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of carrot thin leaf virus (CTLV) for the EU territory. The identity of CTLV, a member of the genus Potyvirus (family Potyviridae), is well established and reliable detection methods are available. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. CTLV has been reported from the USA and Colombia. In the EU, the virus was reported in Germany and Slovenia and the NPPO of both countries confirmed these reports. No official national measures have been taken so far. In 2018, CTLV was reported from Greece on Torilis arvensis subsp. arvensis. Since then, no other reports exist. According to the NPPO, the virus did not establish in Greece. In natural conditions, CTLV infects plant species of the family Apiaceae (i.e., carrot, coriander, parsley and several wild weed species). The virus is transmitted in a non‐persistent manner by the aphids Myzus persicae and Cavariella aegopodii, which are widely distributed in the EU. CTLV has been reported not to be transmitted by carrot seeds, while no information is available for the other hosts. Since transmission through seeds is not uncommon for potyvirids, it cannot be excluded that CTLV can be seed transmitted for some hosts. Plants for planting, including seeds for sowing, were identified as potential pathways for entry of CTLV into the EU. Cultivated and wild hosts of CTLV are distributed across the EU. Economic impact on the production of cultivated hosts is expected if further entry and spread in the EU occur. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent further entry and spread of the virus on its cultivated hosts. Currently, CTLV does not fulfil the criterion of being absent or present with restricted distribution and under official control to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest, unless official control is implemented. This conclusion is associated with high uncertainty regarding the current virus distribution in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Xanthomonas citri pv. viticola (Nayudu) Dye, a Gram‐negative bacterium belonging to the Xanthomonadaceae family. The pathogen is a well‐defined taxonomic unit and is the causal agent of the leaf spot and bacterial canker of Vitis vinifera. This bacterium is present in India and Brazil, where it affects table grape cultivation; the same pathogen is able to cause a disease on Azadirachta indica and on some weed species. Reports indicate that the bacterium is present in Thailand as well. The pathogen has never been reported from the EU territory and it is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. The pathogen can be detected on its host plants using direct isolation, serological or PCR‐based methods. Its identification is achieved using biochemical and nutritional assays, together with a multilocus sequence analysis based on seven housekeeping genes. The main pathway for the entry of the pathogen into the EU territory is plant propagation material. In the EU, there is large availability of host plants, with grapevine being one of the most important crops in Europe and more specifically in its Mediterranean areas. Since X. citri pv. viticola is only reported in tropical and subtropical areas (BSh and Aw climatic zones according to the Köppen–Geiger classification), there is uncertainty whether the climatic conditions in the EU territory are suitable for its establishment. Nevertheless, due to the great importance of grapevine for the EU agriculture, any disease outbreak may have a high‐economic impact. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into the EU. X. citri pv. viticola 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 EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Fusarium brachygibbosum Padwick. F. brachygibbosum is a well-characterised fungal plant pathogen with opportunistic behaviour, mostly isolated along with other fungal pathogens in symptomatic hosts. It has been reported from Africa, America, Asia and Oceania where it is has been associated with a wide range of symptoms on approximately 25 cultivated and non-cultivated plant species. The pathogen has been reported in Italy in soil/marine sediments and in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) seeds. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. This pest categorisation focused on a selected range of host plant species on which F. brachygibbosum fulfilled Koch0s postulates and was formally identified by multilocus gene sequencing analysis. Host plants for planting, seed of host plants and soil and other substrates originating in infested third countries are main pathways for the entry of the pathogen into the EU. There are no reports of interceptions of F. brachygibbosum in the EU. Host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogen in Member States (MSs). Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into the EU. Additional measures are available to mitigate the risk of entry and spread of the pathogen in the EU. Despite the low aggressiveness observed in some reported hosts, it has been shown that, in the areas of its present distribution, the pathogen has a direct impact on certain hosts (e.g. almond, onion, soybean, tobacco) that are also relevant for the EU. The Panel concludes that F. brachygibbosum satisfies all the criteria to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. However, high uncertainty remains regarding the distribution of the pathogen in the EU and some uncertainty exists about its potential impact in the EU. Specific surveys and re-evaluation of Fusarium isolates in culture collections could reduce these uncertainties. [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 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 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 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 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 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 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]