Regulated Non-quarantine Pest Research Articles

PM 4/17 (3) Certification scheme for olive trees and rootstocks

<scp>PM</scp> 4/17 (3) Certification scheme for olive trees and rootstocks

PM 9/25 (2) Bactericera cockerelli and ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’

Specific scopeThis Standard describes a national regulatory control system for the bacterial pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ and its vector Bactericera cockerelli when regulated as quarantine pests. It also covers measures to reduce the risk of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ spreading to potato production systems when listed as a regulated nonquarantine pest (RNQP) on seed potatoFor the EPPO A1 listed pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests B. cockerelli and ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ (Solanaceae haplotypes, i.e. non‐European haplotypes, such as haplotypes A and B), the Standard describes measures to achieve: Exclusion from the EPPO region of B. cockerelli, which is an efficient vector of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ within solanaceous crops (e.g. potato, tomato) Eradication of incursions of B. cockerelli Exclusion from the EPPO region of non‐European haplotypes of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ Eradication of incursions of non‐European haplotypes of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’. Although reference will only be made to the non‐European haplotypes A and B, the Standard would also apply to new non‐European haplotypes of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ which may have different host ranges or which may be vectored more efficiently by psyllids which are widespread in the region.For the haplotypes which are not recommended for regulation as quarantine pests but are recommended for regulation as RNQPs on seed potato (i.e. European haplotypes, such as C, D and E), the Standard describes measures (specified in Appendix 4) to reduce the risk of spread to potato production systems to achieve: Exclusion of European haplotypes of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ from the potato production system Suppression of European haplotypes of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ in potato production systems where they are present. Although reference will only be made to haplotypes C, D and E, Appendix 4 would also apply to new European haplotypes of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’.SpecificapprovalFirst approved in 2017‐09. Revised in 2020‐09.

Pest categorisation of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation on tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). ToLCNDV is a well‐defined bipartite Begomovirus species, sometimes associated with satellite molecules. It is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci to a wide range of hosts. ToLCNDV is reported from Estonia, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, with limited distribution. The prevalent strain (ToLCNDV‐ES) in these countries is particularly adapted to cucurbits and is different from isolates reported outside the EU, which are better adapted to solanaceous crops and could therefore pose additional risk for EU agriculture. The virus is regulated under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The main pathway of entry identified is plants for planting of susceptible hosts, even if entry could also occur via commodities carrying viruliferous B. tabaci and possibly by seeds. While establishment and local spread rely on B. tabaci, the virus can also be dispersed over long distances by movement of infected plants for planting. Establishment and spread are limited to regions with ecoclimatic conditions suitable for the establishment of vector populations (southern regions of Europe) or can occur as outbreaks wherever crops are grown under protected cultivation. The main uncertainties associated with this pest categorisation are the distribution and prevalence of ToLCNDV in the EU, the magnitude of the virus impact particularly on hosts different from Cucurbitaceae, and seed transmission. ToLCNDV meets all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as potential Union Quarantine Pest (QP); conversely, ToLCNDV does not meet the criterion of being widespread in the EU to qualify as a Regulated Non‐Quarantine Pest (RNQP). Should new data show that ToLCNDV is widespread in the EU, the possibility would exist for non‐EU isolates to qualify as QP, while ToLCNDV EU isolates (ToLCNDV‐ES) could qualify as RNQP.

Pest categorisation of Liriomyza bryoniae.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Liriomyza bryoniae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) for the EU. L. bryoniae (the tomato leaf miner; EPPO code: LIRIBO) is a polyphagous Palaearctic species which probably originates from southern Europe, where it occurs commonly outdoors and has now spread to many parts of central and northern Europe, where it is only found in greenhouses. The species is also reported in North Africa and in several countries in Asia. L. bryoniae can have multiple overlapping generations per year. Eggs are inserted in the leaves of host plants. Three larval instars feed internally within leaves and stems of field vegetables. Pupation generally takes place in the soil and very occasionally on the upper or lower surfaces of the leaves. L. bryoniae is regulated in the EU by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (Annex III) in specific protected zones only (the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom). However, L. bryoniae is not specifically mentioned in any of the annexes of Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 concerning controls regarding certain protected zones. The wide current geographic range of L. bryoniae, both in open fields and greenhouses, suggests that it is able to establish in most areas in the EU, including the protected zones, where its hosts are present and where impact would be possible both in open fields as well as greenhouses. All criteria for consideration as a potential protected zone quarantine pest are met. Besides, being L. bryoniae widely distributed in the EU and being plants for planting the primary pathway it could also qualify as regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP).

Pest categorisation of potato virus M (non-EU isolates).

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus M (PVM). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact compared to the current situation in the EU and availability of control measures of non‐EU isolates of PVM has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PVM are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. Populations of PVM can be subdivided into two strains: the ordinary strain (PVM‐O) is present in the EU, while the divergent strain (PVM‐D) is absent from the EU or considered to have at most a limited distribution in the EU. Non‐EU isolates of PVM‐O are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU compared to EU isolates and therefore do not meet the corresponding criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. The Panel is unable to conclude on the potential impact of non‐EU PVM‐D isolates in the EU territory, but PVM‐D isolates meet all the other criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Pest categorisation of potato leafroll virus (non-EU isolates).

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato leafroll virus (PLRV). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non‐EU isolates of PLRV has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PLRV are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. This categorisation was performed considering two groups of PLRV isolates: those associated with the tomato yellow top disease (PLRV‐TYTV), not reported from the EU, and all other isolates (hereafter referred to as PLRV), with a worldwide distribution. Isolates of PLRV‐TYTV could potentially have an additional impact over the current situation in the EU and therefore meet all the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. All other non‐EU PLRV isolates, should they be introduced, are not expected to have additional impact and therefore do not meet this criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Pest categorisation of potato virus V (non-EU isolates).

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus V (PVV). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non‐EU isolates of PVV has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PVV are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. This categorisation was performed considering two lineages, PVV‐I (present in and outside the EU) and PVV‐II (not reported in the EU), and isolate PVV‐PA4 (unknown distribution). Non‐EU isolates of PVV‐I and PVV‐PA4 do not meet one of the criteria evaluated by EFSA to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest, since they are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU. With the exception of the criterion regarding the potential consequences in the EU territory, for which the Panel is unable to conclude, non‐EU isolates of PVV‐II meet all the other criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Pest categorisation of potato virus A (non-EU isolates).

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus A (PVA). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact over the current situation and availability of control measures of non‐EU isolates of PVA has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PVA are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. This categorisation was performed considering two groups of isolates: those reported in Solanum betaceum (PVA‐TamMV, not reported from the EU) and all other isolates (hereafter referred to as PVA, worldwide distribution). Non‐EU isolates of PVA and of PVA‐TamMV do not meet one of the criteria evaluated by EFSA to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest, since they are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU.

Pest categorisation of potato virus Y (non-EU isolates).

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus Y (PVY). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways and potential additional impact of non‐EU isolates of PVY, has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PVY are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. Populations of PVY can be subdivided into several strains and groups of isolates: strain C (PVY‐C), strain N (PVY‐N), strain O (PVY‐O) and a wide range of recombinant isolates (PVY‐recombinants) which have a worldwide distribution (including the EU). Two groups of isolates, i.e. the Brazilian (PVY‐Br) and Chilean (PVY‐Ch) isolates, are considered absent from the EU. Non‐EU isolates of PVY‐C, PVY‐N, PVY‐O and PVY‐recombinants identified so far are not expected to have an additional impact in the EU compared to the PVY isolates already present and, therefore, do not meet the corresponding criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. The Panel is unable to conclude on the potential additional impact of isolates of PVY‐Br and PVY‐Ch in the EU territory, but these isolates meet all the other criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pests.

Pest categorisation of potato virus X (non-EU isolates).

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus X (PVX). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non‐EU isolates of PVX has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. Because non‐EU isolates of PVX are absent from the EU, they do not meet one of the requirements to be regulated as a regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) (presence in the EU); as a consequence, the Panel decided not to evaluate the other RNQP criteria for these isolates. On the basis of their ability to overcome potato resistance genes, PVX isolates can be divided into several pathotypes. PVX isolates that are not able to overcome resistance genes and PVX isolates that are able to overcome the Nb and/or Nx resistance genes are already present in the EU. Isolates able to overcome the Rx resistance gene have only been reported from South America. These Rx breaking isolates could potentially have an additional impact over the current situation in the EU and therefore meet all the criteria to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest. All other non‐EU isolates, should they be introduced, are not expected to have additional impact and therefore do not meet this criterion to qualify as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Pest categorisation of non-EU viruses and viroids of potato.

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of those viruses and viroids (hereafter referred to as viruses) of Solanum tuberosum and other tuber‐forming Solanum spp. (hereafter referred to as potato) which are considered to be either non‐EU or of undetermined standing based on a previous EFSA opinion. These viruses belong to different families and genera and either have an established identity or produce consistent symptoms. Plants for planting is the main pathway for entry for all categorised viruses as they can all be transmitted by vegetative propagation. Several categorised viruses have a relatively wide host range and/or are vector‐transmitted, increasing the potential for entry. The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, impact and potential entry pathways has been evaluated with regard to the criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest or as Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP). Since this opinion addresses specifically the non‐EU potato viruses, in general these viruses do not meet the criteria assessed by EFSA to qualify as potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pests. The following viruses meet the criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest: APLV, APMMV, APMoV, ChiLCV, CYSDV, PAMV, PBRSV, PVH, PVP, PVT, PYDV, PYMV, PYV, PYVV, RCVMV, SALCV, SB26/29, ToCV, ToLCNDV, ToMHaV, ToMoTV, ToSRV and ToYVSV. With the exception of the criterion regarding the potential for consequences in the EU territory, for which the Panel is unable to conclude because of lack of information, AVB, CPSbV, PaLCrV, PapMV, PVB, PVU, SB41 and TVBMV meet all the other criteria to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest. PotLV and WPMV do not qualify as potential Union quarantine pest, since they are not reported to have any impact. For most of the categorised viruses, the conclusions of the Panel have inherent uncertainties, due to the lack of quantitative data on their impact and/or absence or limited availability of information on the biology, epidemiology and geographical distribution.

Pest categorisation of Saperda tridentata.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLHP) performed a pest categorisation of Saperda tridentata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) for the EU. S. tridentata (elm borer) occurs in eastern North America. Ulmus americana and U. rubra are almost exclusively reported as hosts, apart from two 19th century records from the USA of larvae from Acer sp. and Populus sp. The Panel does not exclude the possibility of a post‐entry shift in host range to European Ulmus or Acer and Populus. S. tridentata infests trees that are already weakened, and severe infestations can result in tree death. S. tridentata occurs across a range of climate types in North America that occur also in Europe. Between 2016 and 2019, S. tridentata larvae were intercepted with North American Ulmus logs imported into the EU. In the EU, American Ulmus species are mainly found in arboreta and as ornamental specimen trees. If only North American Ulmus are hosts, establishment is unlikely. However, if European Ulmus, Populus or Acer species become hosts, establishment is much more likely, with impact confined to already weakened trees. The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, impact and potential entry pathways of S. tridentata has been evaluated against the criteria for it to qualify as potential Union quarantine pest or as Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP). Since the pest is not reported in EU, it does not meet the criteria assessed by EFSA to qualify as potential Union RNQP. S. tridentata satisfies the criterion for quarantine pest regarding entry into the EU territory. Due to the scarcity of data, the Panel is unable to conclude if S. tridentata meets the post‐entry criteria of establishment, spread and potential impact.

Pest categorisation of Thripspalmi.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH) performed a pest categorisation of Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the EU. T. palmi is listed in Annex IAI of 2000/29 EC. Using molecular methods, cryptic speciation has been shown although no new species from the group have been formally described. Here, we consider T. palmi sensu lato as a defined species native to southern Asia, which has spread to tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, the Pacific, North, Central and South America, Africa and Australia. T. palmi has been reported from many different hosts in 20 botanical families; Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae and Orchidaceae are of primary importance. T. palmi has been intercepted many times on plants from these families. Wild and cultivated hosts are widespread in the EU. However, as a subtropical and tropical species, only a small area of the EU provides climatic conditions where establishment may be possible outdoors. Several host plants are cultivated in glasshouses where conditions may be more favourable for establishment in year‐round crops. There have been past outbreaks of T. palmi in EU glasshouses and outdoors in Portugal. T. palmi causes feeding and oviposition damage and populations in Asia are competent vectors of tospoviruses. Impacts could occur on many hosts, especially Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae and ornamental plants particularly in glasshouses. Phytosanitary measures aim to prevent the entry of T. palmi specifically on cut flowers of Orchidaceae and fruits of Momordica and Solanum melongena. The species meets all the criteria assessed by the PLH Panel to satisfy the definition of a Union quarantine pest, while it does not satisfy all the criteria for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP).

Pest categorisation of Grapholitainopinata.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH) performed a pest categorisation of Grapholita inopinata, (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the Manchurian fruit moth, for the territory of the EU. G. inopinata is a well‐defined species that is recognised as a major pest of Malus spp. in Far East Russia, Eastern Siberia and northern China. G. inopinata is less common in Japan where it is not a serious pest. G. inopinata is not known to occur in the EU. G. inopinata is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29 EC as a harmful organism regulated on Cydonia, Malus, Prunus and Pyrus from non‐European countries. Adult G. inopinata emerge in the summer, mate and lay eggs on host leaves and fruit. Larvae burrow into the fruit to develop. Larvae exit fruit and overwinter under bark, under leaf litter or in the soil. Import of host fruit provides a potential pathway into the EU. Restrictions on the import of host plants for planting close other potential pathways. G. inopinata occurs in a range of climates in Asia, some of which also occur in the EU. Wild and commercially grown hosts are available within the EU. G. inopinata has the potential to establish within the EU. There could be one or two generations per year as in its native range. Impacts could occur in pome fruit orchards. The level of impacts would be uncertain. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of G. inopinata. G. inopinata meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA PLH to satisfy the definition of a Union quarantine pest. G. inopinata does not meet the criteria of occurring within the EU, nor plants for planting being the principal means of spread, so does not satisfy all the criteria for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP).

Pest categorisation of Carposina sasakii.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the peach fruit moth, Carposina sasakii Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) for the EU. C. sasakii is not currently regulated in the EU although C. niponensis, a valid species of no economic significance that was previously mistakenly synonymised with C. sasakii, is regulated in Annex IIAI of 2000/29 EC. C. sasakii is a well‐defined species that is recognised as a major pest of apples, peaches and pears in eastern China, Japan, Korea and Far East Russia. C. sasakii is not known to occur in the EU. Adult C. sasakii emerge in the spring or early summer. Eggs are laid on host fruits. Larvae burrow into the fruit to develop. Infested fruits often drop early. Larvae exit fruit and overwinter in the soil. In the more southern areas of distribution, there can be two or more generations per year. Import of host fruit provides a potential pathway into the EU. C. sasakii occurs in a range of climates in Asia, some of which occur in the EU. Wild and commercially grown hosts are available within the EU. C. sasakii has the potential to establish within the EU where there could be one or two generations per year. Impacts could be expected in apples, pears and other rosaceous fruit crops. The level of impacts would be uncertain. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of C. sasakii. C. sasakii meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA PLHP to satisfy the definition of a Union quarantine pest. C. sasakii does not meet the criteria of occurring within the EU, nor plants for planting being the principal means of spread, so does not satisfy all the criteria for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP).

Pest categorisation of Grapholita prunivora.

The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct a pest categorisation of Grapholita prunivora (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), an oligophagous moth whose larvae feed mostly on leaves and fruit of different Rosaceae including cultivated apples, plums, cherries and pecans. It overwinters in soil and bark crevices of its host plants. G. prunivora has reliable identification methods, both for adults and immature stages. It occurs in North America, where it can impact pome and stone fruit production, especially when broad spectrum insecticides targeting pome and stone fruit key pests are substituted by more selective crop protection methods (i.e. mating disruption, biological control). G. prunivora is regulated in the EU by EU Directive 2000/29/EC where it is listed in Annex IIAI using the synonym Enarmonia prunivora. Plants for planting, fruit, cut branches, and bark are potential pathways. Most, but not all hosts are regulated, e.g. pecan (Carya sp.). There are no records of interception of this species on Europhyt. Biotic and abiotic conditions are conducive for establishment and spread of G. prunivora in the EU. Therefore, were G. prunivora to establish, impact on pome and stone fruit production could be expected. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its regulatory plant health status, G. prunivora meets with no uncertainties the criteria for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest (it is absent from the EU, potential pathways exist, and its establishment would cause an economic impact). Given that G. prunivora is not known to occur in the EU, it fails to meet this criterion required for regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) status.

Pest categorisation of Popilliajaponica.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) for the EU. P. japonica is a distinguishable species listed in Annex IAII of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. It is native to Japan but established in the USA in the early 20th century. It spreads from New Jersey to most US states east of the Mississippi, some to the west and north into Canada. P. japonica feeds on over 700 plant species. Adults attack foliage and fruit surfaces. They can cause serious injury to tree fruits and soft fruit, vegetable crops, ornamental herbaceous plants, shrubs, vines and trees. Larvae are root feeders regarded as serious pests of lawns and turf, vegetables and nursery stock. Adults emerge during the summer and can fly short distances on warm sunny days. The life cycle is usually completed in one year. In cooler regions, development takes two years. P. japonica occurs in the EU in the Azores (Portugal), Lombardy and Piedmont (Italy) where it is under official control. Adults are suspected of being able to spread on aircraft as hitchhikers, i.e. without host plants. Soil accompanying plants for planting provides a pathway for further introductions. Hosts are widely available within the EU. Climatic conditions across central and parts of southern EU are suitable for development in one year. Across parts of northern Europe development over two years is likely. Without control, impacts could be expected on a range of plants. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of P. japonica. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. Plants for planting are not necessarily the main means of spread so P. japonica does not satisfy all criteria necessary for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP).

Pest categorisation of Sternochetusmangiferae.

The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct a pest categorisation of Sternochetus mangiferae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a monophagous pest weevil whose larvae exclusively feed on mango seeds, whereas adults feed on mango foliage. S. mangiferae is a species with reliable methods available for identification. It is regulated in the EU by Council Directive 2000/29/EC where it is listed in Annex IIB as a harmful organism whose introduction into EU Protected Zones (PZ) (Alentejo, Algarve and Madeira in Portugal, and Granada and Malaga in Spain) is banned. S. mangiferae is native to South East Asia and has spread to other mango‐growing areas in Africa, South America and Oceania, causing significant damage. Larvae of S. mangiferae have been detected several times in mango fruit imported into the EU. In 2013, an outbreak was declared in one PZ in Spain. Official measures taken achieved eradication, which was officially declared in January 2018. The EFSA Plant Health Panel concludes that S. mangiferae could establish again and spread in the mango‐growing areas of southern EU. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess the status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP), as a potential protected zone quarantine pest (PZQP) or as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP), S. mangiferae meets with no uncertainties the criteria for consideration as a potential Union QP, as it is absent from the EU, potential pathways for entry exist, and its establishment would cause an economic impact. The criterion of the pest being present in the EU, which is a prerequisite for RNQP and PZ QP, is not met.

Pest categorisation of Acrobasispirivorella.

The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct a pest categorisation of Acrobasis pirivorella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a monophagous moth whose larvae exclusively feed on developing buds, flowers, and fruits of cultivated and wild Pyrus spp. A. pirivorella is a species with reliable methods available for identification. A. pirivorella occurs in north‐east Asia only, causing significant damage in cultivated pears. It is regulated in the EU by Council Directive 2000/29/EC where it is listed in Annex IIAI. Within this regulation, plants for planting of Pyrus spp. is a closed pathway. This species has never been reported by Europhyt. Fruits and cut branches of Pyrus spp. are open pathways. Biotic and abiotic conditions are conducive for establishment and spread of A. pirivorella in the EU. Were A. pirivorella to establish, impact on pear production is expected. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its regulatory plant health status, A. pirivorella meets the criteria for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest (it is absent from the EU, potential pathways exist and its establishment would cause an economic impact). Given that A. pirivorella is not known to occur in the EU, it fails to meet some of the criteria required for regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP) status.

Pest categorisation of Conotrachelusnenuphar.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), for the EU. C. nenuphar is a well‐defined species, recognised as a serious pest of stone and pome fruit in the USA and Canada where it also feeds on a range of other hosts including soft fruit (e.g. Ribes, Fragaria) and wild plants (e.g. Crataegus). Adults, which are not good flyers, feed on tender twigs, flower buds and leaves. Females oviposit into host fruit; if oviposition occurs in young fruit, the fruit usually falls prematurely reducing yield; oviposition in older fruit causes surface blemishes and the fruit distorts as it develops reducing marketability. Larvae develop within host fruit but exit to pupate in soil. Adults overwinter in leaf litter. C. nenuphar is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Fruit infested shortly before harvest and soil with leaf litter accompanying plants for planting could potentially provide a pathway into the EU. Considering the climatic similarities between North America and Europe, and that hosts occur widely within the EU, C. nenuphar has potential to establish within the EU. There could be one or two generations per year, as in North America. Impacts could be expected, e.g. in Prunus spp. and apples. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of C. nenuphar. All of the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. C. nenuphar does not meet the criteria of occurring in the EU nor plants for planting being the principal means of spread. Hence it does not satisfy all of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non‐quarantine pest (RNQP).