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The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to conduct a pest categorisation of Coniella castaneicola (Ellis & Everh) Sutton, following commodity risk assessments of Acer campestre, A. palmatum , A. platanoides, A. pseudoplatanus , Quercus petraea and Q. robur plants from the UK, in which C. castaneicola was identified as a pest of possible concern to the EU. When first described, Coniella castaneicola was a clearly defined fungus of the family Schizoparmaceae, but due to lack of a curated type-derived DNA sequence, current identification based only on DNA sequence is uncertain and taxa previously reported to be this fungus based on molecular identification must be confirmed. The uncertainty on the reported identification of this species translates into uncertainty on all the sections of this categorisation. The fungus has been reported on several plant species associated with leaf spots, leaf blights and fruit rots, and as an endophyte in asymptomatic plants. The species is reported from North and South America, Africa, Asia, non-EU Europe and Oceania. Coniella castaneicola is not known to occur in the EU. However, there is a key uncertainty on its presence and geographical distribution worldwide and in the EU due to its endophytic nature, the lack of systematic surveys and possible misidentifications. Coniella castaneicola is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 and there are no interceptions in the EU. Plants for planting, fresh fruits and soil and other growing media associated with infected plant debris are the main pathways for its entry into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability in parts of the EU are favourable for the establishment and spread of the fungus. Based on the scarce information available, the introduction and spread of C. castaneicola in the EU is not expected to cause substantial impacts, with a key uncertainty. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent its introduction and spread in the EU. Because of lack of documented impacts, Coniella castaneicola does not satisfy all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest., Competing Interests: If you wish to access the declaration of interests of any expert contributing to an EFSA scientific assessment, please contact interestmanagement@efsa.europa.eu., (© 2024 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

Following the EFSA commodity risk assessment of Malus domestica plants imported from Türkiye into the EU, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Pratylenchus loosi (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) for the EU. Pratylenchus loosi belongs to the order Rhabditida, subfamily Pratylenchidae. This nematode is not known to be present in the EU. The species is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. The pest occurs primarily in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. It is widely distributed in Asian countries, with tea plants ( Camellia sinensis ) as the main host. The pest was reported from more than 60 plant species, but reports from hosts other than C. sinensis , e.g. citrus ( Citrus spp.) and banana ( Musa spp.), are associated with high uncertainty due to doubtful pest identification. Morphological and molecular methods are available for the identification of the pest. Pathways of entry are host plants for planting except seeds, as well as soil attached to plants for planting, machinery or footwear. Soil import to the EU is prohibited from third countries. The climatic preferences of P. loosi are compatible with the microclimatic conditions occurring in the areas of the EU where tea is grown outside. The impact of the nematode is primarily known for Asian countries, where it is a devastating pathogen on tea plants, but there is a key uncertainty on impacts on hosts other than tea. Considering the strong pathogenicity of the pest, its establishment in tea producing areas would have negative consequences for tea producers. Therefore, the Panel concludes that P. loosi satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., Competing Interests: If you wish to access the declaration of interests of any expert contributing to an EFSA scientific assessment, please contact interestmanagement@efsa.europa.eu., (© 2024 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

Following an EFSA commodity risk assessment of bonsai plants ( Pinus parviflora grafted on Pinus thunbergii ) imported from China, the EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Pestalotiopsis microspora, a clearly defined plant pathogenic fungus of the family Pestalotiopsidaceae. The pathogen was reported on a wide range of monocotyledonous, dicotyledonous and gymnosperms, either cultivated or wild plant species, causing various symptoms such as leaf spot, leaf blight, scabby canker, fruit spot, pre- and post-harvest fruit rot and root rot. In addition, the fungus was reported as an endophyte on a wide range of asymptomatic plant species. This pest categorisation focuses on the hosts that are relevant for the EU and for which there is robust evidence that the pathogen was formally identified by a combination of morphology, pathogenicity and multilocus sequencing analyses. Pestalotiopsis microspora was reported in Africa, North, Central and South America, Asia and Oceania. In the EU, it was reported in the Netherlands. There is a key uncertainty on the geographical distribution of P. microspora worldwide and in the EU, because of the endophytic nature of the fungus, the lack of surveys, and because in the past, when molecular tools were not fully developed, the pathogen might have been misidentified as other Pestalotiopsis species or other members of the Pestalodiopsidaceae family based on morphology and pathogenicity tests. Pestalotiopsis microspora is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Plants for planting, fresh fruits, bark and wood of host plants as well as soil and other growing media associated with plant debris are the main pathways for the entry of the pathogen into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability in parts of the EU are favourable for the establishment and spread of the pathogen. The introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU are expected to have an economic and environmental impact where susceptible hosts are grown. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU. Unless the restricted distribution in the EU is disproven, Pestalotiopsis microspora satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest., Competing Interests: If you wish to access the declaration of interests of any expert contributing to an EFSA scientific assessment, please contact interestmanagement@efsa.europa.eu., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

Following the commodity risk assessments of bonsai plants from China consisting of Pinus parviflora grafted on P. thunbergii performed by EFSA, the EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Pestalotiopsis disseminata, a clearly defined plant pathogenic fungus of the family Pestalotiopsidaceae. The pathogen has been reported on herbaceous, woody and ornamental plants causing symptoms such as leaf blight, shoot blight, seedling blight, pod canker, pre- and post-harvest fruit rot, and gummosis. Moreover, the fungus was reported as an endophyte on a wide range of asymptomatic hosts. The pathogen is present in Africa, North and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. It has been reported from the EU, with a restricted distribution (Portugal). There is a key uncertainty on the geographical distribution of P. disseminata in the EU and worldwide, because of the endophytic nature of the fungus, the lack of surveys and since the pathogen might have been misidentified based only on morphology and pathogenicity tests. The pathogen is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. This pest categorisation focuses on those hosts that are relevant for the EU and for which there is robust evidence that the pathogen was formally identified by a combination of morphology, pathogenicity and multilocus sequence analysis. Plants for planting, fresh fruits, bark and wood of host plants as well as soil and other plant growing media are the main pathways for the entry of the pathogen into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in parts of the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogen. Despite the low aggressiveness observed in most reported hosts, and the fact that P. disseminata may colonise plants as an endophyte, its introduction and spread in the EU may have an economic and environmental impact (with a key uncertainty) where susceptible hosts are grown. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen. The Panel cannot conclude on whether P. disseminata satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest, because of the key uncertainties on the restricted distribution in the EU and the magnitude of the impact., Competing Interests: If you wish to access the declaration of interests of any expert contributing to an EFSA scientific assessment, please contact interestmanagement@efsa.europa.eu., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of the avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) for the EU. The identity of ASBVd, a member of the genus Avsunviroid (family Avsunviroidae ) is clearly defined and detection and identification methods are available. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. ASBVd has been reported in Australia, Ghana, Guatemala, Israel, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, USA (California, Florida) and Venezuela. In the EU, it has been reported in Greece (Crete Island) and Spain. The pathogen could establish in the EU wherever avocado ( Persea americana ) is grown. The only known natural host of ASBVd is avocado to which it causes the severe 'avocado sunblotch' disease, characterised by white, yellow, red or necrotic depressed areas or scars on the fruit surface, bleached veins and petioles of the leaf, and rectangular cracking patterns in the bark of the old branches. Fruit yield and quality are severely diminished. ASBVd infects under experimental conditions a few more species in the family Lauraceae. The viroid is naturally transmitted at an extremely high rate by seeds (up to 100% in asymptomatically infected trees), but with a low efficiency by pollen (only to the produced seeds), and possibly through root grafts. Plants for planting, including seeds, and fresh avocado fruits were identified as the most relevant pathways for further entry of ASBVd into the EU. Avocado crops are cultivated in southern EU countries. Should the pest further enter and establish in the EU, impact on the production of avocado is expected. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent entry and spread of the viroid in the EU. ASBVd fulfils the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Hoplolaimus galeatus (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) for the EU. H. galeatus belongs to the order Rhabditida, subfamily Hoplolaiminae. This nematode is not reported from the EU and is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. It is widely distributed in the USA and is also reported from South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The identity of H. galeatus is clearly defined and methods for its identification are available. H. galeatus is polyphagous and natural hosts include barley, wheat, rye, red and white clover, alfalfa, cabbage, pine, spruce, oak, apple, grapevine, as well as various ornamental plants and turf grasses. These hosts are grown over vast areas of the EU. The climate of the EU is suitable for the establishment of H. galeatus . Pathways of entry are host plants for planting except seeds, but also soil as a contaminant. Soil import to the EU is prohibited and special requirements apply to import of machinery for agricultural/forestry purposes from third countries. Impact of the nematode is best known for North American plant species. The nematode has been reported to damage cotton, maize, soybean, pine, oak and turfgrass. Many of the hosts represent a considerable economic and environmental value to the EU. Therefore, the Panel concludes that H. galeatus satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Diplodia bulgarica, a clearly defined plant pathogenic fungus of the family Botryosphaeriaceae. The pathogen affects Malus domestica, M. sylvestris and Pyrus communis causing various symptoms such as canker, twig blight, gummosis, pre- and post-harvest fruit rot, dieback and tree decline. The pathogen is present in Asia (India, Iran, Türkiye) and in non-EU Europe (Serbia). Concerning the EU, the pathogen is present in Bulgaria and widespread in Germany. There is a key uncertainty on the geographical distribution of D. bulgarica worldwide and in the EU, because in the past, when molecular tools were not available, the pathogen might have been misidentified as other Diplodia species (e.g. D. intermedia, D. malorum, D. mutila, D. seriata ) or other members of the Botryosphaeriaceae family affecting apple and pear based only on morphology and pathogenicity tests. Diplodia bulgarica is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Plants for planting, other than seeds, fresh fruits, and bark and wood of host plants as well as soil and other plant-growing media carrying plant debris are the main pathways for the further entry of the pathogen into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability factors are favourable for the further establishment of the pathogen in the EU. In the areas of its present distribution, including Germany, the pathogen has a direct impact on cultivated hosts. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the further introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU. Diplodia bulgarica satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Coleosporium asterum (Dietel) Sydow & P. Sydow, Coleosporium montanum (Arthur & F. Kern) and Coleosporium solidaginis (Schwein.) Thüm, three basidiomycete fungi belonging to the family Coleosporiaceae, causing rust diseases on Pinus spp. (aecial hosts) and on Asteraceae (telial hosts). Coleosporium asterum was described on Aster spp. in Japan and has been reported from China, Korea, France and Portugal. Coleosporium montanum is native to North America, has been introduced to Asia and has been reported from Austria on Symphyotrichum spp. Coleosporium solidaginis has been reported on Solidago spp. from North America, Asia and Europe (Switzerland and Germany). There is a key uncertainty about these reported distributions, due to the until recently accepted synonymy between these fungi and the lack of molecular studies. The pathogens are not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072, an implementing act of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, or in any emergency plant health legislation. There are no reports of interceptions of C. asterum, C. montanum or C. solidaginis in the EU. The pathogens can further enter into, establish in and spread within the EU via host plants for planting, other than seeds and host plant parts (e.g. cut flowers, foliage, branches), other than fruits. Entry into and spread within the EU may also occur by natural means. Host availability and climate suitability in the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogens in areas where host plants in the Asteraceae and Pinaceae co-exist. Impacts can be expected on both aecial and telial hosts. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the risk of further introduction and spread of the three pathogens in the EU. Coleosporium asterum, C. montanum and C. solidaginis satisfy the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for these species to be regarded as Union quarantine pests, but a key uncertainty exists about their EU distribution., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Coleosporium eupatorii Arthur ex Cummins, a clearly defined heteroecious fungus of the family Coleosporiaceae, causing rust diseases on five-needle Pinus spp. (aecial hosts) and on several genera of the Asteraceae family (telial hosts), such as Eupatorium spp. and Stevia spp. C. eupatorii is reported from Asia as well as North, Central and South America. It is not known to occur in the EU. The pathogen is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 and has not been intercepted in the EU. The pathogen can be detected on its host plants by DNA sequencing. The main pathway for the entry of C. eupatorii into the EU is host plants for planting, other than seeds. In the EU, there is availability of aecial host plants, with Pinus peuce , P. strobus and P. cembra being the most important ones. There is a key uncertainty about whether European Eupatorium species (specifically E. cannabinum ) are hosts of C. eupatorii and thus the ability of the pathogen to complete its life cycle, establish and spread in the EU. C. eupatorii could potentially spread within the EU by both natural and human-assisted means. The introduction of C. eupatorii into the EU is expected to have an economic and environmental impact. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen in the EU. C. eupatorii satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum , a clearly defined plant pathogenic fungus of the family Botryosphaeriaceae. The pathogen affects a wide range of woody perennial crops and ornamental plants causing symptoms such as leaf spot, shoot blight, branch dieback, canker, pre- and post-harvest fruit rot, gummosis and root rot. The pathogen is present in Africa, Asia, North and South America, and Oceania. It has also been reported from Greece, Cyprus and Italy, with a restricted distribution. Nevertheless, there is a key uncertainty on the geographical distribution of N. dimidiatum worldwide and in the EU, because in the past, when molecular tools were not available, the two synanamorphs of the pathogen ( Fusicoccum -like and Scytalidium -like) might have been misidentified based only on morphology and pathogenicity tests. N. dimidiatum is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Because of the wide host range of the pathogen, this pest categorisation focuses on those hosts for which there is robust evidence that the pathogen was formally identified by a combination of morphology, pathogenicity and multilocus sequence analysis. Plants for planting, fresh fruits and bark and wood of host plants as well as soil and other plant growing media are the main pathways for the further entry of the pathogen into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in parts of the EU are favourable for the further establishment of the pathogen. In the areas of its present distribution, including Italy, the pathogen has a direct impact on cultivated hosts. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the further introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU. N. dimidiatum satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Pantoea ananatis , a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Erwiniaceae family. P. ananatis is a well-defined taxonomic unit; nonetheless, its pathogenic nature is not well defined and non-pathogenic populations are known to occupy several, very different environmental niches as saprophytes, or as plant growth promoting bacteria or biocontrol agents. It is also described as a clinical pathogen causing bacteraemia and sepsis or as a member of the gut microbiota of several insects. P. ananatis is the causal agent of different diseases affecting numerous crops: in particular, centre rot of onion, bacterial leaf blight and grain discoloration of rice, leaf spot disease of maize and eucalyptus blight/dieback. A few insect species have been described as vectors of P. ananatis , among them, Frankliniella fusca and Diabrotica virgifera virgifera . This bacterium is present in several countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America, and Oceania from tropical and subtropical regions to temperate areas worldwide. P. ananatis has been reported from the EU territory, both as pathogen on rice and maize and as an environmental, non-pathogenic bacterium in rice marshes and poplar rhizosoil. It is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. The pathogen can be detected on its host plants using direct isolation, or PCR-based methods. The main pathway for the entry of the pathogen into the EU territory is host plants for planting, including seeds. In the EU, there is a large availability of host plants, with onion, maize, rice and strawberry being the most important ones. Therefore, disease outbreaks are possible almost at any latitude, except in the most northern regions. P. ananatis is not expected to have frequent or consistent impact on crop production and is not expected to have any environmental impact. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the further introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU on some hosts. The pest does not satisfy the criteria, which are within the remit for EFSA to evaluate whether the pest meets the definition of a Union quarantine pest. P. ananatis is probably widely distributed in different ecosystems in the EU. It may impact some specific hosts such as onions while on other hosts such as rice it has been reported as a seed microbiota without causing any impact and can even be beneficial to plant growth. Hence, the pathogenic nature of P. ananatis is not fully established., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Coniella granati , a clearly defined fungus of the Order Diaporthales and the family Schizoparmaceae, described for the first time in 1876 as Phoma granatii and later named as Pilidiella granati . The pathogen mainly affects Punica granatum (pomegranate) and Rosa spp. (rose), causing fruit rot, shoot blight and cankers on crown and branches. The pathogen is present in North America, South America, as well as in Asia, Africa, Oceania and Eastern Europe and has also been reported in the EU (Greece, Hungary, Italy and Spain), where it is widespread in the major pomegranate growing areas. Coniella granati is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 and there are no interceptions in the EU. This pest categorisation focused on those hosts for which the pathogen was detected and formally identified in natural conditions. Plants for planting, fresh fruits and as well as soil and other plant growing media are the main pathways for the further entry of the pathogen into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in parts of the EU are favourable for the further establishment of the pathogen. In the area of its present distribution, including Italy and Spain, the pathogen has a direct impact in pomegranate orchards as well as during post-harvest storage. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the further introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU. Coniella granati does not satisfy the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest as it is present in several EU MSs., (© 2023 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, a clearly defined fungus of the family Botryosphaeriaceae, which was first described in 2008 as a cryptic species within the L. theobromae complex. The pathogen affects a wide range of woody perennial crops and ornamental plants causing root rot, damping-off, leaf spots, twig blight, cankers, stem-end rot, gummosis, branch dieback and pre- and post-harvest fruit rots. Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae is present in Africa, Asia, North and South America and Oceania and has also been reported from Spain with a restricted distribution. However, there is uncertainty on the status of the pathogen worldwide and in the EU because in the past, when molecular tools (particularly multigene phylogenetic analysis) were not available, the pathogen might have been misidentified as L. theobromae . Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 and there are no interceptions in the EU. Because of the very wide host range of the pathogen, this pest categorisation focused on those hosts for which there is robust evidence that the pathogen was formally identified by a combination of morphology, pathogenicity and multilocus sequence analysis. Plants for planting, including seeds, fresh fruits and bark and wood of host plants as well as soil and other plant-growing media are the main pathways for the further entry of the pathogen into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in parts of the EU are favourable for the further establishment of the pathogen. In the area of its present distribution, including Spain, the pathogen has a direct impact on cultivated hosts. multilocus measures are available to prevent the further introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU. Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Xylella taiwanensis , a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Xanthomonadaceae . The pathogen is a well-defined taxonomic entity, and it is the causal agent of the pear leaf scorch. X. taiwanensis is present in subtropical and temperate areas of the island of Taiwan, where it affects low chilling pear cultivars of the species Pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear). No other plant species are reported to be affected by the pathogen. The pathogen is not known to be present in the EU territory and it is not included in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The main pathway for the entry of the pathogen into the EU territory is host plants for planting (except seeds); another possible pathway might be represented by putative insect vectors, though their identity remains unknown. The cultivated area of P. pyrifolia in the EU territory is very limited. Conversely, the genetically related P. communis is widely cultivated in most EU Member States and there is no information so far on the susceptibility of its several cultivars. Should the pest establish in the EU, economic impact is expected, provided that suitable insect vectors are present and P. communis is as susceptible to infection as P. pyrifolia . Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU, since plants for planting from Taiwan is a closed pathway; nonetheless, putative vectors, if confirmed and identified, may represent an additional risk of the pathogen's introduction and spread. The lack of knowledge on whether X. taiwanensis can infect P. communis , the identity and presence of suitable vectors in the EU lead to key uncertainties on entry, establishment, spread and impact. X. taiwanensis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Stenocarpella maydis, a clearly defined fungus causing seedling blight, stalk and ear rot in maize, its only confirmed main host. The pathogen occurs in many countries of North, Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania where maize is grown commercially. It is present in the EU with restricted distribution (Czech Republic and Spain). Stenocarpella maydis is not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Plants for planting (maize seeds) is the main pathway of entry and spread in the EU. Host availability and climate are favourable for the establishment of the pathogen in maize-growing areas of the EU. The pathogen has a direct impact on yield and quality of maize production. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate further introduction and spread of the pathogen into the EU. The Panel concludes that S. maydis satisfies all the criteria to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV) for the EU territory. The identity of CpCDV, a member of the genus Mastrevirus (family Geminiviridae ) is established. Reliable detection and identification methods are available. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. CpCDV has been reported in Africa, Asia and Oceania. It has not been reported in the EU. CpCDV infects plant species in the family Fabaceae and several species of other families (Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, Caricaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae and Solanaceae), including weeds. It may induce symptoms on its hosts, causing severe yield reduction. The virus is transmitted in a persistent, circulative and non-propagative manner by the leafhopper species Orosius orientalis and O. albicinctus , which are not regulated. O. orientalis is known to be present in some EU member states. Plants for planting (other than seeds), parts of plants and cut flowers of CpCDV hosts and viruliferous leafhoppers were identified as the most relevant pathways for the entry of CpCDV into the EU. Cultivated and wild hosts of CpCDV are distributed across the EU. Would the pest enter and establish in the EU territory, impact on the production of cultivated hosts is expected. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent entry and spread of the virus in the EU. CpCDV fulfils the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Coleosporium phellodendri Kom., a basidiomycete fungus belonging to the order Pucciniales, causing rust diseases on Pinus spp. (aecial host) and on Phellodendron spp. (telial host). C. phellodendri has been reported only from Asia (namely, China, Republic of Korea, Japan and Russia) and is not known to be present in the EU territory. The pathogen is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072, an implementing act of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, or in any emergency plant health legislation. The pathogen could enter into, become established in, and spread within the EU territory via host plants for planting and host plant parts (e.g. foliage, branches) other than seeds and fruits, respectively. Spread within the EU territory may also occur by natural means if Phellodendron spp. were present. Availability of the Pinus spp. and climate suitability factors occurring in the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogen in areas where Phellodendron spp. are also present. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction and spread of the pathogen in the EU. C. phellodendri does not satisfy all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a Union quarantine pest as no economic and environmental impact of this pathogen is expected without widespread presence of Phellodendron spp. in the EU., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Colletotrichum aenigma, C. alienum, C. perseae, C. siamense and C. theobromicola , five clearly defined fungi of the C. gloeosporioides complex causing anthracnose. The pathogens are widely distributed in at least three continents. C. aenigma and C. siamense are reported from Italy and C. alienum from Portugal, including the Madeira Islands, with a restricted distribution. C. perseae and C. theobromicola are not known to be present in the EU. However, there is uncertainty on the status of the pathogens worldwide and in the EU because of the taxonomic re-evaluation of the genus Colletotrichum and the lack of specific surveys. The pathogens are not included in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 and there are no reports of interceptions in the EU. With the exception of C. perseae , which has a very limited number of hosts, the other four Colletotrichum species have relatively wide host ranges. Therefore, this pest categorisation focused on those hosts for which there is robust evidence that the pathogens were formally identified by a combination of morphology, pathogenicity and multilocus sequence analysis. Host plants for planting and fresh fruits are the main entry pathways into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in some parts of the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogens. No yield losses have been reported so far in the EU but in non-EU areas of their current distribution, the pathogens have a direct impact on cultivated hosts that are also relevant for the EU. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the further introduction and spread of C. aenigma , C. alienum and C. siamense into the EU as well as the introduction and spread of C. perseae and C. theobromicola . C. aenigma, C. alienum, C. perseae, C. siamense and C. theobromicola satisfy the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for these species to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pests., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Atalodera andina (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) for the European Union (EU) territory. A. andina belongs to the order Rhabditida, subfamily Ataloderinae. This species has not been reported from the EU. It is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. It is present in the area of the Lake Titicaca of both Peru and Bolivia and in valleys of the region. There is a report in literature stating that specimens were obtained from Chile and identified as A. andina but details on their geographical origin were not given. The identity of A. andina is well established and methods of its identification are available. Natural hosts include the tuber crops Ullucus tuberosus , Oxalis tuberosa and the Andean potato ( Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigenum ) . Experimental hosts include plants of the genus Brassica (such as B. oleracea , B. napus , B. campestris ), sugar beet, tomato and clover. Pathways of entry are host plants for planting including seed tubers, subterranean parts of plants intended for consumption, soil as such or attached to plants for planting, machinery or footwear, soil in packaging (bags). Suitable climates exist in the EU but their extent is uncertain and depends on assumptions made on the occurrence of the pest around Lake Titicaca. In the EU, potato, which is grown on about 1,500,000 ha annually, is expected to be the main host of the nematode. Soil and plants for planting are prohibited from import to the EU from third countries where the pest is known to occur. However, this does not cover hosts of A. andina other than species of Solanaceae. The nematode has been reported to damage Andean potato crops, although this has not been quantified. Following its introduction in the EU, A. andina is expected to cause impacts on potato ( S. tuberosum subsp . tuberosum ), although there is uncertainty on the magnitude of this impact. Also damage on other hosts cannot be excluded. Therefore, the Panel concludes that A. andina satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Fusarium pseudograminearum O'Donnell & T. Aoki. F. pseudograminearum is a soil-borne fungal pathogen, able to cause a disease known as Fusarium crown rot (FCR, also known as foot and root rot) and occasionally Fusarium head blight on small grain cereals, particularly Triticum aestivum L., Triticum turgidum L. spp. durum (Dest.), Hordeum vulgare L. and triticale (x Triticosecale ). In addition, F. pseudograminearum has been isolated from soybean ( Glycine max L.) and from some grass genera, such as Phalaris , Agropyron and Bromus , which represent potentially important inoculum reservoirs. This pathogen has been reported in arid and semi-arid cropping regions in Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, northern Africa and South Africa, the Middle East and Asia. In the EU, it has been reported in Italy since 1994 and later in Spain on field-grown durum wheat, but uncertainty remains regarding the actual distribution of the pathogen in the EU. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. Seeds of host plants and soil and other substrates are the main pathways for the entry and spread of the pathogen into the EU. There are no reports of interceptions of F. pseudograminearum in the EU. Host availability and climate suitability occurring in the EU favour establishment of the pathogen and allow it to establish in areas from which it has not been reported. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into the EU, and additional measures are available to mitigate the risk of spread. In the non-EU areas of its present distribution, the pathogen has a direct impact on cultivated hosts (e.g. wheat, barley, triticale and soybean) that are also relevant for the EU. However, no crop losses have been reported so far in the EU. The Panel concludes that F. pseudograminearum satisfies all the criteria to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) for the EU territory. The identity of CaCV, a member of the genus Orthotospovirus (family Tospoviridae ), is established and reliable detection and identification methods are available. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. CaCV has been reported in Australia, China, India, Iran, Taiwan, Thailand and USA (Hawaii). In the EU, it has been reported once in Greece (Crete Island). The NPPO of Greece reported that CaCV is no longer present in Greece. CaCV infects plant species in the family Solanaceae (i.e. pepper, tomato) and several species of other families, including ornamentals. It may induce severe symptoms on its hosts, mainly on leaves and fruits, which may become unmarketable. The virus is transmitted in a persistent propagative mode by the thrips Ceratothripoides claratris, Frankliniella schultzei, Microcephalothrips abdominalis and Thrips palmi. C. claratris and T. palmi are EU quarantine pests. M . abdominalis is known to be present in several EU member states and it is not regulated in the EU. Plants for planting, parts of plants, fruits and cut flowers of CaCV hosts, and viruliferous thrips were identified as the most relevant pathways for the entry of CaCV into the EU. Cultivated and wild hosts of CaCV are distributed across the EU. Should the pest enter and establish in the EU territory, impact on the production of cultivated hosts is expected. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent entry and spread of the virus in the EU. CaCV fulfils the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of High Plains wheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV) for the EU territory. The identity of HPWMoV, a member of the genus Emaravirus (family Fimoviridae ), is well established and reliable identification methods are available. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. HPWMoV has been reported from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Ukraine and USA, and it is not known to be present in the EU. HPWMoV infects plant species of the family Poaceae (i.e. wheat, maize and several other cultivated or wild Poaceae species). It is the causal agent of High Plains disease of wheat and maize, inducing symptoms ranging from mild to severe mosaic, chlorosis and necrosis in wheat, and chlorotic streaks in maize plants. The virus is transmitted by the wheat curl mite Aceria tosichella, which is present in the EU. HPWMoV transmission via seeds was reported to occur in sweet corn. Sweet corn seeds for sowing were identified as the most relevant pathway for entry of HPWMoV into the EU. Seeds from other hosts and viruliferous wheat curl mites were identified as entry pathways associated with uncertainties. Machinery not appropriately cleaned may move infected seeds and/or parts of cereals infested by viruliferous mites. Cultivated and wild hosts of HPWMoV are distributed across the EU. Would the pest enter and establish in the EU territory, economic impact on the production of cultivated hosts is expected. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent entry and spread of the virus in the EU. HPWMoV fulfils the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Plicosepalus acaciae (Zuccarini) Wiens & Polhill), the acacia strap flower, a hemiparasitic plant of the family Loranthaceae parasitising woody plants. Host plants include several species of the genera Vachellia, Tamarix and Ziziphus and various fruit crops. P. acaciae is present in the Middle East and Eastern Africa and is not known to occur in the EU. P. acaciae has a long flowering period of about 10 months, from June to April the following year, during which flowers are pollinated by insects and birds. P. acaciae produces single seeded red berries that are eaten by birds, which then disseminate the seeds. The only known bird observed to disseminate the seeds of P. acaciae is Pycnonotus xanthopygos , which has been recorded just once (Spain) but it is not established in the EU. P. acaciae could enter into the EU with host plants for planting. Host plants are present and suitable climatic conditions occur in parts of the EU. If a suitable bird would adapt to transfer the seeds, establishment and spread of P. acaciae within the EU would be possible. If P. acaciae would be able to establish and spread, impacts on some crop plants (e.g. Juglans regia , Ficus carica, Punica granatum, Pistacia vera ), ornamental plants, as well as native vegetation could occur. P. acaciae fulfils the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. Uncertainty remains on bird species other than P. xanthopygos transferring P. acaciae , the magnitude of potential impacts and the host range., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4), an ascomycete fungus causing Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) on Musa spp. Foc TR4 is pathogenic to the commercial banana varieties including those of the 'Cavendish' group and is considered as the most destructive among Foc haplotypes. Uncertainty exists on the host range of Foc TR4, since it has not been demonstrated whether it can infect plant species other than Musa spp., which were previously reported as hosts of other Foc races. Foc TR4 is morphologically and physiologically identical to other representatives of the Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex (FOSC), but all Foc TR4 isolates belong to a single clonal lineage within the vegetative compatibility groups 01213-01216. Several PCR protocols are described in the literature, but their specificity has been questioned as they may generate false positives. The pathogen is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 and is not reported as present in the EU territory. Several potential entry pathways and means of spread were identified, including host plants for planting other than vitroplants, fresh fruits and leaves of host plants, soil and other substrates originating in infested third countries. Host availability and climate suitability occurring in some areas of the EU are favourable for the establishment of Foc TR4. Being a soil-borne pathogen, eradication of Foc TR4 once it enters a new area is very difficult. Therefore, effective quarantine measures are essential in pathogen-free areas. Although not specifically targeting against Foc TR4, phytosanitary measures are currently available to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into the EU. Considering that banana-growing EU countries account for over 12% of the EU banana supply, it is expected that the economic impact of Foc TR4 on the European banana production areas would be devastating. Foc TR4 satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this pathogen to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest., (© 2022 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA on behalf of the European Food Safety Authority.)

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., (© 2022 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

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., (© 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

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., (© 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

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 Koch's 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., (© 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Colletotrichum plurivorum Damm, Alizadeh & Toy. Sato, a well-defined fungus of the C. orchidearum species complex which has been reported from Africa, Asia and America to cause anthracnose and pre- and post-harvest fruit rots on more than 30 plant genera. The pathogen has not been reported from the EU territory and is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. Because of the very wide host range, this pest categorisation focused on Abelmoschus esculentus, Capsicum spp., Carica papaya, Glycine max, Manihot esculenta, Phaseolus lunatus, Pyrus bretschneideri and Vitis spp. for which there was robust evidence that C. plurivorum was formally identified by morphology and multilocus gene sequencing analysis. Host plants for planting and fresh fruits are the main pathways for the entry of the pathogen into the EU. The host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in some parts of the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogen. Economic impact on the production of the main hosts is expected if establishment occurs. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into the EU. Colletotrichum plurivorum satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. However, there is a high uncertainty on the status of C. plurivorum in the EU territory because of the lack of specific surveys following the re-evaluation of the taxonomy of the genus Colletotrichum., (© 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)

The EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Colletotrichum fructicola Prihast., a well-defined polyphagous fungus of the C. gloeosporioides complex which has been reported from all the five continents to cause anthracnose, bitter rot and leaf spotting diseases on over 90 cultivated and non-cultivated woody or herbaceous plant species. The pathogen is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. Because of the very wide host range, this pest categorisation focused on Camellia sinensis, Citrus sinensis, C. reticulata, Fragaria  ×  ananassa, Malus domestica, M. pumila, Persea americana, Prunus persica, Pyrus pyrifolia and P. bretschneideri for which there was robust evidence that C. fructicola was formally identified by morphology and multilocus gene sequencing analysis. Host plants for planting and fresh fruits are the main pathways for the entry of the pathogen into the EU. There are no reports of interceptions of C. fructicola in the EU. The pathogen has been reported from Italy and France. The host availability and climate suitability factors occurring in some parts of the EU are favourable for the establishment of the pathogen. Economic impact on the production of the main hosts is expected if establishment occurs. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent the re-introduction of the pathogen into the EU. Although the pathogen is present in the EU, there is a high uncertainty on its actual distribution in the territory because of the re-evaluation of Colletotrichum taxonomy and the lack of systematic surveys. Therefore, the Panel cannot conclude with certainty on whether C. fructicola satisfies the criterium of being present but not widely distributed in the EU to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest unless systematic surveys for C. fructicola are conducted and Colletotrichum isolates from the EU in culture collections are re-evaluated., (© 2021 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 performed a pest categorisation of Phymatotrichopsis omnivora , the causal agent of Phymatotrichum root rot of more than 2,000 dicotyledonous plant species, for the EU. The pest is listed as Trechispora brinkmannii in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. P. omnivora is a well-defined fungal species and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. It is present in south-western USA, northern Mexico, Libya and Venezuela. The pest is not known to occur in the EU. P. omnivora has an extremely wide host range; quantitative impacts have been documented for Gossypium spp. (cotton), Medicago sativa (alfalfa) , Malus domestica (apple) , Prunus persica (peach) and Vitis vinifera (grapevine) as the major cultivated hosts. All major hosts and pathways of entry of the pest into the EU are currently regulated, except for soil and growing media attached or associated with plants originating in Libya. Host availability and climate and edaphic matching suggest that P. omnivora could establish in parts of the EU and further spread mainly by human-assisted means. The pest infects the roots causing wilting and death of its host plants. The introduction of the pest in the EU territory would potentially cause direct and indirect impacts at least to cotton, alfalfa, apple, peach and grapevine production. The main uncertainties concern the host range, the extrapolation to the EU of the climatic and edaphic conditions favouring the disease in some of the infested areas, the role of conidia in the epidemiology of the disease and the magnitude of potential impacts to the EU. P. omnivora meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering P. omnivora as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met, since the pest is not known to occur in the EU., (© 2019 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 performed a pest categorisation of Phyllosticta solitaria , the causal agent of blotch of apple, for the EU. The pest is a well-defined fungal species and methods are available for its detection and identification. P. solitaria is present in Canada and the continental states of the USA. The pest is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC, meaning its introduction into the EU is prohibited. The major cultivated host is Malus domestica (apple), but wild Malus and Crataegus species may also be affected. All hosts and major pathways of entry of the pest into the EU are currently regulated. The disease is favoured by warm, wet weather during the growing season. Host availability and climate matching suggest that P .  solitaria could establish in parts of the EU and further spread mainly by human-assisted means. The pest causes premature defoliation, fruit cracking and rot, and twig and branch cankers. At the beginning of the 20th century, disease incidences of 70-90% on fruit of untreated susceptible apple cultivars had been reported and the disease was considered as a limiting factor in the commercial production of those cultivars. Nowadays, the disease is rare in commercial apple orchards, probably due to regular fungicide sprays against other diseases. The pest introduction in the EU would potentially cause impacts to apple production. The main uncertainties concern the host range, the maximum distance of conidial dispersal by wind-driven rain, and the magnitude of potential impacts to the EU. P. solitaria meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering P .  solitaria as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met, since the pest is not known to occur in the EU., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of Septoria malagutii , the causal agent of annular leaf spot of potato, for the EU. The pest is a well-defined fungal species and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. S. malagutii is present in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. The pest is not known to occur in the EU and is listed as Septoria lycopersici var. malagutii in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC, meaning its introduction into the EU is prohibited. The major cultivated host is Solanum tuberosum (potato), but other Solanum species including wild solanaceous plants are also affected. All hosts and pathways of entry of the pest into the EU are currently regulated. Host availability and climate matching suggest that S. malagutii could establish in parts of the EU and further spread mainly by human-assisted means. The pest affects leaves, stems and petioles of potato plants (but not the underground parts, including tubers) causing lesions, leaf necrosis and premature defoliation. In some infested areas, the disease has been reported to cause almost complete crop loss with favourable weather conditions and susceptible potato cultivars. The introduction of the pest into the EU would potentially cause impacts to potato production. The main uncertainties concern the host range, the maximum period the pest survives on host debris in soil, the maximum distance over which conidia of the pest could be dispersed by wind-driven rain and the magnitude of potential impacts to the EU. S. malagutii meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering S. malagutii as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met, since the pest is not known to occur in the EU., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of Stagonosporopsis andigena , the causal agent of black blight of potato, for the EU. The pest is a well-defined fungal species and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. S. andigena is present in Bolivia and Peru. The pest is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC as Phoma andina , meaning its introduction into the EU is prohibited. The major cultivated host is Solanum tuberosum (potato); other tuber-forming Solanum species and wild solanaceous plants are also affected. All hosts and pathways of entry of the pest into the EU are currently regulated. Host availability and climate matching suggest that S. andigena could establish in parts of the EU and further spread mainly by human-assisted means. The pest affects leaves, stems and petioles of potato plants causing lesions and premature leaf drop but not the underground parts, including tubers. The disease causes yield reductions up to 80%, depending on the susceptibility of potato cultivars. Early application of fungicide sprays and cultivation of resistant potato cultivars are the most effective measures for disease management. The pest introduction in the EU would potentially cause impacts to potato production. The main uncertainties concern the host range, the maximum period the pest survives on host debris in soil, the maximum distance over which conidia of the pest could be dispersed by wind-blown rain, and the magnitude of potential impacts to the EU. S. andigena meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering S. andigena as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met, since the pest is not known to occur in the EU., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of the fungus Thecaphora solani , the causal agent of smut of potato, for the EU. The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. T. solani is present in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. The pathogen is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC, meaning its introduction into the EU is prohibited. The major host is Solanum tuberosum (potato), but various other tuber-forming Solanum species are also affected. The pest has also been reported on Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), and wild solanaceous plants are also affected. All the major hosts and pathways of entry are currently regulated. Host availability and climate matching suggest that T. solani could establish in parts of the EU and further spread by human-assisted means. The disease induces gall formation on potato tubers, stolons and underground stem parts, reducing yield and making tubers unmarketable. The pest introduction in the EU would potentially cause impacts to potato production. In the infested areas, the only available strategy to control the disease and prevent it from spreading is the application of quarantine and sanitation measures and the cultivation of resistant varieties. The main uncertainties concern the host range, the biology and epidemiology of the pest, and the potential of the pest to enter the EU through three unregulated minor pathways. T. solani meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering T. solani as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met, since the pest is not known to occur in the EU., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of the fungus Synchytrium endobioticum , the causal agent of potato wart disease, for the European Union (EU). The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. S. endobioticum is present in most continents. The pest is listed in Annex IAII of Directive 2000/29/EC and is present with a restricted and fragmentary distribution in the EU. The major host is Solanum tuberosum (potato), but in Mexico, the pest also affects wild Solanum spp. S. endobioticum could potentially enter the EU through multiple pathways associated with soil as substrate for non-host plants, contaminant or commodity. The presence of the pest in 16 EU Member States characterised by different climatic conditions suggests that it could establish in the rest of the EU. The disease induces the formation of warts on potato tubers, stolons and stem bases reducing plant growth and yield and making tubers unmarketable. Additional losses may occur during storage. The only available strategy to control the disease and prevent it from spreading is the application of strict phytosanitary measures and the cultivation of potato varieties resistant to the pathotype(s) present in the infested field(s). Specific phytosanitary measures exist (Council Directive 69/464/EEC) for the control of potato wart disease in the EU. The main uncertainties refer to the distribution and host range of the pest, and the importance of some pathways of entry. S. endobioticum meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering S. endobioticum as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met since, in addition to potato seed tubers, soil (as commodity, substrate or contaminant) and ware potato tubers are major means of spread., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of Colletotrichum gossypii , the fungal agent of anthracnose and ramulosis diseases of cotton, for the EU. The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection/identification. The pest is present in most of the cotton-growing areas worldwide, including Bulgaria and Romania in the EU. Colletotrichum gossypii is listed as Glomerella gossypii in Annex IIB of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to occur in Greece, which is a protected zone (PZ). The only hosts are Gossypium species, with G. hirsutum and G. barbadense being the most susceptible. The pest could potentially enter the PZ on cotton seeds originating in infested third countries or EU infested areas. Entry into PZ by natural means from EU infested areas is possible, although there is uncertainty on the maximum distance the pest can travel by wind or insects. Bolls and unginned cotton are minor pathways of entry. Pest distribution and climate matching suggest that the pest could establish and spread in cotton-producing areas of northern Greece. In the infested areas, the pest causes damping-off, leaf/boll spotting, boll rot, witches' broom symptoms and stunting resulting in yield and quality losses. It affects also the lint and seeds reducing fibres quality and seed germinability. It is expected that its introduction and spread in the EU PZ would impact cotton yield and quality. The agricultural practices and control methods currently applied in Greece would not prevent pest establishment and spread. Colletotrichum gossypii meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential quarantine pest for the EU PZ of Greece. The criteria for considering C. gossypii as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are also met since cotton seeds are the main means of spread., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of the fungus Apiosporina morbosa , the causal agent of black knot, for the EU. The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection/identification. The pest is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to occur in the EU. Apiosporina morbosa is present in Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the continental states of the USA. The major hosts of A. morbosa are Prunus domestica and Prunus cerasus ; the host status of other Prunus species and hybrids is uncertain because of contradictory reports or lack of information. The pest could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and plant parts originating in infested third countries. Wood of Prunus spp. is also a pathway of entry, but of minor importance. The current pest distribution and climate matching suggest that the pest could establish and spread in the EU wherever the hosts are grown. In the infested areas, the pest causes girdling of twigs and occasionally of larger branches, whereas trees with multiple infections loose vigour, bloom poorly, and become unproductive, stunted and susceptible to winter injury and infection by other pathogens. The presence of black knots makes trees unsuitable for timber production. It is expected that the pest introduction and spread in the EU would impact host production. Uncertainty exists on whether the agricultural practices and chemical control methods applied in the EU could prevent the establishment and spread of A. morbosa . A. morbosa meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. As the pest is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion to consider it as Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis , the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of date palm, for the EU. The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection/identification. The pest is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to occur in the EU. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis is present in Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania. Its major host is Phoenix dactylifera , which is the only Phoenix species known to be affected by the pest. Uncertainty exists about the host status of Lawsonia inermis , Medicago sativa and Trifolium spp. cultivated as intercrops in the infested areas and reported as being symptomless carriers of the pest. The pest could potentially enter the EU on host plants and soil/growing media originating in infested Third countries. The current pest distribution and climate matching suggest that the pest could establish and spread in the EU wherever the host is present. In the infested areas, the pest causes vascular wilt resulting in yield/quality losses and plant death. It is expected that pest introduction and spread in the EU could impact date production. The pest is expected to have high environmental consequences in the Elche area (Spain), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as other EU areas where P. dactylifera is grown as an amenity tree. Current EU phytosanitary measures are not fully effective at mitigating the risk of introduction and spread of the pest in the EU. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. As the pest is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion to consider it as Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met., (© 2018 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 performed a pest categorisation of Elsinoë fawcettii and E. australis , the causal agents of citrus scab diseases, for the EU. The identities of the pests are well-established and reliable methods exist for their detection/identification. The pests are listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC as Elsinoë spp. and are not known to occur in the EU. Species and hybrids of citrus (Family Rutaceae) are affected by E. fawcettii and E. australis , with the latter having a more restricted host range and geographical distribution compared to the former. The status of Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) as a host of E. australis is uncertain. The pests could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and fruit originating in infested Third countries. The current distribution of the pests, climate matching and the use of irrigation in the EU citrus-growing areas suggest that the pests could establish and spread in the EU citrus-growing areas. Uncertainty exists on whether cultural practices and control methods, currently applied in the EU, would prevent the establishment of the pests. In the infested areas, the pests cause scab pustules on host leaves and fruit resulting in yield/quality losses. It is expected that the introduction and spread of the pests in the EU could impact citrus production. Cultural practices and chemical control measures may reduce the inoculum sources and to some extent the disease incidence, but they cannot eliminate the pests. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pests in the EU. E. fawcettii and E. australis meet all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pests. As those pests are not known to occur in the EU, this criterion to consider them as Union regulated non-quarantine pests is not met., (© 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 performed a pest categorisation of small-spored Alternaria carrying the genes for the AM- or AK-toxin biosynthesis, for the EU. The identity of the pests is clearly defined and reliable methods exist for their detection/identification. They are listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC as Alternaria alternata (non-European pathogenic isolates). Their distribution in the EU is restricted though with some uncertainty. The AM-toxin producer Alternaria affect Malus spp. and Pyrus communis (European pear), whereas the AK-toxin producer affect Pyrus pyrifolia, Pyrus bretschneideri and Pyrus ussuriensis (Asian pears). The pests could potentially enter the EU on host-planting material and fruit originating in infested countries. There are no biotic/abiotic factors limiting their potential establishment and spread in the EU, as their epidemiology is similar to that of other well-established Alternaria spp. Apples and European pears are widespread in the EU; Japanese pears are also present, but no data was found on their abundance/distribution. In the infested areas, the pests cause premature defoliation, fruit spotting and rot resulting in yield/quality losses. It is expected that the introduction and spread of the pests in the EU could impact apple and pear production, although the magnitude is unknown. Cultural practices and chemical measures may reduce the inoculum and the disease, but they cannot eliminate the pests. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pests. The pests do not meet all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pests, as they are not under official control in those EU restricted areas where they have been found. The pests do not meet all the criteria assessed by EFSA to consider them as Union regulated non-quarantine pests, as host plants for planting are not the main means of pest spread., (© 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 performed a pest categorisation of Botryosphaeria kuwatsukai, the causal agent of fruit rot and wart bark on apple and pear, for the EU. The pathogen, which was recently characterised, is a well-defined fungal species affecting mainly Pyrus pyrifolia (Japanese pear) , although Pyrus communis (European pear) and apples ( Malus domestica ) can also be affected. The host status of other plant species reported in the literature, i.e. Cydonia oblonga, Chaenomeles japonica, Malus micromalus, Vitis vinifera and Prunus spp., is unclear. B .  kuwatsukai is currently present in Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and the USA, and uncertainty exists about its presence in other areas, where the disease has been associated with other Botryosphaeria spp. The pathogen is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. It could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and fruit originated in infested countries. Climatic conditions in the EU are suitable for the establishment and spread of the pathogen, as its epidemiology is similar to that of other Botryosphaeria spp. present in the EU. Pears and apples are widely distributed in the EU. In the infested areas, B. kuwatsukai causes branch dieback and fruit rot resulting in yield/quality losses. Its introduction and spread in the EU could impact pear and apple production, although the magnitude is unknown. Cultural practices and chemical measures may reduce the inoculum sources but cannot eliminate the pathogen. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pathogen in the EU. B. kuwatsukai meets all criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest. As B. kuwatsukai is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion to consider it as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met., (© 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 performed a pest categorisation of Puccinia pittieriana, the causal agent of common rust of potato, for the EU. The pathogen is a single taxonomic entity and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. Cultivated potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) and tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) are the main hosts of P. pittieriana . Some wild solanaceous plants can also be affected by the pathogen. P. pittieriana is present in countries of South and Central America (most commonly at elevations of 3,000-4,000 m), but uncertainty exists about its presence in Bolivia and Paraguay. The pathogen is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. P. pittieriana could potentially enter the EU mainly on living host plants and infested soil attached to potato tubers originated in infested areas. Potato and tomato crops are widely distributed in the EU and the prevailing climatic conditions, at least in part of the risk assessment area, are suitable for the establishment and spread of the pathogen. There is uncertainty on the yield/quality losses currently caused by the pathogen in the infested areas. Nevertheless, it is expected that the introduction and spread of P. pittieriana in the EU could impact potato and tomato production, although the magnitude is unknown. Cultural practices and chemical measures may reduce the inoculum sources but they cannot eliminate the pathogen. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pathogen in the EU. P. pittieriana meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest. As P. pittieriana is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion assessed by EFSA to consider it as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met., (© 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 performed a pest categorisation of Venturia nashicola, the causal agent of Asian pear scab, for the European Union (EU). The pathogen is a well-defined, distinguishable fungal species affecting Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta, P. ussuriensis and P. bretschneideri in Asian countries. P. communis (European pear) is not a host of V. nashicola , but the host status of other Pyrus species is unclear. V. nashicola is not known to occur in the EU. It is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogen could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and fruit originated in infested countries. There are no climatic factors limiting the potential establishment and spread of the pathogen in the EU, as its epidemiology is similar to those of Venturia inaequalis (apple scab) and Venturia pyrina (European pear scab), which are well-established in the EU. The hosts are present in the EU, but no data were found on their abundance and distribution. In the infested areas, V. nashicola causes premature leaf and fruit drop and fruit distortion resulting in considerable yield/quality losses. The introduction of the pathogen into the EU could cause yield/quality losses and environmental consequences because of the additional fungicide sprays for disease control. Cultural practices and chemical measures applied in the infested areas reduce the inoculum sources but they cannot eliminate the pathogen. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pathogen in the EU. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As V. nashicola is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion assessed by EFSA to consider it as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met., (© 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 performed a pest categorisation of Cercospora angolensis, the fungus responsible for Pseudocercospora fruit and leaf spot of citrus, for all territories except of the Union territories defined in Article 1 point 3 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031. C. angolensis is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to be present in the EU. The pathogen, which has recently been reclassified as Pseudocercospora angolensis , is a well-defined, distinguishable fungal species affecting all cultivated Citrus spp. and Fortunella japonica plants. It is currently distributed in sub-Saharan Africa (altitudes 80-1,800 m) and Yemen. Although the epidemiology of P. angolensis is not well understood, infection is favoured by warm temperatures and humidity. The current distribution of the pathogen and climate matching suggests that it might not be well adapted to Mediterranean climates. However, the pathogen is also present in arid areas of Yemen and can infect young fruit with short wetness durations. Uncertainty exists on whether and at which extent the irrigation applied to EU citrus orchards can make the microclimate favourable for P. angolensis . There are no eco-climatic factors limiting the potential spread of the pathogen in the EU. Long-distance spread occurs by wind-disseminated conidia and movement of infected plants for planting and fruit. Short-distance spread occurs via water splash and/or wind-driven rain. In the infested areas, the disease causes premature abscission of young leaves and fruit resulting in yield losses up to 50-100%. Cultural practices and chemical measures applied in the infested areas reduce inoculum but they cannot eliminate the pathogen. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As P. angolensis is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion assessed by EFSA to consider it as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met., (© 2017 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.)