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Specimens of Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock, 1994 (Diptera: Tephritidae) were obtained from fruits of Averrhoa bilimbi L., Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), Malpighia emarginata DC. (Malpighiaceae), and Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), from a survey carried out in Lethem, Republic of Guyana. This is the first record of B. carambolae in A. bilimbi, M. emarginata and P. guajava in the country.

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a Gram-negative plant bacterium that causes severe diseases affecting several economically important crops in many countries. To achieve early detection of the pathogen, a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-based approach was used to detect the bacterium at low concentrations in different plant species and insect vectors. In this study, we implemented the reaction conditions of a previously developed ddPCR assay, and we validated its use to detect Xf in insect vectors as well as in a broader list of host species. More specifically, the sensitivity and accuracy of the protocol were assessed by testing five plant matrices (Olea europaea, Nerium oleander, Vitis vinifera, Citrus sinensis, and Prunus dulcis), and for the first time, the insect vector (Philaenus spumarius), was either naturally infected or artificially spiked with bacterial suspension at known concentrations. The lowest concentrations detected by ddPCR were 5 ag/µL of bacterial DNA and 1.00 × 102 CFU/mL of bacterial cells. Both techniques showed a high degree of linearity, with R2 values ranging from 0.9905 to 0.9995 and from 0.9726 to 0.9977, respectively, for qPCR and ddPCR. Under our conditions, ddPCR showed greater analytical sensitivity than qPCR for O. europea, C. sinensis, and N. oleander. Overall, the results demonstrated that the validated ddPCR assay enables the absolute quantification of Xf target sequences with high accuracy compared with the qPCR assay, and can support experimental research programs and the official controls, particularly when doubtful or inconclusive results are recorded by qPCR.

To monitor and control the Japanese orange fly Bactrocera tsuneonis (Miyake) (Diptera: Tephritidae), it is important to determine their dispersal ability. Therefore, to determine the genetic structure of this species, we developed microsatellite markers at 17 loci for B. tsuneonis. A total of 80 adult females and males randomly collected from abandoned orchards in the Oita and Yamaguchi Prefectures, in the western part of Japan, were used for polymorphism analysis using the microsatellite markers. The average number of alleles was 2.65 for the 17 loci, in which two loci did not show polymorphism. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.663, although the observed heterozygosity was relatively low between 0 and 0.105. The null allele frequencies varied among populations. Moreover, no polymorphism was found in the three larval populations collected in the Oita Prefecture. These results suggested a high degree of inbreeding for this species. Significant genetic differentiation between females and males of the same population was not observed, although it was observed between the Oita and Yamaguchi populations. A bottleneck effect was detected in Yamaguchi but not in Oita, and this is congruent with the history of an expanding distribution in this species. These markers could be used for population discrimination and to expand the geographic history of this species, potentially contributing to the pest management of B. tsuneonis.

South Africa experienced major outbreaks of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), causing direct damage by feeding on both vegetative and reproductive parts of host plant. The study was conducted to determine the level of impact of fall armyworm on small-scale maize famers after the outbreak of fall armyworm and their control strategies at Ga-Mashashane and Mankweng villages in the Limpopo province. Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to gather information on the damage caused by fall armyworm, economic impact on the local market and control measures on fall armyworm. Using a snowball sampling procedure, 63 small-scale maize farmers from the two villages of the Limpopo province, South Africa, were randomly selected for this study. The results showed that all participants could correctly identify the fall armyworm and reported it as the most important maize pest during 2016–2017 cropping season. The maize yield loss experienced by affected farmers in the 2016–2017 cropping season was slightly lower as compared with the 2015–2016 harvest. These farmers used pesticides as a control measure for fall armyworm. Fall armyworm has become a major pest in South Africa and the tackling of fall armyworm by small-scale farmers and averting yield losses is thus critical. This study contributes to the knowledge on fall armyworm management by small-scale farmers, which is essential to enhancing food security.

South Africa experienced major outbreaks of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), causing direct damage by feeding on both vegetative and reproductive parts of host plant. The study was conducted to determine the level of impact of fall armyworm on small-scale maize famers after the outbreak of fall armyworm and their control strategies at Ga-Mashashane and Mankweng villages in the Limpopo province. Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to gather information on the damage caused by fall armyworm, economic impact on the local market and control measures on fall armyworm. Using a snowball sampling procedure, 63 small-scale maize farmers from the two villages of the Limpopo province, South Africa, were randomly selected for this study. The results showed that all participants could correctly identify the fall armyworm and reported it as the most important maize pest during 2016–2017 cropping season. The maize yield loss experienced by affected farmers in the 2016–2017 cropping season was slightly lower as compared with the 2015–2016 harvest. These farmers used pesticides as a control measure for fall armyworm. Fall armyworm has become a major pest in South Africa and the tackling of fall armyworm by small-scale farmers and averting yield losses is thus critical. This study contributes to the knowledge on fall armyworm management by small-scale farmers, which is essential to enhancing food security.

Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock is an exotic species considered a quarantine pest in Brazil, with distribution limited to the states of Amapá and Roraima. Knowledge of its biology under Brazilian conditions is still limited. The objective of this work was to determine the fecundity and longevity of B. carambolae females, reared on artificial diet, under laboratory conditions. The experiment was carried out at Embrapa Amapá, where 20 newly emerged B. carambolae couples were selected (F3 generation). Each couple was placed in a plastic cage containing feed, distilled water and an artificial oviposition device and stored in an air-conditioned room (26 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% R. H. and 12-hour photoperiod). The eggs deposited on each device were counted daily. Mean survival was 90.70 ± 9.97 days and the maximum longevity was 150 days. The mean duration of the pre-oviposition period was 25.15 ± 3.54 days and the oviposition period was 62.73 ± 7.84 days. Fecundity was variable over time, with an oviposition peak on the 28th day. The mean number of eggs per female was 1,088.26 ± 167.82. These results suggest that B. carambolae uses high fecundity and longevity as a reproductive strategy., Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock é uma espécie exótica considerada praga quarentenária presente no Brasil, com distribuição restrita aos estados de Amapá e Roraima. O conhecimento dos diferentes aspectos da sua biologia nas condições brasileiras ainda é limitado. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a fecundidade e longevidade de fêmeas de B. carambolae, obtidas em dieta artificial, em condições de laboratório. O experimento foi realizado na Embrapa Amapá, onde foram selecionados 20 casais de B. carambolae recém-emergidos, da geração F3. Cada casal foi acondicionado em uma gaiola de plástico contendo dieta alimentar, água destilada e um dispositivo artificial de oviposição e mantidas em sala climatizada (26 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% U. R. e fotofase 12 h). Diariamente era realizada a contagem dos ovos depositados em cada dispositivo. O período de sobrevivência apresentou média de 90,70 ± 9,97 dias e longevidade máxima de 150 dias. A duração média do período pré-oviposição foi 25,15 ± 3,54 dias e do período de oviposição foi 62,73 ± 7,84 dias. A fecundidade foi variável ao longo do tempo, apresentando pico de oviposição no 28º dia. O número médio de ovos por fêmea foi 1.088,26 ± 167,82. Esses resultados sugerem que B. carambolae parece utilizar a alta fecundidade e a longevidade como estratégia reprodutiva.

Following the 2014 EFSA's Panelon Plant Health scientific opinion on the pest categorisation of the spider mite Eotetranychuslewisi, the European Commission requested the Panelto perform a pest risk assessment and evaluate the risk reduction options. A stochastic model was used to assess entry, establishment and spread and related uncertainties. In the EU, E.lewisi has only been reported to occur in Portugal (Madeira). Entry pathways assessed were strawberry plants for planting from the USA, poinsettia and raspberry plants for planting, and orange and lemon fruits from third countries. Entry is most likely via poinsettia. Under current EU phytosanitary requirements, there is around a one in ten chance that E.lewisi will establish outdoors over the next 10years. Although unlikely, establishment would most likely occur in southern Europe where environmental conditions, temperature and host density, are most suitable. If E.lewisi did establish, pest spread is expected to be mainly human assisted, most likely the mite being transported long distances on plants for planting. Nevertheless, while remaining a regulated pest, spread would be slow and most likely confined to one NUTS 2 area after 10years. Under a scenario with enhanced measures (pest free place of production) at origin, the Panel's assessment indicate that it is extremely unlikely that E.lewisi would establish within 10years hence spread is also extremely unlikely. The absence of trade of host plants from Madeira to other parts of the EU could explain why E.lewisi has not spread to other EU Member States. E.lewisi is reported as reducing yield and quality of peaches and poinsettia and is regarded as a growing concern for strawberry and raspberry growers in the Americas. The Panelconcludes that should E.lewisi be introduced in the EU similar impacts could be expected.

The EFSA Panelon Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas for the EU territory. This name is used to describe diseases that share the same succession of symptoms in palms that are caused by a number of strains of phytoplasma, for which efficient molecular detection assays are available. The pest is not known to occur in the EU and therefore does not meet one of the criteria for being a Union regulated non-quarantine pest. For Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae', the planthopper Haplaxius crudus, which is not known to be present in the EU, is the confirmed vector, but for the other strains, the vectors are unknown. The host range of the pest is restricted to Arecaceae species, in particular coconut. The pest is regulated on all known hosts in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. It could potentially enter the EU via plants for planting or through infected vectors. The phytoplasmas could become established in the EU as host plants are present. It is unknown whether arthropods present in the EU could be vectors. The potential impact of the pest if introduced into the EU is difficult to assess given this uncertainty but is estimated to be limited. The main knowledge gaps concern the status of potential vector insects in the EU; the possibility for seed transmission of the phytoplasmas; the origin and volume of the trade in palm seeds and plants for planting; the host status and susceptibility of many palm species grown in the EU and the potential new assignments of phytoplasmas to this categorisation that might have associated alternate hosts. Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas meet the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as Union quarantine pest. (C) 2017 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.

The Panel on Plant Health undertook a pest categorisation of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) for the territory of the European Union (EU). This insect is morphologically very similar to S. litura but the two species occupy very distinct geographical distributions, with only S. littoralis found in Europe and Africa. S. littoralis is established only in the southernmost parts of Europe where winters are not too cold. Long-distance northward migrations occur and the pest can also be transported throughout the EU with plants for planting. S. littoralis is highly polyphagous and it is an important pest of a very wide variety of outdoor vegetable, salad and ornamental crops in southern Europe. Field crops, such as lucerne, can also be affected, and even football pitches can be damaged. Population densities and damage vary considerably from year to year. Outbreaks also occur in protected crops, particularly ornamentals, throughout the EU. A very large number of insecticides are deployed to control this pest, which is resistant to many compounds. Resistance management and successful control of the pest can be obtained with mass trapping, mating disruption and attract-and-kill methods. S. littoralis is listed in Annex IAII and special requirements for S. littoralisare formulated in Annexes IVAI and IVAII of Council Directive 2000/29/EC to regulate the movement of plants for planting of three ornamental genera (Dendranthema, Dianthus and Pelargonium).

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Circulifer tenellus (Ct) and C. haematoceps (Ch) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) for the European Union (EU) territory. They are well-defined insect species that can be identified on the basis of external morphology and male genitalia. Ch and Ct are considered to originate from the Old World; Ct is also present in North America and the Caribbean. In the EU, Ch is reported in 11 Member States, mostly in southern or central Europe, and Ct is reported in Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Neither species is harmful by itself, but they are vectors of Spiroplasma citri, the causal agent of, for example, citrus stubborn disease. The major impact of Ct in North America results from the transmission of Beet curly top virus to sugarbeet. Ct also transmits ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ and Ch transmits ‘Ca P. asteris’. There is no transovarial transmission of the pathogens. Ch and Ct are regulated harmful organisms in the EU and listed in Annex II, Part A, Section II, of Council Directive 2000/29/EC together with Spiroplasma citri and with respect to plants of Citrus, Fortunella, Poncirus and their hybrids, other than fruit and seeds, despite the fact that Ct and Ch have a larger host range. Ch and Ct are likely to be disseminated by plants for planting (the eggs are laid into the leaf veins and petioles), they have also been observed to hitch-hike on terrestrial vehicles, and Ct is known for its very high flight capacity. Both species have many hosts, in particular in the Chenopodiaceae, Brassicaceae and Asteraceae. Ecological conditions in the risk assessment area are suitable for the establishment and spread of S. citri, at least where citrus is currently grown.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to perform a pest categorisation for Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni which has been renamed Xanthomonas arboricola pv.pruni. In reaching its conclusions, the Panel considered four parameters to be of critical importance in the risk assessment area: (i) the presence and distribution of X.campestris pv.pruni in the risk assessment area and its potential for spread ; (ii) the existence and distribution of the main host plants throughout the European Union (EU); (iii) the potential for damage to crops grown in Europe ; and (iv) the implementation of pest control strategies and cultural measures. Based on its analysis, the Panel conclud ed that the identity of the pest is clearly defined and its distribution involves limited areas or regions in the EU, although with a medium uncertainty. The pathogen may have a serious impact on horticultural production. Yield and quality losses have been observed on peach, nectarine and Japanese plum genotypes, especially if weather conditions are conducive to disease and minimal damage to crops is expected on cherr y and European plum genotypes . The Panel noted that host plants are widely distributed throughout the EU and most of them are of great commercial importance . T he pathogen is present but not widel y distributed and ot fully under official control by means of specific certification and other control measures. Planting materialis the main pathway of pathogen dissemination.

The Panel on Plant Health undertook a pest categorisation of Rhagoletis cingulata for the European Union (EU). This pest is a member of a complex of five North American species, of which Rhagoletis indifferens is the only other crop pest. The two pest species have morphologically distinct adults, but similar larvae and both attack cherries. R. cingulata is currently present in eight Member States but its presence in eastern North America from Mexico to Canada implies that all the risk assessment area where its hosts occur is suitable for establishment. Adults have a limited capacity for flight, and spread is mainly by larvae present in traded fruit and pupae in soil. R. cingulata attacks all cultivated and wild cherries but is particularly damaging to late-maturing varieties, especially sour cherries. Even small infestations can cause losses because the quality requirements for marketing of cherry fruits indicate a threshold below 4 % for “worm-eaten” fruit in accordance with Commission Regulation 214/2004. The limited control measures available are similar to those for the native cherry fruit fly, R. cerasi, and are primarily based on insecticide sprays timed to kill adults, along with some cultural methods (e.g. netting and trapping). R. cingulata is listed in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC and its hosts are regulated in Annex IIIA with prohibitions for introduction in the Member States, in Annex IVAI with special requirements on soil and dwarfed plants that need to be considered and in Annex V indicating that host plants intended for planting are subject to plant health inspection before entry or movement within the EU.

The Panel on Plant Health of the European Food Safety Authority performed a pest categorisation of Aculops fuchsiae, a mite listed in Annex II, Part A, Section I of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism not known to occur in the community. A. fuchsiae is, however, established in France and the UK and it was also reported as transient in Belgium and Germany (but systematic surveys are lacking). A. fuchsiae is a distinct taxonomic entity. The known hosts of A. fuchsiae are Fuchsia spp. This exotic plant genus is naturalised in several areas of Europe and is widely present in the risk assessment area, both in the open field and under protected cultivations, as well as in gardens. The impact in terms of quality loss on fuchsia plants caused by the pest has been described in the European Union. However, no quantitative data on these losses have been reported yet. Plants for planting are the main pathway for introduction and spread of A. fuchsiae, which may cause severe impacts on the intended use of the plants for planting. In Europe, the climatic conditions do not seem to be the key limiting factor for establishment and spread in the open field and under protected conditions. Establishment and spread could occur provided that suitable hosts (Fuchsia spp.) are present. Further spread is anticipated from the areas where the pest is currently present, mainly by movement of plant material through trade and exchange.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to perform a pest categorisation of Atropellis spp., the fungal pathogens responsible for causing cankers in several Pinus species. The pathogens are listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogens have been identified as A. apiculata, A. pinicola, A. piniphila and A. tingens. Detection, identification and differentiation of Atropellis species is based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. A. apiculata is present in North Carolina and Virginia (USA), and A. pinicola, A. piniphila and A. tingens are present in Canada and the USA. Atropellis spp. are not known to occur in the EU Member States so far. Several Pinus species have been reported to be hosts of Atropellis spp., with some of them being present in the EU Member States. However, the susceptibility to infection with these pathogens of pine species native to Europe and Eurasia, such as Pinus brutia, P. cembra, P. mugo, P. peuce, P. pinaster and P. sibiricais not yet known. There are no obvious eco-climatic factors limiting the potential establishment and spread of the pathogens in the risk assessment area. The pathogens can spread over short distances by ascospores that are dispersed primarily by wind and secondarily by rain. Spread of Atropellis spp. over long distances may occur by means of movement of infected host plants for planting (especially asymptomatic), cut branches, and wood or isolated bark. Control methods used against Atropellis spp. include cultural practices and sanitary measures. No chemical control measures, resistant host genotypes or biological control measures exist. Potential consequences of the damage caused by Atropellis spp. include malformation of the trees resulting in lower wood quality or tree marketability.

The European Commission requested EFSA’s Panel on Plant Health to perform the pest categorisation for Xylophilus ampelinus, which is the causal agent of bacterial necrosis of grapevine. X. ampelinus is a single taxonomic entity and grapevine is the only known host. X. ampelinus is regulated in the EU; it is listed in Annex II, Part A, Section II of the Directive 2000/29/EC. Reliable detection and identification tests are available. X. ampelinus is present on grapevine in 5 out of the 21 grapevine-producing EU countries.Nevertheless, it should be stressed that disease occurrence is sporadic in areas where X. ampelinus is present and depends on cultivar susceptibility and environmental conditions. The survival of X. ampelinus is unlikely to be affected by ecoclimatic conditions. In areas where X. ampelinus is present, the direct and indirect impacts can be high: yield reduction, death of grapevine plants and specific disease management procedures (use of healthy plant for planting, cumbersome management of infected vineyards). X. ampelinus is transmitted locally by rain, wind, overhead sprinkler irrigation and human activity within vineyards, and by plants for planting material over long distances, especially as infected planting material is, most of the time, asymptomatic. Control measures include the destruction of the infected plants and the application of copper compounds.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Spiroplasma citri, the causal agent of citrus stubborn disease, horseradish brittle root and carrot purple leaf. S. citri is a well-defined species of the genus Spiroplasma, a group of helical wall-less bacteria (Mollicutes) mainly associated with arthropods. Routine molecular detection methods are available and are appropriate for identification. S. citri is not known to occur in most of the EU Member States. Among citrus-growing countries, only Croatia, Greece, Malta and Portugal do not report S. citri. The disease seems to be widespread only in Cyprus. S. citri is included in Annex II, Part A, Section II of Directive 2000/29/EC. The insect vectors Circulifer haematoceps and C. tenellus are included in the same Directive, Annex II, Part A, Section II. Citrus, the main host plant (as a symptomatic host crop), is listed (a) in Annex III, Part A, (b) in Annex IV, Part A, Section II, (c) in the same annex, Part B, and (d) in Annex V, Parts A and B, Section I. S. citri is disseminated by plants for planting and by seven species of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), of which only three species, C. tenellus, C. haematoceps and C. opacipennis, are reported in the EU. Besides the rutaceous hosts, more than 33 other plant species from 12 different families can be hosts, even if only some may show symptoms. Ecological conditions in the risk assessment area are suitable for the establishment and spread of S. citri, at least where citrus is currently grown. Yield reductions on citrus crops are reported from Cyprus, with reduction in fruit size, weight and quality. Infected planting material could contribute to the dissemination of S. citri, as well as the insect vectors. In areas with a hot, dry climate, the impact on the yield and quality may be high.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to perform the pest categorisation for Erwinia amylovora, which is the causal agent of fire blight. E. amylovora is a plant pathogenic bacterium regulated by the Directive 2000/29/EC (Annexes II-A-II). E. amylovora is a single taxonomic entity. This organism can be accurately identified, based on a range of discriminative methods. Detection methods are available for symptomatic and asymptomatic plant material. E. amylovora ispresent in all EU Member States except Estonia, Finland and Malta, where host plants are not widely distributed or are rare. The host plants (mainly pear and apple) are cultivated throughout Europe where environmental conditions are conducive to disease development. Although no recent data are available on losses caused by E. amylovora in the EU, fire blight is considered to be the most destructive disease on pear and apple owing to the loss of trees. The analysis of past disease outbreaks previously reported in the EU highlights their considerable potential to have a severe impact on commercial horticulture, especially on apple, pear and quince, as well as on ornamentals and on nursery trade. The disease causes a range of symptoms on the aerial parts of plants, including the fruits, and E. amylovora often kills the trees and causes destructive outbreaks. Contaminated rootstocks, cuttings and grafted trees for transplanting, beehive transportation, rain and wind, are responsible for medium- and long-distance dissemination of the pathogen. Existing control is mainly based on prevention and exclusion. The use of chemical or biological products can prevent infection, and sanitation methods applied to infected plants can control the disease to a certain extent. No curative chemical control agents are available that eradicate E. amylovora in infected orchards.

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 European Commission requested EFSA’s Panel on Plant Health to perform the pest categorisation for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. insidiosus. The identity of the bacterium responsible for the bacterial wilt of lucerne is clearly defined. C. michiganensis subsp. insidiosus is present in only a few MSs in the EU and it is listed in the Annex IIAII of the Directive 2000/29/CE. Only sporadic disease outbreaks occur, and not in countries where lucerne production is of importance. The pathogen causes yield and quality loss only if susceptible cultivars are grown and conditions are favourable for disease expression. The pathogen is not reported in the main lucerne-producing MSs. There are no indications that in last decade the pathogen has a high impact on lucerne production in the EU, possibly because of the use of bacterial wilt-resistant varieties. C. michiganensis subsp. insidiosus is seed-borne and probably seed-transmitted, although with some uncertainty. The main pathway for long-distance dispersal of this pathogen is very likely via seeds, while machines and contaminated hay may also potentially play some role in the dissemination of the pathogen. The pathogen can be easily detected and identified on the basis of various microbiological and molecular tests and disease symptoms, including leaf mottling, reduction in plant height, and “witches’ broom” syndrome. Effective management strategies are available and include the use of resistant cultivars and, probably, the use of pathogen-free seeds. Finally, the Panel concluded that severe consequences, in terms of yield and quality losses, are expected for lucerne only if bacterial wilt-susceptible varieties are grown and if weather conditions are conducive to the disease.

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 Cherry leafroll virus (CLRV) for the European Union (EU) territory. CLRV is a well-defined virus species of the genus Nepovirus, for which the entire genome sequence and molecular detection assays are available. CLRV is transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts and is also seed- and pollen-transmitted (both horizontally and vertically) in many of its hosts. There is, however, evidence that interspecific transmission by the pollen-mediated mechanism is very limited. CLRV has a wide host range, which contains both woody and herbaceous hosts, many of which are largely present in natural environments. It is listed on plants of Rubus spp. for planting in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. CLRV is widely present in the EU but there are very few records on its regulated hosts. It is not expected to be affected by ecoclimatic conditions wherever its hosts are present and has the potential to establish in large parts of the EU territory. CLRV can spread through efficient seed- and pollen-mediated transmission mechanisms and through the movement of vegetatively propagated plants for planting of numerous hosts. However, the existence of efficient and widely adopted certification systems for some of these hosts constitutes a limitation to CLRV spread. Although the virus alone or when in mixed infection can cause significant disease in some hosts, the actual impact of CLRV is very difficult to evaluate but generally appears to be limited.

The Panel on Plant Health undertook a pest categorisation of Rhagoletis cingulata for the European Union (EU). This pest is a member of a complex of five North American species, of which Rhagoletis indifferens is the only other crop pest. The two pest species have morphologically distinct adults, but similar larvae and both attack cherries. R. cingulata is currently present in eight Member States but its presence in eastern North America from Mexico to Canada implies that all the risk assessment area where its hosts occur is suitable for establishment. Adults have a limited capacity for flight, and spread is mainly by larvae present in traded fruit and pupae in soil. R. cingulata attacks all cultivated and wild cherries but is particularly damaging to late-maturing varieties, especially sour cherries. Even small infestations can cause losses because the quality requirements for marketing of cherry fruits indicate a threshold below 4 % for ―worm-eaten‖ fruit in accordance with Commission Regulation 214/2004. The limited control measures available are similar to those for the native cherry fruit fly, R. cerasi, and are primarily based on insecticide sprays timed to kill adults, along with some cultural methods (e.g. netting and trapping). R. cingulata is listed in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC and its hosts are regulated in Annex IIIA with prohibitions for introduction in the Member States, in Annex IVAI with special requirements on soil and dwarfed plants that need to be considered and in Annex V indicating that host plants intended for planting are subject to plant health inspection before entry or movement within the EU.

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 Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Grapevine Flavescence dorée, also known as Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDP), for the European Union (EU) territory. FDP has not yet been defined as a phytoplasma species of the genus Candidatus Phytoplasma. Routine molecular detection assays are available. FDP is transmitted by grafting and vegetative propagation material as well as by insect vectors. FDP is only reported in Europe. Within Europe it is present in Serbia, in Switzerland and in 10 out of 21 countries of the grapevine producing EU countries. Besides grapevine, FDP is also commonly found in other hosts such as Ailanthus, Alnus and Clematis. FDP is included in the annexes II/A/II and II/B of the Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Grapevine, the main host plant, is included into annexes III, IV and V of the Directive 2000/29/EC. FDP 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. The specific leafhopper vector of FDP, Scaphoideus titanus, is an invasive insect that was introduced in Europe. It is only in areas where FDP and Scaphoideus titanus are associated that the direct and indirect impacts are considered to be high: yield reduction, death of grapevine plants, costs for disease and vector management procedures. Additional insect vectors are known, but are not directly associated with FDP epidemics. A major outcome of this pest categorisation has been to emphasise the role of S. titanus. Uncertainty lies mostly in the knowledge on specific FDP strain transmissibility, susceptibility of specific grapevine varieties and distribution in alternate hosts. It is not fully known how far the invasive vector insect S. titanus is still enlarging its distribution within the risk assessment area.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to perform the pest categorisation for Pseudomonas syringae pv. persicae (P. s. pv. persicae). The agent is responsible for bacterial die-back in peach, nectarine, Japanese plum and, possibly, myrobalan plum. The disease is caused by a genetic clade within genomic species 3 of P. syringae, but there is only limited knowledge of the diversity of the causative agent. The host plants are cultivated throughout Europe, although it is only in southern European countries that the production of peaches and/or nectarines is of economic importance, and the cultivation of Japanese plums is restricted to some parts of southern Europe. Outbreaks are rare and currently the disease occurs only sporadically in Portugal, France and Germany. P. s. pv. persicae causes symptoms on the bark, shoots, leaves and fruit. Detection is based on symptomatology and isolation; no DNA amplification (polymerase chain reaction) protocols are available. The pathogen can be identified on the basis of disease symptoms, including shoot die-back and leaf spots, and on the basis of distinct biochemical and genetic properties. No effective management strategies are available, although disease incidence and severity can be somewhat reduced by disinfection of tools, machines and materials, the use of planting material from disease-free areas, and the avoidance of conditions favouring disease expression. Initial infections may be due to the use of (latently) infected plant material, but infections may also occur from the environment. No effective biological or chemical control agents are registered for bacterial die-back in Europe. The outbreaks, although they occur sporadically, are usually severe and can result in the loss of entire orchards.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to perform a pest categorisation for Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni which has been renamed Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni. In reaching its conclusions, the Panel considered four parameters to be of critical importance in the risk assessment area: (i) the presence and distribution of X. campestris pv. pruni in the risk assessment area and its potential for spread; (ii) the existence and distribution of the main host plants throughout the European Union (EU); (iii) the potential for damage to crops grown in Europe; and (iv) the implementation of pest control strategies and cultural measures. Based on its analysis, the Panel concluded that the identity of the pest is clearly defined and its distribution involves limited areas or regions in the EU, although with a medium uncertainty. The pathogen may have a serious impact on horticultural production. Yield and quality losses have been observed on peach, nectarine and Japanese plum genotypes, especially if weather conditions are conducive to disease and minimal damage to crops is expected on cherry and European plum genotypes. The Panel noted that host plants are widely distributed throughout the EU and most of them are of great commercial importance. The pathogen is present but not widely distributed and not fully under official control by means of specific certification and other control measures. Planting material is the main pathway of pathogen dissemination.

The Panel on Plant Health undertook a pest categorisation of Helicoverpa armigera for the European Union territory. The taxonomy of H. armigera and related species worldwide is complex but, in Europe, only H. armigera is present. Although it has been recorded in all Member States, it persists throughout the year only in the southernmost parts of Europe where winters are not too cold. From these areas and from North Africa, long-distance northward migrations of up to 1 000 km can occur. In most of Europe, only transient populations are found outdoors. Nevertheless, damage to outdoor crops has been recorded as far north as the Netherlands. H. armigera also damages crops produced under protected conditions, with outbreaks related to the import of plants for planting. It is highly polyphagous, with over 180 host species recorded from more than 45 families, and it is particularly hard to detect and difficult to control because the larvae bore into reproductive structures with few visible external symptoms. Damage is especially severe in hot summers. Insecticide resistance is common and a wide range of insecticides may be applied. It is listed in Annex IIAII, and special requirements for H. armigera are formulated in Annexes IVAI and IVAII of Council Directive 2000/29/EC to regulate the movement of plants for planting of Solanaceae and three ornamental genera.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Paysandisia archon for the European Union territory. P. archon is a well-defined pest species attacking many palm species. It is currently present in several southern European Member States (Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Spain). Malta and Portugal are considered to be very important areas for further spread of the pest. The pest is listed in Annex IIAII of Council Directive 2000/29/EC and special requirements for host plants with respect to P. archon are formulated in Annexes IVAI and IVAII of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. This moth is a strong flier, but its main pathway of spread is via ornamental palms traded from outside the European Union and between Member States. Wherever its hosts are present outdoors in southern Europe, P. archon has the potential to establish. Although P. archon can complete its development in protected cultivation and in private/public indoor plant collections, there is no evidence of establishment. The damage produced by the larvae can cause the death of the plant with consequences for cultivated and native palm trees, and therefore on ecosystem services and biodiversity. At the moment no fully effective chemical or biological control methods are available against spread and impact of P. archon, while the use of glues on the stipe of the palm can be effective but affects the ornamental value of the plant. P. archon meets all pest categorisation criteria for both quarantine pests and regulated non-quarantine pests.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Strawberry latent C virus (SLCV) for the European Union (EU) territory. SLCV is defined only by symptoms in strawberry indicators. It has not been characterised, is not recognised as a valid species, and reliable detection assays are unavailable. SLCV is transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts and by Chaetosiphon aphid vectors. SLCV has been reported only from USA, Canada and Japan. It is listed in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. It infects cultivated and wild strawberries, and there is no other information on its host range. SLCV is not expected to be affected by ecoclimatic conditions wherever its hosts are present, and has the potential to establish in large parts of the EU territory. SLCV can spread through the action of its widely distributed C. fragaefolii vector and through the movement of strawberry plants for planting. However, the existence of efficient and widely adopted certification systems for strawberry constitutes a very strong limitation to SLCV spread. Although latent in many strawberry varieties, SLCV can cause significant damage, in particular when in co-infection with other strawberry viruses. However, the importance and impact of SLCV have both essentially disappeared in North America, most probably as a result of modern practices including the systematic use of certified planting materials and the use of short crop cycles. Such practices are also widely used in the EU and have broadly reduced the impact of strawberry viruses. Overall, SLCV does not have the potential to be a quarantine pest or a regulated non-quarantine pest, because it does not fulfil the following pest categorisation criteria of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No 11/21: clear identity of the pest (ISPM 11/21), presence in the PRA area (ISPM 21) and having a severe impact (ISPM 11).

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV) for the European Union (EU) territory. SVBV is a well-defined virus species of the genus Caulimovirus for which the entire genome sequence is known and molecular detection assays are available. SVBV is transmitted by vegetative multiplication of infected hosts and through the activity of aphid vectors, the most efficient being Chaetosiphon spp. The virus is reported from all continents and is present in three EU Member States: the Czech Republic, Italy and Slovakia. The host range of SVBV is restricted to cultivated and wild strawberries. It is listed in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. SVBV is not expected to be affected by ecoclimatic conditions wherever its hosts are present and has the potential to establish in large parts of the EU territory, and to subsequently spread through the action of its Chaetosiphon fragaefolii vector, which is present in many Member States. SVBV does not cause severe symptoms, and modern cultivars are mostly symptomless if infected with SVBV alone. SVBV can, however, contribute to more severe symptoms when it occurs in mixed infections with other strawberry viruses. Despite this, SVBV is considered a minor problem in strawberry production as a consequence of modern practices including the systematic use of certified planting materials and the use of short crop cycles, which have greatly reduced the impact of strawberry viruses. Overall, SVBV does not have the potential to be a quarantine pest as, given current agricultural practices, it does not fulfil the pest categorisation criteria defined in the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 11 of having a severe impact. However, SVBV has the potential to be a regulated non-quarantine pest because it fulfils all pest categorisation criteria defined in the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 21.

The Panel on Plant Health of the European Food Safety Authority performed a pest categorisation of Aculops fuchsiae, a mite listed in Annex II, Part A, Section I of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism not known to occur in the community. A. fuchsiae is, however, established in France and the UK and it was also reported as transient in Belgium and Germany (but systematic surveys are lacking). A. fuchsiae is a distinct taxonomic entity. The known hosts of A. fuchsiae are Fuchsia spp. This exotic plant genus is naturalised in several areas of Europe and is widely present in the risk assessment area, both in the open field and under protected cultivations, as well as in gardens. The impact in terms of quality loss on fuchsia plants caused by the pest has been described in the European Union. However, no quantitative data on these losses have been reported yet. Plants for planting are the main pathway for introduction and spread of A. fuchsiae, which may cause severe impacts on the intended use of the plants for planting. In Europe, the climatic conditions do not seem to be the key limiting factor for establishment and spread in the open field and under protected conditions. Establishment and spread could occur provided that suitable hosts (Fuchsia spp.) are present. Further spread is anticipated from the areas where the pest is currently present, mainly by movement of plant material through trade and exchange.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Beet leaf curl virus (BLCV) for the European Union (EU) territory. BLCV mainly infects Beta spp., as well as Spinacia spp., Tetragonia tetragonioides and the common weeds Atriplex spp. and Chenopodium spp. This putative Rhabdovirus is not a recognised virus species; it is only defined by particle morphology and by its circular propagative transmission by the lace bug Piesma quadratum. No efficient diagnostic assay is available for BLCV, which was reported in only Germany and Turkey. With a few exceptions, there is no record of BLCV after 1983. BLCV is listed in Annex IIAII of Directive 2000/29/EC. The virus itself is not expected to be affected by ecoclimatic conditions and its P. quadratum vector is widely distributed in the EU; thus, BLCV has the potential to establish and spread over large areas of the EU and cause significant damage in sugarbeet. However, it appears to have caused sporadic outbreaks in only some years, possibly associated with high vector populations. It does not appear to have had any significant impact in recent years, and it may now no longer be significantly present in agricultural production systems. This situation is possibly a consequence of current intensive sugarbeet crop management practices and of the ensuing reduction in vector populations. Owing to the very limited literature available on BLCV, a full pest risk assessment is highly unlikely to provide clearer insight into the risks associated with this virus than the present pest categorisation.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to perform a pest categorisation for Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli. In reaching its conclusions, the Panel considered four parameters to be of critical importance in the risk assessment area: (i) the presence and distribution of X. campestris pv. phaseoli in the risk assessment area and its potential for spread; (ii) the existence and the distribution of the main host plants throughout the European Union (EU); (iii) the potential for damage to crops grown in Europe; and (iv) the implementation of pest control strategies and cultural measures. The organisms formerly identified as X. campestris pv. phaseoli have proven to be genetically diverse and are currently known as Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli. Based on its analysis, the Panel concluded that the identity of these pathogens is clearly defined and their distribution involves limited areas or regions in the EU, although with a medium uncertainty. The main dispersal pathway for these pathogens is contaminated seeds. In addition, the Panel noted that host plants are widely cropped throughout the EU, common bean Phaseolus vulgaris being of great commercial importance, not only for consumption—fresh, canned, deep frozen and dried—but also for the seed industry. Currently, the impact of common bacterial blight is limited in the EU as a consequence of seed testing. Finally, the Panel concluded that moderate to high consequences, in terms of yield and quality losses, are expected for beans, especially if weather conditions are conducive to disease and seed inoculum no longer contained.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the Lewis spider mite, Eotetranychus lewisi, for the European Union (EU). The Lewis spider mite is a well-defined and distinguishable pest species that has been reported from a wide range of hosts, including cultivated species. Its distribution in the EU territory is restricted to (i) Madeira in Portugal; and to (ii) Poland where few occurrences were reported in glasshouses only. The pest is listed in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. A potential pathway of introduction and spread is plants traded from outside Europe and between Member States. The Lewis spider mite has the potential to establish in most part of the EU territory based on climate similarities with the distribution area outside the EU and the widespread availability of hosts present both in open fields and in protected cultivations. With regards to the potential consequences, one study is providing quantitative data on impact showing that the pest can reduce yield and affect quality of peaches and poinsettias, and only few studies describe the general impact of the pest on cultivated hosts. Although chemical treatments are reported to be effective in controlling the Lewis spider mite, it is mentioned as a growing concern for peaches, strawberries, raspberries and vines in the Americas. Overall, Eotetranychus lewisi meets the pest categorisation criteria defined in the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 11 for a quarantine pest and in No 21 for a regulated non-quarantine pest.

Tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a devastating pest of tomato originating from South America has been recorded in Serbia on three localities: in tomato main greenhouse and open field production area located in the vicinity of town Leskovac (South Serbia), in surroundings of the village Donji Vrtogoš (near town Vranje, South Serbia) and in a greenhouses complex in Kraljevci (60 km west of Belgrade). The presence of T. absoluta was confirmed by morphological and molecular study of the collected specimens., Prisustvo lisnog minera paradajza Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), opasne štetočine poreklom iz Južne Amerike, utvrđeno je na tri lokaliteta u Srbiji: u plastenicima i poljima u okolini Leskovca (južna Srbija), u okolini sela Donji Vrtogoš (u blizini Vranja) i u kompleksu plastenika u selu Kraljevci (60 km zapadno od Beograda). Identifikacija T. absoluta je izvršena morfološkim i molekularnim analizama sakupljenih uzoraka.

Der inzwischen auf der EPPO A1-Liste aufgeführte Quarantäneschädling, der Bockkäfer Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853), ist seit seiner Einschleppung nach Braunau am Inn (Österreich) im Jahr 2001 in ganz Europa ein Begriff. Neben zwei unabhängigen Fundorten in Frankreich, 2003 in Gien und 2004 in Sainte-Anne-sur-Brivet (Hérard & al. 2005) wurde eine Freiland-Population dieser Laubbäume schädigenden Art erstmals 2004 auch in Deutschland festgestellt. Bisherige Funde von Käfern in Deutschland waren auf das Gelände des Hamburger Hafens, Umschlagplatz vieler Container aus dem asiatischen Raum, beschränkt (Schliesske 2001). Es konnte aber nie eine Übersiedelung auf Laubbäume in der Umgebung beobachtet werden. Die Situation änderte sich gravierend, als offensichtlich befallene Bäume in Neukirchen am Inn (Gemeinde Neuburg am Inn, Landkreis Passau) in Bayern festgestellt wurden. Symptome wie mangelnde Belaubung, kraterförmige Eiablagestellen und Austritt von Bohrmehl an einem Ahornbaum deuteten auf Befall mit A. glabripennis hin. Nach Entnahme von Astteilen wurden in Gängen Bockkäfer-Larven gefunden, die von Kollegen des Bundesamtes und Forschungszentrums für Wald (BFW) in Wien mittels DNA-Analyse zweifelsfrei als A. glabripennis identifiziert wurden (Hoyer & al. 2003)., Since the introduction of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853) to Neukirchen/Inn, a small village in the rural district Passau, in 2004, considerable efforts were made to eradicate this quarantine pest in Bavaria. This longicorn species mainly infested deciduous trees of urban areas in Neukirchen/Inn. The centre where the infestation started was the graveyard at the outskirts of the town. Into the forestal area, which is about two kilometres away, the population of A. glabripennis couldn’t yet extend. Over the last three years the following taxa of deciduous trees were detected as a host plant of A. glabripennis in Bavaria: Acer spp. (maple), Betula spp. (birch), Aesculus hippocastanum (white chestnut), Salix spp. (willow) and Populus spp. (poplar). At the moment the only way of controlling A. glabripennis seems to be a permanent monitoring in the infested area. For reaching this aim potentially host trees, which show symptoms of infestation, will be cut down, chaffed and burned – also only in the case of suspicion. When in 2004 altogether 16 trees and in the following year only two trees were removed the infestation seemed hopefully to be cleared. But in the middle of October 2005 many egg deposition sites could be found on several maple trees in the graveyard. For reasons of precaution 49 trees were cut in January 2006. The growing season in 2006 almost confirmed the 1½ to 2-year generation cycle of A. glabripennis which is assumed by experts for Central Europe. After the nearly uneventful year 2005 again ten trees in the surrounding of the graveyard showed conspicuous symptoms. Furthermore exit holes of adult beetles could be detected. The trees immediately were removed. The eradication measures and the monitoring in Neukirchen/Inn have to be continued in the following years.