Suchergebnisse

The Panel on Plant Health assessed the risk to plant health from Phytophthora fragariae for the European Union and evaluated the current EU legislation and possible risk reduction options. The pest is present in most areas of Europe except southern Mediterranean regions. Entry through the plants for planting, but not seeds, pathway, is assessed as a major pathway, with the probability of entry rated as unlikely and the uncertainty as high. The probability of establishment is likely in the absence of existing disease control practices with low uncertainty. The probability of spread in the absence of a scheme for the production of certified plants for planting is considered to be very likely. With certification, spread is considered to be unlikely to moderately likely, depending on the inclusion of testing for the pathogen as part of certification. These ratings have medium uncertainty. Potential impact is rated as minor with medium uncertainty. The Panel evaluated the effectiveness of current EU legislation regarding the introduction and spread of P. fragariae. According to the regulation the import of Fragaria plants for planting, other than seeds, is prohibited from specified countries, whereas for import of these plants from other countries and for movement of these plants within the EU special requirements with respect to P. fragariae must be fulfilled. If the current legislation specific to P. fragariae were removed, no major consequences would be expected, unless the industry simultaneously ceased its voluntary certification activity. This is largely because of the important level of protection afforded to the industry by the widely used certification schemes for Fragaria, which significantly reduce the risks of entry, establishment, spread and impact. Certification schemes for the movement of Fragaria plants for planting offer the greatest efficiency and feasibility and the least uncertainty, especially if effective detection is incorporated into them.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health undertook a pest categorisation of the insect Scirtothrips dorsalis for the European Union. Although there are reports that this is a species complex and there are host-specific races, it is generally treated as a distinct taxon. Both morphological and molecular methods are required to confirm identification. Apart from one long-term outbreak in a botanic garden glasshouse in England, it is absent from the EU. Native to southern and eastern Asia, this species has been introduced to tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Australasia and the Americas in recent years. It is highly polyphagous, with over 225 known hosts, which include many important EU crops. Southern areas of the EU are potentially suitable for outdoor establishment and it could establish in protected cultivation throughout the EU. Based on its phenology, the Panel showed that the climate in southern Europe could allow a similar number of generations to develop as in Japan and South Korea, where significant damage occurs to citrus and other crops outdoors. In protected cultivation, even though control methods used against other thrips species may be effective in keeping populations at low densities, damage can still occur at these densities owing to the transmission of tospoviruses. Despite being highly polyphagous, S. dorsalis is an insect listed in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC only in relation to Citrus, Fortunella and Poncirus plants. These hosts are also regulated in Annex III and Annex V. They are also explicitly mentioned in Council Directive 2008/90/EC.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of European isolates of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) for the European Union (EU) territory. European CTV isolates are listed in Annexes IIAII and IIB of Directive 2000/29/EC. CTV is a well-defined and easily diagnosed Closterovirus species transmitted by the vegetative multiplication of infected hosts and through the activity of aphid vectors. Toxoptera citricida is the most efficient vector but Aphis gossypii is the most important in Europe. European isolates of CTV have been reported in seven of the eight EU Member States (MSs) with significant citrus production. The natural host range of CTV is restricted to citrus species and to a few, related genera, such as Fortunella and Poncirus. CTV is unlikely to be affected by ecoclimatic conditions in regions where its host plants are grown and has the potential to establish in southern regions of the EU territory. The majority of European CTV isolates cause severe decline symptoms (tristeza disease) in several citrus species, in particular sweet orange and mandarin grafted on susceptible sour orange or lemon rootstocks, which are commonly used in many EU MSs with the exception of Spain and, to a lesser extent, France. Symptoms of the severe stem pitting disease (SP) have not been reported by any EU MSs, despite the identification of isolates closely related to non-European isolates that cause SP in other regions of the world. The observed impact of CTV is on citrus industries still heavily reliant on susceptible rootstocks. Replacing those with CTV-tolerant rootstocks, as was done in Spain, virtually eliminates the impact of CTV in the absence of SP. Comprehensive certification systems can also reduce CTV spread and impact. The most critical area of uncertainty concerns the potential ability of some European isolates to cause SP in sweet orange.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health undertook a pest categorisation of the insect Rhagoletis ribicola for the European Union. This taxonomically distinct species is known to occur only in western states of the USA and Canada, where it feeds on Ribes aureum, R. rubrum and R. uva-crispa. There have been no records of it causing serious damage for over 70 years. Its geographical distribution implies that all parts of the risk assessment area where its hosts occur, i.e. all but lowland southern areas of the EU, would be suitable for establishment. Adults of the Rhagoletis genus have a limited capacity for flight. Furthermore, there are no records of R. ribicola moving via international trade routes. Therefore, spread would be most likely to occur as a result of larvae in fruit or pupae in soil. Should the pest be introduced to the EU, the limited control measures available would be similar to those used for other Rhagoletis species, being primarily based on insecticide sprays, timed to kill adults, combined with cultural methods, e.g. netting and trapping. As a non-European tephritid, R. ribicola is listed in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC, and requirements for Ribes are set out in Annex V of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. In addition, Ribes spp. plant material should be produced in accordance with the requirements laid down in Council Directive 2008/90/EC on the marketing of fruit plants propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) for the European Union (EU) territory. PNRSV is a well-defined virus species of the genus Ilarvirus for which the entire genome sequence and molecular detection assays are available. It is transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts and also via seeds and pollen (both horizontally and vertically) in some of its hosts. PNRSV has a somewhat restricted natural host range, which contains Prunus spp., hops, roses and Rubus ellipticus (yellow Himalayan raspberry). It is listed on plants of Rubus for planting in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29EC, probably as a result of confusion with the closely related Apple mosaic virus. PNRSV is widely present in the EU, but there are no records on its regulated hosts. It is not expected to be affected by ecoclimatic conditions wherever its hosts are present, and it has the potential to establish in large parts of the EU territory. PNRSV can spread through efficient seed- and pollen-mediated transmission mechanisms and through the movement of vegetatively propagated plants for planting. However, the existence of efficient and widely adopted certification systems for Prunus spp. constitutes a limitation to PNRSV spread. Although the virus alone or when in mixed infection can cause significant diseases in some hosts, the actual impact of PNRSV appears to be limited.

The European Commission requested that the EFSA Panel on Plant Health perform a pest categorisation for Radopholus similis and Radopholus citrophilus. R. similis is regulated in Annex II, Part A, Section II of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism known to occur in the European Union (EU). R. citrophilus is regulated in Annex II, Part A, Section I of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism not known to occur in the EU. This pest characterisation applies only to R. similis, because R. citrophilus has been recognised as an invalid species designation and is considered as a junior synonym of R. similis. R. similis is a distinct taxonomic entity that is absent in the field production sites (citrus, bananas) of the risk assessment area and can cause significant losses in citrus production. Moreover, various susceptible hosts other than citrus species are present in the EU under climatic conditions that are suitable for the development of R. similis. The pest has a sporadic presence on ornamental plants (under protected cultivation) in a few EU countries. Plants for planting are a pathway for introduction and spread of R. similis. The pest is observed to cause impacts on ornamentals in some MSs and further impacts are expected should further spread happen in the EU.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Elm phloem necrosis mycoplasma, now renamed Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi (CPu), for the European Union (EU) territory. CPu is a well-defined phytoplasma species of the genus Candidatus Phytoplasma, for which molecular detection assays are available. CPu is transmitted by grafting and vegetative propagation material as well as by insect vectors. CPu is reported from North America and is present in at least four EU Member States: the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Italy. CPu distribution in Europe is suspected to be underestimated, with high uncertainty since no systematic surveys are carried out. CPu has a host range restricted to Ulmaceae species, and especially to the genus Ulmus, with some variations in susceptibility to the disease. It is listed in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. CPu is not expected to be affected by EU ecoclimatic conditions wherever its hosts are present and has the potential to establish largely within the EU territory. Two insect vectors, Macropsis glandacea and Philaenus spumarius, are widely distributed in Europe. The uncertainty about other potential vector species, in which the phytoplasma has been detected, is considered as high. There is a lack of data to fully assess the potential consequences of the disease, with regards to the susceptibility of European elm species and virulence of European CPu strains. Data are not sufficient to reach a conclusion on pest categorisation of CPu and a full risk assessment can be conducted but is unlikely to bring any additional value unless the key additional data gaps on distribution, insect vectors, elm species susceptibility and potential consequences of the pest are filled.

The Panel on Plant Health performed for the European Union (EU) territory a pest categorisation of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and three related viruses, Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV), Tomato yellow leaf curl Axarquia virus (TYLCAxV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl Malaga virus (TYLCMaV), which collectively cause the tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) in Europe. The viruses are well-defined species of the genus Begomovirus, are exclusively transmitted by members of the Bemisia tabaci species complex and have tomato, as well as a few other crops or weeds, as their hosts. TYLCV is listed on tomato plants for planting, other than seeds, in Annex IIAII of Directive 2000/29/EC. While establishment and local spread rely on the Bemisia vector, the viruses can also be disseminated over long distances by movement of infected plants for planting or by consignments of non-host plants carrying viruliferous whiteflies. Establishment outdoors and spread are limited to regions with ecoclimatic conditions suitable for the establishment of vector populations in the open. Outbreaks can nevertheless occur in other regions under protected cultivation conditions. Because of the very high potential impact of TYLCD, tomato production in affected regions requires intensive crop management efforts to reduce impact. TYLCV appears to be present in almost all EU regions with suitable ecoclimatic conditions for its establishment in open fields, while the other three viruses do not appear to have reached their full establishment potential. All four viruses are absent from other regions of the EU but have the potential to cause temporary outbreaks there.

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

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

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

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

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