Assessment of the probability of introduction of Thaumatotibia leucotreta into the European Union with import of cut roses.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a quantitative pest risk assessment to assess whether the import of cut roses provides a pathway for the introduction of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) into the EU. The assessment was limited to the entry and establishment steps. A pathway model was used to assess how many T. leucotreta individuals would survive and emerge as adults from commercial or household wastes in an EU NUTS2 region climatically suitable in a specific season. This pathway model for entry consisted of three components: a cut roses distribution model, a T. leucotreta developmental model and a waste model. Four scenarios of timing from initial disposal of the cut roses until waste treatment (3, 7, 14 and 28 days) were considered. The estimated median number of adults escaping per year from imported cut roses in all the climatically suitable NUTS2 regions of the EU varied from 49,867 (90% uncertainty between 5,298 and 234,393) up to 143,689 (90% uncertainty between 21,126 and 401,458) for the 3- and 28-day scenarios. Assuming that, on average, a successful mating will happen for every 435 escaping moths, the estimated median number of T. leucotreta mated females per year from imported cut roses in all the climatically suitable NUTS2 regions of the EU would vary from 115 (90% uncertainty between 12 and 538) up to 330 (90% uncertainty between 49 and 923) for the 3- and 28-day scenarios. Due to the extreme polyphagia of T. leucotreta, host availability will not be a limiting factor for establishment. Climatic suitability assessment, using a physiologically based demographic modelling approach, identified the coastline extending from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula through the Mediterranean as area suitable for establishment of T. leucotreta. This assessment indicates that cut roses provide a pathway for the introduction of T. leucotreta into the EU.

Commodity risk assessment of Jasminum polyanthum unrooted cuttings from Uganda.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation EU/2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by unrooted cuttings of Jasminum polyanthum that are imported from Uganda, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the NPPO of Uganda. The relevance of any pest for this opinion was based on evidence following defined criteria. Six species, two EU-regulated pests (Bemisia tabaci, non-European populations and Scirtothrips dorsalis) and four EU non-regulated pests (Coccus viridis, Diaphania indica, Pulvinaria psidii and Selenaspidus articulatus), fulfilled all relevant criteria and were selected for further evaluation. For these pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Uganda were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. For these pests, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The estimated degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with B. tabaci and S. dorsalis being the pests most frequently expected on the imported plants. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that between 9,950 and 10,000 plants per 10,000 would be free of B. tabaci.

Pest categorisation of Plicosepalus acaciae.

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

Pest categorisation of Toumeyella parvicornis.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) for the EU territory. This species is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. T. parvicornis is a soft-scale insect native to North America and has been introduced to the Caribbean region and the EU. It has been present in Italy since 2014 (Abruzzo, Campania, Lazio, and Apulia regions) and in France since 2021 (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region) and is under official control. It develops on Pinus spp. (Pinaceae), feeding on the needles and twigs, especially on new growth. It is sexually reproductive, has one or more generations each year (three in southern Italy), and adult females overwinter on the Pinus needles. It has a high fecundity, up to 1,014 eggs per female in Italy, with an average of 199 eggs for the summer generation and 730 for the overwintering generation. The main natural dispersal stage is the first instar, which crawls over the plant or may be dispersed further by wind and animals. The species can be transported over longer distances with plants for planting. Large populations cause yellowing, needle loss, reduction in growth and recruitment, flagging, dieback and tree mortality. It has had a significant impact to P. pinea (stone pine) in Italy and caused a catastrophic decline of P. caribbea var. bahamensis (Caribbean pine) in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Adult and immature T. parvicornis could enter the EU with Pinus plants for planting; however, the import of Pinus from third countries where the scale is found is prohibited. Host availability and climate suitability indicate that most of the EU would be suitable for establishment. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit further introductions and slow the spread within the EU. T. parvicornis satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Commodity risk assessment of grafted plants of Malus domestica from Moldova.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by defoliated and in dormant phase, grafted bare rooted plants for planting of Malus domestica imported from Moldova, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the applicant country. A list of 1,118 pests potentially associated with the commodity species was compiled. The relevance of these pests was assessed following defined criteria and based on evidence. The EU-quarantine pest Xiphinema rivesi non-EU populations fulfilled these criteria and was selected for further evaluation. For this pest, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Moldova were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. For this pest, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on it, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that between 9,991 and 10,000 plants per 10,000 would be free of X. rivesi.

Commodity risk assessment of Citrus L. fruits from South Africa for Thaumatotibia leucotreta under a systems approach.

The European Commission requested to the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to evaluate a dossier from South Africa where the application of the systems approach to mitigate the risk of entry of the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), into the EU when trading citrus fruits is explained. After collecting additional evidence from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development of South Africa, and reviewing the published literature, the Panel performed an assessment on the likelihood of pest freedom for T. leucotreta on citrus fruits at the point of entry in the EU considering the proposed systems approach. An expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom following the evaluation of the risk mitigation measures on T. leucotreta, including any uncertainties. There are three options (i.e. A, B and C) within the systems approach followed in South Africa that differentiate mainly in the sampling intensity in the field and the packing house as well as in temperature conditions during shipment. Therefore, three independent elicitations were conducted, one for each option. The main uncertainties were: (1) whether sampling once per orchard is representative for subsequent harvests (within 4 weeks) from the same orchard; (2) the correct implementation of the temperature regimes during shipment; (3) the mortality rate in fruit estimated for the different temperature regimes. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated with 95% certainty that 9,182 out of 10,000 pallets for option A, 8,478 out of 10,000 pallets for option B, and 9,743 out of 10,000 pallets for option C will be free from T. leucotreta. In light of the additional information provided by South Africa once the elicitations were performed, it became apparent that the setting temperature during shipment was not achieved in 12 out of 14 cases of interceptions. Therefore, there is increased uncertainty on pest freedom. The Panel identified the weaknesses associated with the risk mitigation measures in the systems approach and made recommendations that could increase its effectiveness.

Pest categorisation of beet necrotic yellow vein virus.

Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health performed a categorisation of beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the causal agent of the sugar beet rhizomania disease. The virus is currently listed in Annex III as a protected zone (PZ) quarantine pest of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The identity of the BNYVV is well established. BNYVV is a soil-borne virus transmitted by the obligate root plasmodiophorid endoparasite Polymyxa betae. BNYVV is widely distributed in the EU, but is not reported in the following EU PZs: Ireland, France (Brittany), Portugal (Azores), Finland and Northern Ireland. The virus may enter, become established and spread in the PZs via P. betae resting spores with soil and growing media as such or attached to machinery and with roots and tubercles of species other than B. vulgaris and with plants for planting. Introduction of BNYVV would have a negative impact on sugar beet and other beet crops in PZs, because of yield and sugar content reduction. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and spread in the PZs. Once the virus and its plasmodiophorid vector have entered a PZ, their eradication would be difficult due to the persistence of viruliferous resting spores in the soil. The main knowledge gaps or uncertainties identified concerning the presence of BNYVV in the PZs and the incidence and distribution of BNYVV in Switzerland, a country to which a range of specific requirements do not apply. BNYVV meets all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to qualify as a potential protected zone union quarantine pest. Plants for planting are not considered as a main means of spread, and therefore BNYVV does not satisfy all the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest.

Pest categorisation of Pseudopityophthorus minutissimus and P. pruinosus.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Pseudopityophthorus minutissimus and Pseudopityophthorus pruinosus, two well-defined insect species in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae (Insecta: Coleoptera). They can be identified using taxonomic keys. P. minutissimus is present in parts of Canada and the USA, and P. pruinosus is present in parts of the USA, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. The main host plants of the two species are Quercus spp., but they also attack several other genera. The two species mostly colonise weakened or dead branches but can also attack the stems. They are mostly secondary pests but they vector the oak wilt fungus, Bretziella fagacearum, which causes heavy damage in American Quercus spp. populations. The fungus is mainly transmitted by the young adults during their maturation feeding on twigs, leaf petioles and young acorn stems. The beetles are polygamous and have two generations per year in most of their range. The main pathways are wood, bark, plants for planting, cut branches, chips and wood waste. These pathways are fully or partly regulated for the genera Quercus, Castanea and Prunus. However, the pathways are not regulated for the following genera: Carpinus, Fagus, Hamamelis, Alnus. P. minutissimus and P. pruinosus meet all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering P. minutissimus and P. pruinosus as potential Union regulated non-quarantine pests are not met since neither species are known to be present in the EU.

Pest categorisation of Scaphoideus luteolus.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Scaphoideus luteolus, a well-defined phloem sap-feeding insect species in the family Cicadellidae (Insecta: Hemiptera). It can be identified using taxonomic keys. S. luteolus is only present in the eastern part of the USA. The main host plants of S. luteolus are species of the genus Ulmus (U. americana, U. alata, U. bergmanianna, U. szechuanica, U. rubra), but specimens have also been collected on Vitis sp., Salix sp. and Populus sp. The species does not cause damage by itself, but it is the only confirmed vector of the phytoplasma Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi (CPu), which is present in North America where it causes heavy damage to the local elms, as well as in some European countries where the local elms are considered less susceptible. S. luteolus has three developmental stages (egg, nymph, adult). It overwinters in the egg stage, takes 36-42 days to complete nymphal stage, and adults are found throughout the summer period. Both nymphs and adults are capable of transmitting CPu and, after acquiring the pathogen, remain infective for the rest of their life. The main pathways are cut branches and plants for planting. These pathways are not regulated for the main host, Ulmus, though requirements are in place in relation to other pests on Ulmus. These pathways are also not regulated for Salix. Establishment would be favoured by the wide coverage of Ulmus spp. in the EU territory and by climatic conditions comparable to those of the pest's native range. S. luteolus meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering it as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met since the species is absent from the EU.

Pest categorisation of Arrhenodes minutus.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Arrhenodes minutus, a well-defined wood-boring insect species in the family Brentidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). It can be identified using taxonomic keys. A. minutus is only present in southern Canada and eastern USA down to Florida. The main host plants of A. minutus are species of the genera Quercus, Ulmus, Fagus and Populus. The pest larvae bore galleries in the wood, causing structural damage to the timber. The pest is also a vector of the quarantine pest Breziella (Ceratocystis) fagacearum. A. minutus most often lays its eggs in wounded parts of the trees where sap is oozing. The female bores minute holes with her snout and deposits one egg in each of them. The larvae bore a straight gallery against the grain. When the gallery nearly reaches the other side of the bole, it makes a sharp U-turn towards the point of origin. These galleries cause structural damage to the timber. The life cycle lasts generally 3 years, but some individuals develop in 2 years and a few require 4 years. The main pathways are wood and possibly plants for planting. Specific phytosanitary requirements exist for Quercus and Populus only, while Ulmus is regulated in relation to other pests. Establishment would be favoured by the wide distribution of host trees in the EU territory and by climatic conditions locally comparable to those of the pest's native range. A. minutus meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering it as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest are not met since the species is absent from the EU.

Pest categorisation of Thrips palmi.

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).

Guidance on commodity risk assessment for the evaluation of high risk plants dossiers.

Article 42 of the European Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, on the protective measures against pests of plants, introduces the concept of 'high risk plants, plant products and other objects' that are identified on the basis of a preliminary assessment to be followed by a commodity risk assessment. Following a request of the European Commission, this Guidance was developed to establish the methodology to be followed when performing a commodity risk assessment for high risk commodities (high risk plants, plant products and other objects). The commodity risk assessment performed by EFSA will be based on the information provided by the National Plant Protection Organisations of non-EU countries requesting a lifting of import prohibition of a high risk commodity. Following international standards on pest risk analysis, this Guidance describes a two-step approach for the assessment of pest risk associated with a specified commodity. In the first step, pests, associated with the commodity, that require risk mitigation measures are identified. In the second step, the overall efficacy of proposed risk reduction options for each pest is evaluated. A conclusion on the pest-freedom status of the commodity is achieved. The method requires key uncertainties to be identified.

Pest categorisation of non-EU Choristoneura spp.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of non-EU Choristoneura spp. Choristoneura is a well-defined insect genus in the family Tortricidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera). Species can be identified using taxonomic keys and molecular methods. The genus includes 52 species and subspecies colonising conifers and non-conifer trees in many areas in the world, among which five species are present in the EU. The non-EU species are listed in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as Choristoneura spp. (non-European). Some Choristoneura species are important defoliators in North America, mainly on conifers but also on several broadleaf tree species and on non-forest crops. Females lay eggs in batches on the needles or the leaves, and overwintering occurs at the larval stage in a silken hibernaculum. Most species are univoltine, some are bivoltine and at least one subspecies has a 2-year life cycle. Pupation occurs on the twigs of conifers or in folded leaves of broadleaf trees. The adults are strong flyers, and the larvae can disperse by ballooning. The main pathways for entry are plants for planting, cut branches, fruits of host plants (including cones), round wood with bark and bark. Suitable host plants and climate would allow the establishment in the EU of the known, North American harmful species. Non-EU Choristoneura spp. satisfy all the criteria to be considered as Union quarantine pests. Measures are in place to prevent the introduction of non-EU Choristoneura spp. through the pathways described above. As non-EU Choristoneura spp. are not present in the EU and plants for planting are not the major pathway for spread, non-EU Choristoneura spp. do not meet the criteria to be considered as regulated non-quarantine pests.

Pest categorisation of non-EU Monochamus spp.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of non-EU Monochamus spp., a well-defined insect genus in the family Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). Species can be identified using taxonomic keys at national and regional level, and DNA barcoding. Two online world catalogues exist for the genus. The genus includes about one hundred species and many subspecies colonising conifers and non-conifer trees in many areas in the world. The non-EU species are listed in Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Although Monochamus spp. colonise weakened or dead trees and have therefore no direct impact, some species vector the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which they inoculate to healthy trees when they proceed to maturation feeding on twigs, causing high mortality among pines in Asia and the EU (Portugal). Sixteen species in Asia and America attack conifers. The main pathways for entry are raw untreated wood and wood products, wood packaging material, particle wood and waste wood, finished wood products and hitchhiking. Monochamus species were categorised in two groups. The first group includes 16 species colonising conifers and absent in the EU known or likely to vector the pine wood nematode. The species in this group satisfy all the criteria to be considered as Union quarantine pests. Measures are in place to prevent the introduction of Monochamus with coniferous wood. The second group gathers all the remaining species, all non-EU species colonising non-conifers. These do not satisfy all the criteria to be considered as Union quarantine pests. As plants for planting are not a pathway for Monochamus spp., and as most of the species within these groups are absent from the EU territory, the two groups do not meet the criteria to be considered as regulated non-quarantine pests.

Pest categorisation of Grapholita inopinata.

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 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 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).