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Introduction of pests and diseases through trade is one of the main socioecological challenges worldwide. Targeted sampling at border security can efficiently provide information about biosecurity threats and also reduce pest entry risk. Prioritizing sampling effort requires knowing which pathways are most infested. However, border security inspection data are often right-censored, as inspection agencies often only report that a consignment has failed inspection (i.e., there was at least one unit infested), not how many infested units were found. A method has been proposed to estimate the mean infestation rate of a pathway from such right-censored data (Chen et al.). Using simulations and case study data from imported germplasm consignments inspected at the border, we show that the proposed method results in negatively biased estimates of the pathway infestation rate when the inspection data exhibit overdispersion (i.e., varying infestation rates among different consignments of the same pathway). The case study data also show that overdispersion is prevalent in real data sets. We demonstrate that the method proposed by Chen et al. recovers the median infestation rate of the pathway, rather than its mean. Therefore, it underpredicts the infestation rate when the data are overdispersed (in right-skewed distributions, the mean is above the median). To allow better monitoring and optimizing sampling effort at the border, we recommend that border protection agencies report all the data (the number of infested units found together with the sample size of the inspection) instead of only that the consignment failed inspection., (© 2020 Society for Risk Analysis.)

Simple Summary: Our study evaluates the global risk of Aeolesthes sarta establishment using mechanistic and correlational niche models. The pest, known to affect various hardwood trees, poses a threat to international trade due to its quarantine status. The CLIMEX model, based on species-specific physiological thresholds, and MaxEnt model, using species occurrences and climatic data, project its potential distribution. Both models align well with the current distribution, predicting broader ranges in the central and southern hemispheres, excluding extreme northern regions. Future climate changes may expand its range, particularly in Europe and North America, where its host species are present. Temperature and precipitation are key factors influencing its distribution. These models offer valuable insights for policymakers and trade negotiators to make science-based decisions on pest management and trade agreements, aiding in monitoring potential pest introductions globally. A precise evaluation of the risk of establishing insect pests is essential for national plant protection organizations. This accuracy is crucial in negotiating international trade agreements for forestry-related commodities, which have the potential to carry pests and lead to unintended introductions in the importing countries. In our study, we employed both mechanistic and correlative niche models to assess and map the global patterns of potential establishment for Aeolesthes sarta under current and future climates. This insect is a significant pest affecting tree species of the genus Populus, Salix, Acer, Malus, Juglans, and other hardwood trees. Notably, it is also categorized as a quarantine pest in countries where it is not currently present. The mechanistic model, CLIMEX, was calibrated using species-specific physiological tolerance thresholds, providing a detailed understanding of the environmental factors influencing the species. In contrast, the correlative model, maximum entropy (MaxEnt), utilized species occurrences and spatial climatic data, offering insights into the species' distribution based on observed data and environmental conditions. The projected potential distribution from CLIMEX and MaxEnt models aligns well with the currently known distribution of A. sarta. CLIMEX predicts a broader global distribution than MaxEnt, indicating that most central and southern hemispheres are suitable for its distribution, excluding the extreme northern hemisphere, central African countries, and the northern part of Australia. Both models accurately predict the known distribution of A. sarta in the Asian continent, and their projections suggest a slight overall increase in the global distribution range of A. sarta with future changes in climate temperature, majorly concentrating in the central and northern hemispheres. Furthermore, the models anticipate suitable conditions in Europe and North America, where A. sarta currently does not occur but where its preferred host species, Populus alba, is present. The main environmental variables associated with the distribution of A. sarta at a global level were the average annual temperature and precipitation rate. The predictive models developed in this study offer insights into the global risk of A. sarta establishment and can be valuable for monitoring potential pest introductions in different countries. Additionally, policymakers and trade negotiators can utilize these models to make science-based decisions regarding pest management and international trade agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the framework and procedures for Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) in Germany are outlined from their beginning in the late 1990s, emphasizing its critical role in protecting plant health against new pest introductions through trade and transport. It highlights the legal requirements and prohibitions established to prevent the introduction and spread of pests, detailing the systematic scientific assessment of the likelihood of pest entry and establishment, as well as the potential damage they may cause to plants and ecosystems. The evolution of PRA procedures is discussed, noting the development of "short info sheets" for rapid, very short assessments and the introduction of standardized templates for Express PRAs. Based on standards of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), these enable quick evaluations of new pests. Legislative frameworks, including the German Plant Protection Act and EU regulations, in particular the Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants, govern the PRA process, mandating assessments for non-listed pests and the implementation of control measures based on risk analyses. The paper also describes the procedural instructions that guide the PRA process, ensuring high-quality assessments and timely dissemination of results to relevant authorities. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive overview of the PRA process in Germany, highlighting its importance in maintaining plant health and preventing the introduction of new plant pests into the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Hindustan citrus mite, Schizotetranychus hindustanicus (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an invasive pest in South America and constitutes a threat to Brazilian citriculture. This study aimed to determine the contribution of weather variables to the seasonal abundance of S. hindustanicus and the best sampling scheme (sampling variable and unit) for this mite. Populations of S. hindustanicus were monitored monthly in an orange orchard for 31 months in Roraima state, Brazil. Eggs, mobile stages, and the symptoms caused by S. hindustanicus were sampled in different combinations of canopy quadrants, vertical tree strata, and branch sections. The optimal sampling variable and sampling unit for S. hindustanicus scouting were determined according to fidelity and precision criteria. Rainfall and high air temperature were the main factors reducing S. hindustanicus populations. The most suitable variable for S. hindustanicus sampling was egg count. The optimal sampling unit was a leaf collected in the central section of branches located in the middle tree stratum. In addition, the sample should be taken from the southwest quadrant. Collectively, this study adds to the understanding of S. hindustanicus population dynamics and provides a sampling scheme for better management of this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The objective of the work is to assess alternatives to methyl bromide such as ethyl formate and phosphine for the control of insect pests in the quarantine process. Methyl bromide (MB) has been used in a wide range of applications, but since it was determined to be an ozone-depleting compound, it has only been used for pre-shipment and quarantine purposes in trade. Phosphine (PH3) is currently the ideal fumigant as an MB alternative worldwide. However, the development of PH3 resistance in the target insect pest and longer PH3 fumigation treatment times raise questions about the continued use of PH3. This study attempted to shorten treatment time via combination treatment with ethyl formate (EF). Planococcus citri was used as the main quarantine pest in Korea, and the acute toxicity of EF, PH3, and EF + PH3 was determined at every developmental stage. EF treatment at 4 h showed LCT99 values of 45.85~65.43 mg∙h/L, and PH3 treatment at 20 h showed that of 0.13~0.83 mg∙h/L depending on the developmental stage. The efficacy of PH3 decreased after reducing the treatment time, but synergistic effects were observed at all stages of development of P. citri when both fumigants were used simultaneously for 4 h. After combined treatment, dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase expression and the production of two phospholipids, PI(O-16:0) and PC(18:2), were significantly reduced in treated P. citri adults compared with the control. Therefore, combined treatments might be key to reducing the treatment time and resistance of PH3 in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a polyphagous fly species, disturbed in the tropical and subtropical countries. C. capitata is most important citrus pest, which damages economically the yield loss on some fruits such as apple, pomegranate, peach, persimmon, and nectarine. This pest is the main pest in many countries in the world. C. capitata has been recorded as a zero-tolerance pest in the quarantine pest listed of Turkey. It distributes to wide areas from the east Mediterranean Region to the north Aegean Region in our country. The Mediterranean fruit fly has recently threatened the citrus production and export. Some management methods have been applied the control of C. capitata. The biotechnical control is commonly applied to control this pest both all around the world. In this context, several traps are used for mass trapping with environmentally friendly. This review consists of the informations such as its definition, distribution areas, hosts, bioecology, damage, and controlling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida is a globally regulated potato pest. It was detected for the first time in the United States in the state of Idaho in 2006, and as of February 2019, the infestation is limited to 1,326 hectares. G. pallida is a specialized obligate sedentary endoparasite that can survive in the soil for up to 30 years in the absence of its potato host. In highly infested fields, the nematode can reduce tuber yields up to 80% and is spread mainly through the movement of soil, tubers, or farm equipment. The objectives of this study were to describe the spatiotemporal pattern of G. pallida in infested fields and model its dispersal patterns in southeastern Idaho. We used geostatistical tools and simulation models for precise mapping and to describe the relationships between G. pallida incidence and the spatial configurations. We found that the nematode is spatially clustered and prevalent around edges of fields, and its dispersal pattern followed the direction of cultivation. We found that the absence of potato in an infested field significantly reduced the number of cysts sampled each year subsequent to the initial delimitation sampling in 2007. Phytosanitary measures prohibiting the growth of potato contributed to stopping nematode reproduction, and the use of chemical fumigants and biofumigant cover crops contributed to a significant reduction in egg viability. We observed a process of a nonlinear decline in the prevalence of cysts as the distance separation from the primary infestation focus increased. A power law model was used to fit G. pallida dispersal capabilities. This study contributed to describing G. pallida infestation for Idaho. The goal of this study is to provide information on the spatial pattern and landscape ecology of G. pallida in Idaho for policy makers, industry, and researchers as well as facilitate common understandings on the challenges and opportunities for controlling this pest in Idaho. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is a voracious feeder of stored products and is considered one of the most important quarantine pests globally. Its ability to survive for long periods under extreme conditions facilitates its spread through international commerce, which has led to invasions of new geographic regions. The khapra beetle is an important quarantine pest for many countries, including the major wheat-producing countries the United States, Canada, Russia, and Australia, and has been classified as one of the 100 worst invasive species worldwide. This species cannot always be controlled by insecticides and other nonchemical methods that are usually effective against other pests of stored products, particularly owing to its diapausing late larval stage. It can rapidly develop at elevated temperatures and under dry conditions, which are not favorable for many major stored-product insects. We synthesize key published work to draw attention to advances in biology, detection and control of the khapra beetle, and directions to consider for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anoplophora chinensis ( Forster) ( Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an A1 class quarantine pest, native to China, Japan, and North Korea. The A. chinensis outbreak in China has severely affected the local environment and economic development. This study investigates potential areas in China with suitable climate for A. chinensis using historical climate data (1971-2000) and future climate-warming estimates generated by CLIMEX1.1. These future estimates are based on simulated climate data (2010-2039) provided by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research ( TYN SC 2.0). The results suggest that a wide area of China will have a climate suitable for A. chinensis, and every province may contain some suitable areas for this pest. The predicted areas are distributed primarily in central and southern China, with an estimated distribution range of 18.2-49.5°N and 81.3-135.0°E. Using a global-warming scenario and predictions based on historical climate data, the areas in China with a climate generally suitable for A. chinensis are predicted to decline, whereas the areas that are highly suitable for A. chinensis are predicted to expand particularly to the northeast and northwest. The estimated distribution range covered 18.2-49.1°N and 73.6-135.0°E. Anoplophora chinensis hosts grow in much of China; therefore, the pest could possibly establish this entire predicted area. These results support enhanced quarantine and control measures combined with stronger monitoring systems to prevent the spread and export of A. chinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 formerlyidentified as X. campestris pv. phaseoli have proven to be genetically diverse and are currently known as Xanthomonas fu scans 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest quarantine treatments (irradiation or vapor heat) are used to control fruit flies and other pests in mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana L) exported to the United States and Japan from Thailand. No-choice tests were conducted in the laboratory to determine whether Thai mangosteen is a host for Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (oriental fruit fly) and Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (carambola fruit fly). Ripe commercial quality fruit (1 wk after harvest) that were either undamaged or damaged by puncturing or peeling the pericarp were exposed to a high density of gravid flies in screen cages and then held for 10 d and dissected to inspect for immature life stages. Undamaged mangosteen fruit were not infested by B. dorsalis and B. carambolae. Partially damaged fruit with shallow punctures in the pericarp that did not extend to the aril also were not infested. Both fruit flies could infest damaged fruit if the pericarp damage allowed oviposition in the aril. Results suggest that natural infestation of mangosteen by B. dorsalis and B. carambolae can only occur if fruit exhibit physical cracks or mechanical injury. Resistance appears to be due to the pericarp hardness and thickness as well as latex secretion. Nonhost status could be used without additional quarantine measures to achieve quarantine security against B. dorsalis and B. carambolae in mangosteen exported from Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), was recently introduced in the Americas. It spread quickly throughout coconut palm growing areas, expanding considerably its host range. The invasion of this species has caused high economic impact in several countries. In Brazil, extensive areas are expected to be affected. For logistical reasons and other concerns, chemical control does not seem desirable for the control of this pest in most Latin American countries. Biological control of R. indica by introducing exotic natural enemies seems to be an important control measure to be considered. Surveys in many countries have shown that Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a very common predator on coconut palms. This study compared the biology of a population of A. largoensis found for a long time in association with R. indica in La Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) with a population from Roraima State (northern Brazil), where R. indica was first found about two and a half years ago. No significant differences were observed between populations in relation to the duration of different immature stages or total survivorship. However, the oviposition period, prey consumption and net reproductive rate were significantly higher for the La Reunion population, warranting further investigation to determine whether that population should be released in Roraima to control the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), causes environmental and socioeconomic damage in Nayarit, México. This pest demands studies in order to help develop a management program that includes the knowledge of their hosts. The objectives of this study were to determine the hosts of this pest, such as trees or shrubs, and to know the levels of infestation on them. In 2009 there were selected and sampled 9235 points that included areas such as marginal, urban, agricultural, forestry and nurseries in seven municipalities of northern Nayarit. Also there 37 species were checked as possible host. The insect was present in 1070 points (11.6%), of them 94% presented an infestation at level one (low), to level two 5.6% (medium), and only 0.4% to level three (high). The most infested areas were the marginal (69.3%) and urban (24.9%); the municipalities with higher infestations were Tuxpan, Ruiz, and Rosamorada with an average of 35.2, 22.3, and 12.4%, respectively. About host plants there were recorded 24 species, included in nine botanical families, predominantly those belonging to the family Leguminosae; five of the identified plant species corresponded to new reports with PHM presence in the world. The most abundant and preferred to PHM were three leguminous species; however, the plant species that was present in all municipalities and predominant was Acacia cochliacantha Schlecht & Cham (30.9% infestation), followed by Mimosa pigra L. (19.3%) and Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth (14.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological basis for host antibiosis or nonpreference to a quarantine pest is often not understood. Studies are needed on the mechanisms that impart resistance to better understand how resistance might fail. Experiments were conducted to examine the infestability of 'Sharwil' avocados by oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), after harvest and to quantify the effect of avocado skin hardness on resistance to infestation by oriental fruit fly. Infestation rate increased with decreasing fruit firmness, but fruit were generally poor hosts. Fruit with a patch of skin removed produced more flies than intact fruit, suggesting that skin puncture resistance was an important deterrent to oviposition. This study showed that fruit can be infested within 1 d after harvest, suggesting that fruit should be transferred to fruit fly-proof containers as they are harvested to minimize the risk of attack. Although risk of infestation is negatively correlated with fruit firmness, even some hard fruit may become infested. Therefore, fruit firmness cannot be used alone as an indicator to ensure fruit fly-free 'Sharwil' avocados. Measuring fruit firmness may be a useful component of a multiple component systems approach as an additional safeguard to reduce risk of infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Several longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) and bark beetles (Scolytinae) have been accidentally introduced to New Zealand and are now widespread and abundant. In particular Arhopalusferus (Mulsant) represents a significant quarantine risk for export timber. Because of this risk timber is fumigated with methyl bromide. Six different light traps baited with different colors (yellow, red, green, white, UV-black light [UV-BL], and UV-black-light-blue[UV-BLB]) were investigated for their population monitoring potential and as a push-pull (incorporating mass trapping) alternative control technique. UV-BLB light traps captured an order of magnitude more A.ferus (122 individuals per night) than yellow light traps (eight individuals per night). The bark beetles Hylurgus ligniperda (F.) and Hylastes ater (Paykull) were most attracted to UV-BL lights that captured 2-4 times more beetles than traps baited with other wavelengths. Results suggest that light traps provide a sensitive method for population monitoring. The responses of these wood borers and bark beetles to different colored light traps provide an opportunity to apply a push-pull control technique. The management of these species could be improved by minimizing the visual attractiveness (push) of wood processing facilities through a conversion to low intensity yellow site lighting, combined with the strategic placement of UV light traps for mass-trapping of residual populations (pull). Light management on its own is unlikely to eliminate the quarantine risk entirely; however, it is likely to reduce populations substantially and contribute toward the aim of reducing methyl bromide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of economically important insects is critical to preventing their establishment as serious pests. To accomplish this, tools for rapid and accurate species identification are needed. DNA barcoding, using short DNA sequences as species "genetic identification tags," has already shown large potential as a tool for rapid and accurate detection of economically important insects. DNA extraction is the critical first step in generating DNA barcodes and can be a rate-limiting step in very large barcoding studies. Consequently, a DNA extraction method that is rapid, easy to use, cost-effective, robust enough to cope with range of qualities and quantities of tissue, and can be adapted to robotic systems will provide the best method for high-throughput production of DNA barcodes. We tested the performance of a new commercial kit (prepGEM), which uses a novel, streamlined approach to DNA extraction, and we compared it with two other commercial kits (ChargeSwitch and Aquapure),which differ in their method of DNA extraction. We compared performance of these kits by measuring percentage of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) success and mean PCR product yield across a variety of arthropod taxa, which included freshly collected, ethanol-preserved, and dried specimens of different ages. ChargeSwitch and prepGEM performed equally well, but they outperformed Aquapure. prepGEM was much faster, easier to use, and cheaper than ChargeSwitch, but ChargeSwitch performed slightly better for older (>5-yr-old) dried insect specimens. Overall, prepGEM may provide a highly streamlined method of DNA extraction for fresh, ethanol-preserved, and young, dried specimens, especially when adapted for high-throughput, robotic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiation was examined as a potential phytosanitary treatment to control white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), a serious quarantine pest of papaya, Carica papaya L., in Hawaii. Dose-response tests were conducted with second-stage nymphs, adult females without eggs, and adult females with eggs at a series of irradiation doses between 60 and 150 Gy to determine the most tolerant stage. The adult female with eggs was the most tolerant stage. In large-scale validation tests 35,424 adult female scales with and without eggs irradiated at a dose of 150 Gy produced no F1 generation adults with eggs. Irradiation treatment with a minimum absorbed dose of 150 Gy should provide quarantine security for white peach scale on exported papaya and other commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the presence of golden nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis in potato fields in Coahuila, Mexico. PCN Globodera rostochiensis is a disease affecting most potato growers in the world. PCN features encystment capacity as defense mechanism which make it harder to control. A study to identify the presence of PCN in Coahuila, Mexico was conducted. It is revealed that two out of twelve commercial plots sampled show PCN presence. The result of the study suggested the quarantine of only affected areas to avoid the spread of PCN.