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Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the simplified[1] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Prays endocarpa with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area.Prays endocarpa Meyrick (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), the citrus rind borer or citrus pock caterpillar, is usually found on Citrus, but has also been reported to attack other Rutaceae, including the bael tree Aegle marmelos. The larva feeds on the rind of different citrusfruit, causing gall-like swellings (pocks). Larval development is completed within these galls and the larvae never enter the endocarp. This species is distributed in parts of the Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia and the Pacific.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[2]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007).The Panel concludes that:* Many statements in this simplified risk assessment are neither substantiated by references nor supported by verifiable data. This applies to, amongst others, i) the possible introduction pathways, ii) the climatic similarities between the PRA area[3] and the area where the pest is currently distributed, iii) the size of the area under cultivation with susceptible hosts and the economic importance of these hosts in the PRA area, iv) current or potential control strategies, and v) the potential impact in the PRA area.* Information given in the pest risk assessment on the related species Prays endolemma, reported from the Philippines, is irrelevant for the pest risk assessment on P. endocarpa. It is recommended that this species be treated in a separate pest risk assessment.* The Panel considers the probability of entry to be very low, given the lack of trade in citrus fruit between the area of current distribution of P. endocarpa and the PRA area. Moreover, symptoms of infested fruit are very conspicuous and contaminated batches of citrus fruits could easily be detected prior to export. For the same reason, it is unlikely that passengers would carry infested citrus fruit the long distances from countries where P. endocarpa occurs into the PRA area.* The Panel agrees that the probability of establishment is very high, should the pest gain entry in the PRA area, given the presence of suitable host plants (citrus) and the fact that the pest is currently distributed in areas with similar climatic conditions to those in the PRA area.* The conclusion of the pest risk assessment that economic impacts would be "moderate to high" cannot be supported by the information given in the French document or that available in the literature. There is only sparse evidence of the harmfulness of P. endocarpa to citrus crops in its area of current distribution. In the majority of its current range, the organism is considered a minor pest of citrus and evidence of economic damage is confined to a limited number of reports in Indonesia. Varieties of citrus may differ in their susceptibility to the pest, but the pest risk assessment does not provide any information on cultivars of the different citrus crops grown in the PRA area.The degree of uncertainty is high, given the lack of data provided in the assessment and available in the scientific literature on the biology and impact of the organism.The Panel, based on the information provided in the document and on additional literature consulted, concludes that P. endocarpa is not appropriate for evaluation of pest risk management options for the French overseas departments of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and is thus not potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the full[1] the pest risk assessment conducted by France on Panonychus citri with French Guiana and Martinique considered as endangered areas.The citrus red mite Panonychus citri (McGregor) is a species distributed in all regions of the world. It primarily feeds on the upper surface of mature leaves, fruit and young branches, and may cause heavy leaf drop, twig dieback and fruit drop. P. citri has a wide host range including all species of citrus, apple, pear, peach, plum, carambola, papaya, loquat and grapevines. Citrus is the major host, and although P. citri is polyphagous, the above effects have only been recorded on the major host (CABI, 2007). P. citri has a short generation time: up to 16 generations may occur within one year, with the majority of these (10-11) in spring/summer (Jeppson et al., 1975). It relies on wind for long-distance dispersal (Jeppson et al., 1975). Natural enemies are important for the biocontrol of P. citri wherever it occurs. Existing control programs (IPM, application of petroleum spray oil) may control P. citri but effective biocontrol strategies exist (New South Wales, Australia, Smith et al., 1997).The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[2]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).The pest risk assessment concludes that the risk of introduction into French Guiana and Martinique is moderate for the citrus fruits pathway, high for the citrus plants for planting (whole plants and budwood for grafting). The risk of establishment is very high, and the potential economic impact is moderate.The Panel judges that the probability of the pest to enter the PRA area[3] is higher than moderate because:* Normal pre-packing procedures should eliminate the pest from the fruit but not all imported citrus fruit undergoes this treatment,* The pest may occur in the calyx and not be detected during inspection,* The current restrictions limit the probability of entry through the citrus plant pathway (including propagation material), but* Other host plants, including ornamentals, can carry the pest, and* The passenger pathway, although unknown, can seriously increase the probability of entryFurther, the Panel agrees that P. citri has a high probability of establishment, due to its polyphagous nature, the presence of suitable environmental conditions, widely dispersed host plants in the PRA area, and the high dispersal ability of the pest. Once established, the pest can spread rapidly.The Panel disagrees with the rating of economic consequences in the pest risk assessment. There is only limited evidence of the harmfulness of P. citri to citrus crops in its area of current distribution and no evidence of harm to other host plants. Further, effective management methods exist to control the pest (pesticides and biological control methods).Additionally, citrus fruits are not grown extensively for commercial purposes in the PRA area, therefore the economic consequences of the presence of the pest, as also pointed out in the pest risk assessment, are not expected to be serious.Uncertainty exists about the absence of the pest from the PRA area, quality and reliability of treatment of fruit transported from areas where the pest is present, and the efficacy of existing biological control agents in the PRA area. These, however, are not expected to influence the overall conclusion.The Panel disagrees with the conclusion of the French document, and does not consider P. citri as appropriate for pest risk management. Therefore, the Panel concludes that P. citri is not potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms of Directive 2000/29 EC

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC. This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the simplified[2]Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area. pest risk assessment conducted by France on Erionota thrax L. with French Guiana, Erionota thrax (L.) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), the palm redeye, banana skipper or banana leafroller, is a pest of bananas, Musa textilis, and some other Zingiberales. Larvae feed on leaves of cultivated and wild banana plants. In its native areas, the defoliation of banana plants is usually very low, but in non-native areas it can be serious during outbreaks and favourable weather conditions. Complete defoliation has been reported sporadically. The Panel examined the risk assessment in detail, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. It came to the conclusion that the information material provided in the document could be considerably improved. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b). The Panel concluded that it is not possible to conduct a risk assessment on E. thrax alone because of uncertainties with its taxonomy and the general confusion in the literature about Erionota spp. The document is therefore, in effect, not a risk assessment just for E. thrax but also for three other closely related Erionota spp. (E. torus, E. hiraca, and E. surprisa). The judgements made by the Panel – if not specified otherwise – thus refer to all four of these closely related Erionota spp. On this basis, the Panel, in general, accepts the conclusions in the French document. The Panel agrees that Erionota spp. have a low probability of entry for the French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique due to the long distance from its current area of distribution and the existing phytosanitary legislation. However, the probability of Erionota spp. gaining entry to French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique would be moderate if the current regulations governing imports of banana material were lifted. The probability of entry for Réunion is higher due to its proximity to Mauritius where Erionota spp. are present. The probability of Erionota sppthe areas where the 4 species currently occur. . establishing in the PRA area[4] after entry is high, since host plants are grown in the PRA area and the climatic conditions are similar to The Erionota spp. can have severe impacts on banana in certain situations. However, the conclusion of the French document that the economic impact would be “extremely high” for Guadeloupe and Martinique and “fairly high” for French Guiana and Réunion cannot be supported by the Panel on the basis of the information provided in the pest risk assessment or from the information available in the scientific literature. Based on the information available, the Panel concludes that the impact of Erionota spp. would be low for French Guiana and Réunion and moderate for the Guadeloupe and Martinique. However, without additional information on the pest and the impacts it causes in Mauritius, the risk posed to Réunion and the other French overseas departments cannot be reliably clarified. The Panel concludes that (a) the probability of entry is low for French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique, and higher for Réunion, (b) the probability of establishment is high for all the French overseas departments, and (c) the potential for economic damage is low for French Guiana and Réunion and moderate for Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Panel, based on the information provided in the document and on additional literature consulted, concludes that E. thrax and the three other closely related Erionota spp. are appropriate for evaluation of pest risk management options for the endangered areas of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the full[1] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Prays citri with French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique considered as endangered area.P. citri Millière (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), the citrus flower moth, is usually found on Citrus. In addition, it has been reported to attack other Rutaceae and species of Sapotaceae (Manilkara zapota, Casimiroa edulis) and Oleaceae (Ligustrum lucidum). Damage may vary depending on the citrus crop attacked. Its major host is Citrus aurantiifolia (lime), but important damage can be inflicted also to Citrus limon (lemon) and occasionally to other citrus fruits, including sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). The larva feeds both internally and externally on flowers, flower buds and fruits; it will occasionally also feed on leaves and young shoots.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[2]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).Many statements in the French document are not referenced or supported by verifiable scientific data. The ratings for the probability of entry, establishment and impact given in the pest risk assessment are difficult to interpret, due to the lack of evidence presented and inconsistent judgments by the assessors. This particularly applies to: the possible introduction pathways, available strategies to control the pest, and the potential economic impact of the pest in the PRA area[3].Based upon information provided in the pest risk assessment and the relevant literature on the current distribution of the pest and the relative importance of pathways, the Panel judges the probability of entry to be low for fruits but moderate for plants for planting (including potted ornamental plants). The Panel disagrees with the document that the probability of establishment is moderate and considers it to be high, based on the presence of suitable host plants and the climatic adaptability of the pest.The information provided in the pest risk assessment for the economic impact assessment is limited and conflicting, and does not allow a reliable evaluation of the ratings given within this section. A review of the literature by the Panel suggests that the economic importance of this pest varies considerably, depending on the citrus species, cultivars and geographic area. The organism appears to cause economic damage particularly in lemon and lime crops with extended flowering or multiple bloom periods, where flowering may coincide with population peaks of adults. In some areas, repeated control measures may be required to prevent economic damage, whereas in other areas, no control measures are considered necessary. The French document, however, does not provide any information on cultivars of lemon and lime (Tahiti and Mexican lime) grown in the PRA area or on the number of crops produced per year, which makes an accurate judgement by the Panel on the potential economic impacts in lemon and lime difficult. Further information obtained by the Panel suggests that although limited in area, lime represents around 50% of the citrus area under production in French Guiana and Guadeloupe. In addition, sweet orange represents 82% of citrus production in Martinique, and damage has also been recorded for that crop, albeit to a lesser extent than for lemon and lime.The conclusion of the French document on Prays citri is that the species qualifies as a quarantine pest for French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Panel agrees that the organism may enter and can establish in the PRA area, and considers that the economic impact of P. citri in the PRA area is highly uncertain, and may range from low to high. Because of the high level of uncertainty, further research is recommended to estimate the direct pest effects on crop yield and quality, and the availability and feasibility of control options under the specific conditions of the PRA area.The Panel, therefore, concludes that P. citri is appropriate for evaluation of pest risk management options for the French overseas departments of French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique, and isthus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the full[2] with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area. pest risk assessment conducted by France on Banana streak virus (BSV)BSV is a virus in the genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae, which infects banana and plantain. Banana streak virus is no longer the name for a unique virus since several distinct species, in what is now a BSV-complex, have recently been identified. In this document BSV covers all known species and strains in the BSV-complex.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).Although the information provided in the French risk assessment required updating with additional information available since the assessment was carried out, the Panel agrees that BSV, now recognised as a species complex of banana streak viruses, is a serious pathogen of banana, and poses a potential risk to banana production in the French overseas departments.The French document concludes that the phytosanitary risk associated with BSV is extremely high particularly due to the risk of activated virus pathogens in the M. balbisiana genome during import or production of vitroplants. However, analytical methods for virus indexing developed since the French assessment, now enable detection of the endogenous nature (of BSV) in the Musa balbisiana genome. In addition, the Panel considers the phytosanitary risk overrated.The Panel agrees that BSV has a high probability of entry and a high probability of establishment in the French overseas departments, in the absence of existing controls. It agrees that the international movement of large quantities of vitroplants represents the most important entry pathway. The Panel further considers that virus indexing of mother plants used for vitroplant production provides an effective means to prevent entry of BSV.Uncertainties are noted particularly regarding the role of mealybug vectors in BSV transmission and dissemination of the disease, and on the potential economic impact of BSV in the PRA area[4]. However, the Panel regards BSV as a serious pathogen of banana and the economic impact of the disease increasing with the percentage of BSV occurring in the field. Hence in the absence of virus indexing, the importation of large quantities of BSV-infected vitroplants is likely to have a serious economic impact especially for Guadeloupe and Martinique, where banana production represents a very significant proportion of agricultural activities.The overall conclusion of the Panel is that BSV is appropriate for analysis of risk management options and is thus potentiallyeligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms of Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the simplified[2] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Nacoleia octasema with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area.Nacoleia octasema Meyrick, the banana scab moth, (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is primarily a pest of bananas and plantains (Musa spp.). In addition, it has been reported to attack, as minor hosts, Heliconia spp., Nypa fruticans (the Nypa palm), Pandanus spp. and maize. The larvae feed on the skin of the banana fruit creating black scars that may greatly reduce their market value. In some parts of its range, primarily the East Indies, it does not feed on bananas. Since no intraspecific taxonomic characteristics have been identified, it is suggested that this is due to races with different host ranges. Serious economic damage has been recorded in Queensland and Fiji. Its distribution is restricted to Australasia, south-east Asia and the Pacific islands.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).The pest risk assessment is short and based very strongly on the CABI Crop Protection Compendium datasheet (2001) but it does provide sufficient evidence to support the conclusions reached.The Panel agrees with the pest risk assessment which states that entry is very unlikely since the pupa is the only stage that could be transported. Any pupae in the fruit bunches are likely to be washed off and plant debris from the base of infested banana trees is very unlikely to occur with young plants. Even if the current ban on banana imports is lifted, the pest will have a very low probability of surviving the specific conditions of transport and trade with countries where the pest occurs. Imports are very unlikely since these countries are so far from the French overseas departments and home-produced fruit is readily available. Passengers are also very unlikely to carry banana fruit that might contain N. octasema the long distances from countries where the pest occurs into the French overseas departments.The Panel agrees that the potential for establishment is very high due to the similarities in climate between the pest’s current area of distribution and the French overseas departments and the abundance of suitable hosts in the PRA area[4]. The Panel agrees with the high risk rating of impacts for Guadeloupe and Martinique because of the potential loss of export markets. However, the impacts in French Guiana and Réunion, that do not have export markets, are likely to be minor.In summary, therefore, N. octasema poses a risk of high impact to Guadeloupe and Martinique and low impact to French Guiana and Réunion but the probability of the impacts occurring is very low. It is very difficult to come to a firm conclusion in situations of very low probability and high impact but the Panel agreed that, on balance, an analysis of risk management options would be appropriate because it could be used to determine whether the very unlikely risk of entry could be reduced to negligible with simple measures. The Panel therefore concludes that N. octasema does have the characteristics of a quarantine pest[5] for Guadeloupe and Martinique and that the analysis of risk management options is appropriate for these two French overseas departments. Using the terminology in Directive 2000/29/EC, this means that the Panel concludes that this species is a harmful organism for Guadeloupe and Martinique and is therefore potentially eligible for listing in Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the simplified[2] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Trachysphaera fructigena (Tabor & Bunting) with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area.Trachysphaera fructigena (Tabor and Bunting) is an oomycete, causing cigar-end rot of banana fruit. It was first described on coffee berries (Coffea liberica) and cocoa pods (Theobroma cacao) by Tabor and Bunting (1923). On banana, T. fructigena can attack green and ripening fruit causing a dry rot at the flower end that produces an ash grey wrinkled lesion, similar to the burnt end of a cigar. T. fructigena is present in West and Central African countries, and also in Madagascar (EPPO, 2005). It is not known to occur in the PRA area.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).After analysing the information provided in the simplified pest risk assessment made by France on T. fructigena, which is considered by France as potentially harmful to banana crops in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion, and after considering published information on T. fructigena, the Panel concludes that:The pest risk assessment does not provide sufficient detailed information to justify its conclusions. The information provided was in the main accurate and precise, but many issues have not been dealt with detail, despite the availability of relevant information at the time of conducting the original assessment. As a consequence, statements in the pest risk assessment are not individually referenced or supported by verifiable scientific data.Under thecurrent regulations, the probability of entry of T. fructigena on banana fruit would be very low for the French overseas departments, due to import restrictions. Should the current regulations governing the imports of banana fruit be lifted, the Panel considers that the probability of entry of T. fructigena with trade of commercially-grown banana fruit would be low. Symptoms of T. fructigena on banana fruit are obvious; it is likely that infections are recognized and such fruit would be removed during existing management procedures. In consequence it is unlikely that spores of T. fructigena from imported fruit would get in contact with host plants and initiate an infection in the field. Advances in production methods and post harvest technologies of the last decades are not considered in the pest risk assessment and might explain why in recent years there have been no reports of T. fructigena in international trade. The probability of entry with banana fruit selected from back gardens or small plots with less management inputs would be only marginally higher. Individuals selecting fruit for a journey overseas would not take bananas and avocados with symptoms. The probability of entry through fruit carried by travellers would be very low for French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Due to its proximity to Madagascar, where the disease is reported to occur, the probability of T. fructigena entering Réunion on fruit carried by travellers or locally traded would be higher. The probability of entry through coffee and cocoa trade would be very low.The Panel agrees in principle with the pest risk assessment that the potential for establishment would be moderate should T. fructigena gain entry to the French overseas departments. In particular in the rainiest geographical areas of Guadeloupe and Martinique, T. fructigena might have the potential to establish, since susceptible Cavendish bananas are abundant and many private plantations/gardens may constitute a source of inoculum. Other host plants are also reported as present, although with limited distribution. The Panel considers that the spread of the disease in well managed commercial plantations would be low, while in poorly managed smallholdings and private gardens would be higher. The spread of T. fructigena would probably be restricted to high rainfall areas.The pest risk assessment concludes that the economic impact of T. fructigena would be moderate, but this estimate is not supported by the limited information provided in the document. The Panel considers that the establishment of T. fructigena in commercial banana plantations in the Guadeloupe and Martinique is unlikely to cause economic losses any greater than those caused by existing pre- and post-harvest banana fruit diseases. Measures, such as the deflowering and bagging of banana bunches at an early stage, which are already systematically applied in the PRA area[4], are likely to give sufficient control of T. fructigena. However, it is possible that the establishment of T. fructigena in the PRA area may cause damage to fruit grown in poorly managed family gardens and smallholdings in high rainfall areas, if cultural control practices are not applied.The pest risk assessment estimates the degree of uncertainty as low to moderate. The Panel identified uncertainties related to the potential of entry, establishment and economic impact and considers the uncertainties as moderate.The Panel concludes that, on the basis of the information provided in the pest risk assessment and on additional literature consulted, T. fructigena is not appropriate for evaluation of pest risk management options, and thus not potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms of Directive 2000/29 EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the simplified[2] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Phyllosticta musarum [Cooke] with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area.P. musarum is the causal agent of a leaf- and fruit-spotting disease of Musa spp. (banana and abacá) known as freckle. The pathogen attacks leaves and also affects the external appearance of the fruit, decreasing its marketability. Under severe infections, the disease may cause premature death of the older leaves on some banana cultivars. In Taiwan and the Philippines, the disease is considered as one of the most serious problems affecting the export banana industry, which is based on cultivars of the Cavendish subgroup. Together with Cladosporium speckle (Cladosporium musae) P. musarum also causes a serious disease problem on the banana cultivar ‘Pisang Berangan’ grown in plantations in West Malaysia. Freckle is not considered to be of significance on smallholdings and private gardens that produce fruit for the local market and household consumption, as blemished fruit is tolerated by the consumers.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).The Panel observes that:*The pest risk assessment does not provide sufficient information to justify the conclusions reached and some statements are not substantiated by verifiable scientific evidence. Moreover, information included in the submitted references is not fully utilized in the document.*Background information for each of the four French overseas departments (e.g. climatic conditions, distribution of banana and plantains in commercial plantations and private gardens, cropping systems and agricultural practices in banana plantations and private gardens, etc.) is either limited or lacking in the document.The Panel concludes that:*Under the current regulations and in agreement with the document’s conclusion, the probability of entry of P. musarum on banana propagation material (other than vitroplants), banana fruit and banana leaves would be very low for all four French overseas departments, with the risk being associated with travellers/tourists carrying infected banana material from the contaminated areas.*Should the current phytosanitary regulations be lifted, the probability of P. musarum entering the PRA area[4]other than vitroplants), banana fruit and banana leaves, especially on latently infected material, would be higher than “relatively low” as estimated in the document. on banana propagation material (*The probability of P. musarum entering the PRA area on the banana vitroplants pathway would be negligible.*In agreement with the document’s conclusion, the probability of establishment and spread should P. musarum gain entry into the PRA area would be high for all French overseas departments, given that susceptible Musa host plants are present in the PRA area in plantations, smallholdings and private gardens and the climate is similar to that of the pathogen’s present distribution.*In the absence of any control measures, the economic consequences due to the introduction of P. musarum into the PRA area would be high for commercial banana plantations. However, cultural and chemical control practices currently applied to commercial banana plantations in the PRA area should minimize the effects of the disease.*If banana fruit produced in Guadeloupe and Martinique would be affected by P. musarum, export could be compromised. However, the extent of this effect is uncertain since fruit infection can be reduced by cultural control methods.*It is not known if blemished fruit would be accepted by local consumers in the PRA area. However, in the areas of the pathogen’s present distribution freckled bananas are accepted by local consumers.*Uncertainties exist related to (i) the epidemiological role of the ascospores and the survival of the pathogen, (ii) the effect of P. musarum on yield, (iii) the need for additional control measures, and (iv) the impact on export.The Panel, based on the information provided, and on additional literature consulted concludes that Phyllosticta musarum is not considered appropriate for evaluation of pest risk management options for the French overseas departments of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and, thus, P. musarum is not potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC. This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the full[2] with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area. pest risk assessment conducted by France on Banana streak virus (BSV) BSV is a virus in the genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae, which infects banana and plantain. Banana streak virus is no longer the name for a unique virus since several distinct species, in what is now a BSV-complex, have recently been identified. In this document BSV covers all known species and strains in the BSV-complex. The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b). Although the information provided in the French risk assessment required updating with additional information available since the assessment was carried out, the Panel agrees that BSV, now recognised as a species complex of banana streak viruses, is a serious pathogen of banana, and poses a potential risk to banana production in the French overseas departments. The French document concludes that the phytosanitary risk associated with BSV is extremely high particularly due to the risk of activated virus pathogens in the M. balbisiana genome during import or production of vitroplants. However, analytical methods for virus indexing developed since the French assessment, now enable detection of the endogenous nature (of BSV) in the Musa balbisiana genome. In addition, the Panel considers the phytosanitary risk overrated. The Panel agrees that BSV has a high probability of entry and a high probability of establishment in the French overseas departments, in the absence of existing controls. It agrees that the international movement of large quantities of vitroplants represents the most important entry pathway. The Panel further considers that virus indexing of mother plants used for vitroplant production provides an effective means to prevent entry of BSV. Uncertainties are noted particularly regarding the role of mealybug vectors in BSV transmission and dissemination of the disease, and on the potential economic impact of BSV in the PRA area[4]. However, the Panel regards BSV as a serious pathogen of banana and the economic impact of the disease increasing with the percentage of BSV occurring in the field. Hence in the absence of virus indexing, the importation of large quantities of BSV-infected vitroplants is likely to have a serious economic impact especially for Guadeloupe and Martinique, where banana production represents a very significant proportion of agricultural activities. The overall conclusion of the Panel is that BSV is appropriate for analysis of risk management options and is thus potentiallyeligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms of Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on the simplified[1] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Aceria sheldoni (Ewing) (Acari: Eriophyidae), with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area.A. sheldoni the citrus bud mite, is a minute (0.12 - 0.18 mm), elongate mite that is reported from citrus and related plant species. The immature and adult stages feed mostly beneath bud scales or in developing buds and flowers, damaging embryonic bud tissues. Plant parts (twigs, flowers and fruits) that develop from damaged buds are often distorted. This species is widely distributed around the world almost everywhere where citrus is cultivated.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles and terminology of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[2] [Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004)] and the terminology of ISPM No. 5 [Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms (2007)] by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007).The conclusion of the French assessment is that A. sheldoni should be maintained as a quarantine pest for the French overseas departments pending more accurate data on its harmfulness in tropical conditions.However, insufficient information is provided in the simplified risk assessment to support this conclusion. Many statements are not substantiated by references nor supported by verifiable data, particularly with regard to: 1) possible entry pathways, 2) existing pest management measures and 3) potential economic impact of the organism in the PRA area.After a detailed analysis of the material provided in the French document and study of additional literature, the Panel agrees that A. sheldoni can enter and establish in the PRA area, but consider the potential for economic consequences to be low. It is seldom reported to occur on citrus hosts other than lemon. Despite its wide distribution, including areas with similar climates to the PRA area, several studies show a low potential of this mite to cause economic damage on lemons. Moreover, citrus is acknowledged in the French assessment as not a major factor in the economy. Lemon is grown for home consumption and not for export, and thus the consequences of A. sheldoni on the local market are considered to be very limited.Therefore, the Panel considers that A. sheldoni is not appropriate for consideration of risk management options for French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Reunion, and thus is not potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the full[2] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area.Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) is a recently characterised virus of the genus Potyvirus family Potyviridae (Thomas et al., 1997), which infects banana and plantain. It is an aphid transmissible virus and can cause serious losses due to yield reduction and malformation of fruits.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles and terminology of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).The review evaluated the accuracy and relevance of data, the information provided for pest risk assessment purposes, the quality and quantity of data considered, and the quality of methods applied to conduct the risk assessment.Following analysis of the French document and from additional information sought, the Panel established that BBrMV is a well-characterised virus, for which reliable assays, mainly based on PCR, are currently available for identification. All four aphid species, known to have the ability to transmit BBrMV, are present in the French overseas departments, providing conditions suitable for its further spread after entry.Taking into considerations these elements the Panel concludes that:· The most important potential pathway of entry for BBrMV into the French overseas departments is through the import of infected banana propagating materials (vitroplants, suckers). Minor pathways include the introduction of infected cultivars by private individuals and the import of banana fruits and leaves.· The current French regulations provide the means to ensure that the probability of entry of BBrMV is extremely low. In the absence of those regulations, the probability of entry would be higher, and has been considered by the Panel as low/medium. Although propagation material represents the main entry pathway, BBrMV is noted as currently restricted in distribution to a small number of countries in Asia and the Pacific.· There is a high probability of establishment of BBrMV in the PRA area[4]. As plant propagation material represents the main pathway for introduction, the establishment of the virus, after planting of infected material, is assured.· There is a potential for negative economic and social consequences should BBrMV be introduced, in particular concerning Guadeloupe and Martinique where banana crops form a major part of the agricultural economy.The Panel recognises that there are some areas of uncertainty, concerning the biology of BBrMV, such as symptom expression and host range. However, these uncertainties are considered unlikely to affect the conclusions reached by the Panel.The overall conclusion of the Panel is that BBrMV poses a risk to the banana crops of the four overseas departments and thus qualifies for risk management measures. BBrMV is therefore considered potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms under Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the full[2] pest risk assessment conducted by France on Ralstonia solanacearum race 2 with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area.Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith, 1896) Yabuuchi et al., 1996 race 2 is the causal agent of a lethal disease of dessert banana (Musa spp.), plantain (Musa spp.) and Heliconia spp. plants known as Moko bacterial wilt. It is also the cause of a fruit rot of the cooking banana cultivars ‘Cardaba’ and ‘Saba’ (ABB genome) in the Philippines known as bugtok or tapurok.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles and terminology of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).The Panel observes that:*The pest risk assessment does not provide sufficient information to justify the conclusions reached. Specific statements and background information, though accurate, are not substantiated by scientific evidence and no references are provided on these aspects. Moreover, a number of estimates in Part 2 (pest risk assessment) are not justified or substantiated by the information provided in Part 1 of the document.*The probabilities of entry, establishment and spread and the potential impacts of R. solanacearum race 2 in the PRA area[4] should have been assessed separately for each of the French overseas departments, due to their specificities related to their geographic location and the differing importance of the host plants in each of the departments. Furthermore, the new situation in the PRA area, in case the current phytosanitary regulations governing the imports of banana plant material are lifted, should have been taken into account in the document.*In addition to the conventional banana plant propagation material and the vitroplants pathways assessed in the document, the movement of ornamental Heliconia plants and plant parts, of banana fruit and soil, the private individuals carrying infected plant material and the natural spread via insects, birds, etc. pathways should have been also considered and assessed in the document in terms of importance and risk.The Panel concludes that:*The probability of entry, under the current regulations, of R. solanacearum race 2 on Musa and ornamental Heliconia plant propagation material (other than vitroplants), banana fruit and soil would be low for French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique due to their proximity to contaminated areas and very low for Réunion due to its great distance from the areas of the pathogen’s present distribution. Nevertheless, should the current regulations governing the imports of Musa and Heliconia plant material be lifted, and in agreement with the document, the probability of entry of the pathogen on Musa and ornamental Heliconia plant propagation material (other than vitroplants), banana fruit and soil would be high for French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique and moderate for Réunion. The Panel considers that the probability of R. solanacearum race 2 being associated with the vitroplants pathway is negligible.*The probability of establishment of R. solanacearum race 2 in the PRA area is high, as (i) susceptible hosts are grown in the PRA area, (ii) the climatic conditions in the French overseas departments are mainly tropical and therefore, similar to those in areas of the pathogen’s present distribution, and (iii) control measures (e.g. sanitation, disinfection of tools, de-budding, inflorescence bagging, etc) are not likely to be undertaken in smallholdings and private gardens grown with Musa and Heliconia plants.*The probability of the pathogen spread after establishment is high for all French overseas departments and especially in areas with Musa and Heliconia plants grown in private gardens, where control practices are not usually undertaken due to their cost.*Within commercial plantations of dessert bananas the disease effects would be largely mitigated by existing practices of de-budding and bagging. However, additional sanitation measures would be necessary at extra costs. With the possibility of continuous re-infestation from the environment (smallholdings, weeds, wild host plants), the production costs would be structurally increased. The additional control costs may reduce the competitiveness of the banana industry in Guadeloupe and Martinique. As a result, employment may be reduced causing negative social impacts.*Plantains and other cooking bananas are an important staple food and a large fraction is household-produced. Since the disease is not readily controllable in smallholdings and private gardens, high yield losses and a potential disruption of subsistence production and consumption patterns would occur. This may also cause negative social impacts. Similar effects are envisaged for French Guiana, where the banana crop is an element of shifting cultivation.*·Uncertainties of a moderate degree are related to (i) the characterization and classification of the R. solanacearum strains recently detected in Martinique on Anthurium spp., cucurbits, tomato, Heliconia and several weeds, (ii) the ability of the pathogen to spread in the environment from fruit waste, as there is lack of information on this aspect in the literature, (iii) the banana cultivars grown in French overseas departments (other than Cavendish) and their flower bract phenology, that may influence the establishment and spread of the pathogen in the PRA area, (iv) the level of the cost increase in commercial dessert banana plantations, (v) the availability and the costs of substitution foods, should the yield of plantains and other cooking bananas be substantially reduced, (vi) the importance of banana for smallholdings and for subsistence production in French Guiana and Réunion, and (vii) the potential environmental impact (e.g. soil erosion, biodiversity, etc) of the pathogen in the PRA area.The Panel, based on the information provided in the document and on additional literature consulted, concludes that R. solanacearum race 2 is appropriate for evaluation of pest risk management options for the endangered areas of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and thus, potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on 30 pest risk assessments made by France on organisms which are considered by France as harmful in four French overseas departments, i.e. French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. In particular, the Panel was asked whether these organisms can be considered as harmful organisms for the endangered area of the above departments, in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the simplified[2]Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion considered as endangered area. pest risk assessment conducted by France on Erionota thrax L. with French Guiana,Erionota thrax (L.) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), the palm redeye, banana skipper or banana leafroller, is a pest of bananas, Musa textilis, and some other Zingiberales. Larvae feed on leaves of cultivated and wild banana plants. In its native areas, the defoliation of banana plants is usually very low, but in non-native areas it can be serious during outbreaks and favourable weather conditions. Complete defoliation has been reported sporadically.The Panel examined the risk assessment in detail, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. It came to the conclusion that the information material provided in the document could be considerably improved. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11[3]: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) by the International Plant Protection Convention (FAO, 2007b).The Panel concluded that it is not possible to conduct a risk assessment on E. thrax alone because of uncertainties with its taxonomy and the general confusion in the literature about Erionota spp. The document is therefore, in effect, not a risk assessment just for E. thrax but also for three other closely related Erionota spp. (E. torus, E. hiraca, and E. surprisa). The judgements made by the Panel – if not specified otherwise – thus refer to all four of these closely related Erionota spp.On this basis, the Panel, in general, accepts the conclusions in the French document. The Panel agrees that Erionota spp. have a low probability of entry for the French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique due to the long distance from its current area of distribution and the existing phytosanitary legislation. However, the probability of Erionota spp. gaining entry to French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique would be moderate if the current regulations governing imports of banana material were lifted. The probability of entry for Réunion is higher due to its proximity to Mauritius where Erionota spp. are present. The probability of Erionota sppthe areas where the 4 species currently occur. . establishing in the PRA area[4] after entry is high, since host plants are grown in the PRA area and the climatic conditions are similar toThe Erionota spp. can have severe impacts on banana in certain situations. However, the conclusion of the French document that the economic impact would be “extremely high” for Guadeloupe and Martinique and “fairly high” for French Guiana and Réunion cannot be supported by the Panel on the basis of the information provided in the pest risk assessment or from the information available in the scientific literature. Based on the information available, the Panel concludes that the impact of Erionota spp. would be low for French Guiana and Réunion and moderate for the Guadeloupe and Martinique. However, without additional information on the pest and the impacts it causes in Mauritius, the risk posed to Réunion and the other French overseas departments cannot be reliably clarified.The Panel concludes that (a) the probability of entry is low for French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique, and higher for Réunion, (b) the probability of establishment is high for all the French overseas departments, and (c) the potential for economic damage is low for French Guiana and Réunion and moderate for Guadeloupe and Martinique.The Panel, based on the information provided in the document and on additional literature consulted, concludes that E. thrax and the three other closely related Erionota spp. are appropriate for evaluation of pest risk management options for the endangered areas of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and thus potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.