Pest categorisation of Listronotus bonariensis.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Listronotus bonariensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the Argentine stem weevil, for the EU. L. bonariensis is a well-defined species, recognised as a serious pest of pasture grasses, especially Lolium spp. and Poa annua, in New Zealand, and a rare pest of cereals in Argentina, Brazil and New Zealand. Larvae feed within the tillers and stems of grasses; adults can cut emerging cotyledons although they usually graze on leaves. Larval damage is most serious. Larval feeding causes a reduction in pasture quality that impacts on the production of grazing animals. L. bonariensis is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. L. bonariensis established in New Zealand via imported grass seeds and has been intercepted on grass seeds entering the EU. Considering the climatic similarities of the regions where the pest occurs and the very great extent to which hosts are grown across the EU, L. bonariensis has the potential to establish within the EU with two or three generations possible per year. Impacts could occur in grassland pastures and perhaps occasionally in cereals. In New Zealand, endophytic fungi occurring on potential hosts deter L. bonariensis from ovipositing on leaves and are toxic to larvae. Whether endophytic fungi on grasses in Europe could provide some resistance to L. bonariensis is uncertain. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of this weevil. L. bonariensis fits all of the criteria assessed by EFSA to satisfy the definition of a Union quarantine pest. L. bonariensis does not meet the criterion of occurring in the EU territory for it to be regarded as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest.

Pest categorisation of Tecia solanivora.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) the Guatemalan potato tuber moth, for the EU. T. solanivora is a well-defined species which feeds exclusively on Solanum tuberosum. It was first described from Costa Rica in 1973 and has spread through Central America and into northern South America via trade of seed potatoes. It has also spread to Mexico and the Canary Islands and most recently to mainland Spain where it is under official control in Galicia and Asturias. Potatoes in the field and storage can be attacked. Some authors regard T. solanivora as the most important insect pest of potatoes globally. T. solanivora is currently regulated by Council Directive 2000/29/EC, listed in Annex II/AI as Scrobipalpopsis solanivora. Larvae feed and develop within potato tubers; infested tubers therefore provide a pathway for pest introduction and spread, as does the soil accompanying potato tubers if it is infested with eggs or pupae. As evidenced by the ongoing outbreaks in Spain, the EU has suitable conditions for the development and potential establishment of T. solanivora. The pest could spread within the EU via movement of infested tubers; adults can fly and disperse locally. Larval feeding destroys tubers in the field and in storage. In the warmer southern EU, where the development would be fastest, yield losses would be expected in potatoes. Measures are available to inhibit entry via traded commodities (e.g. prohibition on the introduction of S. tuberosum). T. solanivora satisfies all of the criteria assessed by EFSA to satisfy the definition of a Union quarantine pest. It does not satisfy EU regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) status because it is under official control. There are uncertainties over the effectiveness of preventing illegal imports via passenger baggage and the magnitude of potential impacts in the cool EU climate.

Pest categorisation of Toxoptera citricida.

The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct a pest categorisation of Toxoptera citricida (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an oligophagous aphid developing and reproducing parthenogenetically on tender leaf and flower flush of citrus (Rutaceae). T. citricida is a taxonomic entity with reliable methods available for detection and identification. It is regulated in the EU by Council Directive 2000/29/EC where it is listed in Annex IIAI as a harmful organism whose introduction and spread into the EU shall be banned. T. citricida is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and has spread to most citrus-growing areas worldwide, except California and the Mediterranean basin, causing significant damage to citrus as it is the most efficient vector of the Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). T. citricida occurs in Madeira and, with a restricted distribution, in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula, mostly on backyard citrus trees. This may have hindered the effectiveness of the official control measures in these areas. There are further phytosanitary measures in place in the EU in order to limit entry via traded commodities. Citrus plants for planting are regulated and are a closed pathway. However, there is uncertainty regarding host status of some non-rutaceous plants on which this aphid has been recorded and so other plant genera may provide additional pathways. The EFSA Plant Health Panel concludes that the establishment of T. citricida in the main EU citrus growing areas around the Mediterranean would have significant impacts because of its ability to vector CTV. 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), T. citricida meets with no uncertainties the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP.

Pest categorisation of the Gonipterus scutellatus species complex.

The Panel on Plant health performed a pest categorisation of the Australian Eucalyptus snout-beetle Gonipterus scutellatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), for the EU. G. scutellatus should be referred as the G. scutellatus species complex because it includes several cryptic species. A complete nomenclature of the species present in the EU is still pending. It is a quarantine pest listed in Annex IIB of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Protected zones are in place in Greece and Portugal (Azores). In the EU, it has been found in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. It only consumes Eucalyptus species leaves. The main pathways of spread are the trade of Eucalyptus timber, hitchhiking in various commodities, trade of apple fruit as well as of plants for planting or plant parts. Spread by flight is also possible. The climate of the EU protected zones is similar to that of the Member States (MS) where the G. scutellatus complex is established, and the pest's main host plants are present. The damaged trees suffer die-back and the development of epicormics shoots. Severe attacks may provoke massive amounts of tree death. Biological control by using the egg parasitoid wasp Anaphes nitens is the most effective control measure. Some species within the G. scutellatus complex are not yet present in the EU (including G. scutellatus sensu stricto) and might therefore be considered as potential union quarantine pests for the EU territory. At least two species within the G. scutellatus complex (most likely G. platensis and Gonipterus species no. 2) meet the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential protected zone quarantine pests for the territory of the protected zones: Greece and Portugal (Azores). The criteria for considering the G. scutellatus complex as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest for the EU are not met since plants for planting are not the main pathway.

Pest categorisation of Xanthomonas oryzae pathovars oryzae and oryzicola.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation for Xanthomonas oryzae pathovars oryzae (Xoo) and oryzicola (Xoc), the causal agents of the bacterial blight and the bacterial leaf streak of rice, respectively. These pathovars are widely distributed in Asia, Africa and Australia. Xoo is also reported in some states of the USA and in some other countries of America. The identity of both pathovars is well established and efficient identification methods are available. The major host is cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), but different Oryza spp. as well as Poaceae weeds are reported as alternative hosts, with some uncertainty concerning the actual host range. Both pathovars are seed associated, despite the fact that seed transmission is still controversial for Xoo. Both pathovars are already regulated in Directives 2000/29/EC, on harmful organisms for plants, and 66/402/EEC, on the marketing of cereal seeds. The main pathway for entry is seed. Should these pathovars enter into EU, they may establish and spread, and they may have an impact on the rice crops, with uncertainties. The knowledge gaps identified are (1) the quantity of EU importation of rice seeds, (2) the risk of introduction through unprocessed rice for consumption, (3) the suitability of the EU growing climate conditions for the bacteria to establish and spread, (4) role of seed transmission (Xoo), (5) the role of weeds in the epidemiology and especially in seed transmission and dispersal, (6) host range of weeds. As none of the pathovars is known to occur in the EU, they do not meet one of the criteria for being considered as Union regulated non-quarantine pests. Nevertheless, both pathovars meet the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as Union quarantine pest.

Evaluation of a paper by Guarnaccia et al. (2017) on the first report of Phyllosticta citricarpa in Europe.

The Plant Health Panel reviewed the paper by Guarnaccia et al. (2017) and compared their findings with previous predictions on the establishment of Phyllosticta citricarpa. Four species of Phyllosticta were found by Guarnaccia et al. (2017) in Europe. P. citricarpa and P. capitalensis are well-defined species, with P. citricarpa recorded for the first time in Europe, confirming predictions by Magarey et al. (2015) and EFSA (2008, 2014, 2016) that P. citricarpa can establish in some European citrus-growing regions. Two new species P. paracitricarpa and P. paracapitalensis were also described, with P. paracitricarpa (found only in Greece) shown to be pathogenic on sweet orange fruits. Genotyping of the P. citricarpa isolates suggests at least two independent introductions, with the population in Portugal being different from that present in Malta and Italy. P. citricarpa and P. paracitricarpa were isolated only from leaf litter in backyards. However, since P. citricarpa does not infect or colonise dead leaves, the pathogen must have infected the above living leaves in citrus trees nearby. Guarnaccia et al. (2017) considered introduction to be a consequence of P. citricarpa having long been present or of illegal movement of planting material. In the Panel's view, the fruit pathway would be an equally or more likely origin. The authors did not report how surveys for citrus black spot (CBS) disease were carried out, therefore their claim that there was no CBS disease even where the pathogen was present is not supported by the results presented. From previous simulations, the locations where Guarnaccia et al. (2017) found P. citricarpa or P. paracitricarpa were conducive for P. citricarpa establishment, with number of simulated infection events by pycnidiospores comparable to sites of CBS occurrence outside Europe. Preliminary surveys by National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) have not confirmed so far the findings by Guarnaccia et al. (2017) but monitoring is still ongoing.

Pest categorisation of Anisogramma anomala.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Plant Health (PLH) Panel performed a pest categorisation of Anisogramma anomala, a well-defined and distinguishable fungal species of the family Valsaceae. The pathogen is regulated in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned on plants of Corylus L., intended for planting, other than seeds, originating in Canada and the USA. The fungus is native to eastern North America and causes eastern filbert blight on cultivated hazel, Corylus avellana, as well as on wild hazel (Corylus spp.). In the 1960s, the disease spread on infected plant material to Oregon, where it then threatened US hazelnut production in the Willamette Valley. The pest could enter the EU via plants for planting. Hosts and favourable climatic conditions are common in the EU, thus facilitating establishment. The pest would be able to spread following establishment through infected plants for planting and ascospore dispersal. A. anomala leads to canopy and yield loss and can cause death of Corylus trees. Should the pathogen be introduced into the EU, impacts can be expected not just on hazel as a crop and as an ornamental but also in coppices and woodlands, where Corylus species provide an important habitat. In Oregon, scouting for cankers, therapeutic pruning and copious fungicide applications are reported to be necessary (but costly measures) to continue hazelnut production in the presence of the disease. Breeding for resistance led to the selection of resistant cultivars. The main knowledge gaps concern (i) the role of deadwood and cut branches as potential entry pathways and means of spread and (ii) the susceptibility of C. avellana cultivars and of Corylus spp. in the wild in the EU. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. For regulated non-quarantine pests, the criterion on the pest presence in the EU is not met.

Pest categorisation of Bretziella fagacearum.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Plant Health (PLH) Panel performed a pest categorisation of Bretziella fagacearum, a well-defined and distinguishable fungal species of the family Ceratocystidaceae. The species was moved from the genus Ceratocystis to a new genus Bretziella following phylogenetic analysis of the species and its close relatives. The former species name Ceratocystis fagacearum is used in the Council Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogen is regulated in Annex IAI as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. B. fagacearum is only reported from the USA, where it causes a wilt disease on Quercus spp. Other hosts are reported based on inoculation trials, although Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is reported to be naturally infected. No North American oak species has been found to be immune to the disease. The European oak species Quercus robur, Quercus petraea and Quercus pubescens were found to be susceptible in inoculation experiments. The pest could enter the EU via wood (with and without bark, including wood packaging material), plants for planting and cut branches. Hosts and favourable climatic conditions are common in the EU, thus facilitating establishment. The pest would be able to spread following establishment by means of root grafts, insect vectors and movement of wood, plants for planting and other means. The pest introduction would have impacts in woodland and plantations, as oak wilt disease is often lethal in a short period of time. Wood treatment (debarking, kiln drying, fumigation), prompt removal of affected trees and creating root-free zones between affected and healthy stands are available control measures. The main knowledge gaps concern (i) the survival of the fungus in wood during transport and the association with propagation material, (ii) the presence of suitable vectors in Europe and (iii) the relative susceptibility of the oak species native to Europe under natural conditions. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. For regulated non-quarantine pests, the criterion on the pest presence in the EU is not met.

Pest categorisation of Aschistonyx eppoi.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the gall midge Aschistonyx eppoi Inouye (1964) (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), for the EU. A. eppoi is a well-defined and distinguishable species, native to Japan and Korea, and recognised as a pest of Juniperus chinensis, although our knowledge is solely based on one unique publication. A. eppoi is absent from the EU, and is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC. Its host plants, Juniperus spp. are also listed in Annex III of Directive 2000/29/EC. Plants for planting and branches are considered as pathways for this pest. A. eppoi has been intercepted twice (1974; 1975) in the EU and has been eradicated. The pest is likely to affect bonsai plants of J. chinensis if it were to establish in the EU territory. However, as it is unknown whether A. eppoi would attack the Juniperus spp. that occur in the EU, its potential impact on the wild vegetation is also unknown. As the pest originates from areas with warm climates, impact outdoors would affect the southern parts of the EU. Cultural control (destruction of infested material) and chemical control are the major control methods. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met, although there are high uncertainties regarding impact. The species is presently absent from the EU, and thus the criteria for consideration as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest are not met.

Pest categorisation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of date palm, for the EU. The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection/identification. The pest is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to occur in the EU. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis is present in Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania. Its major host is Phoenix dactylifera, which is the only Phoenix species known to be affected by the pest. Uncertainty exists about the host status of Lawsonia inermis, Medicago sativa and Trifolium spp. cultivated as intercrops in the infested areas and reported as being symptomless carriers of the pest. The pest could potentially enter the EU on host plants and soil/growing media originating in infested Third countries. The current pest distribution and climate matching suggest that the pest could establish and spread in the EU wherever the host is present. In the infested areas, the pest causes vascular wilt resulting in yield/quality losses and plant death. It is expected that pest introduction and spread in the EU could impact date production. The pest is expected to have high environmental consequences in the Elche area (Spain), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as other EU areas where P. dactylifera is grown as an amenity tree. Current EU phytosanitary measures are not fully effective at mitigating the risk of introduction and spread of the pest in the EU. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. As the pest is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion to consider it as Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met.

Pest categorisation of Unaspis citri.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the citrus snow scale, Unaspis citri (Comstock) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), for the European Union (EU). This is a well-defined and distinguishable species, native to south-eastern Asia, which has spread to many tropical and subtropical regions. U. citri can be a pest of citrus and has been cited on over 28 different species in 16 plant families. In the EU, U. citri occurs in the Azores. There is uncertainty as to whether it occurs in continental Portugal. Reports of it occurring in Greece and Spain are likely to be invalid and based on interception records from these countries. An old Italian record is a misidentification. U. citri is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism. The international trade of hosts, as either plants for planting, fruit or cut flowers, provide potential pathways into the EU. However, current EU legislation prohibits the import of citrus plants for planting from third countries. U. citri is mostly confined to coastal humid tropical areas and does not occur in semi-arid areas that are irrigated. Nevertheless, given that it occurs in the Azores and that there are regional climatic similarities between places where U. citri occurs and climates within the EU, and taking EU host distribution into account, U. citri has the potential to establish in the EU, especially in citrus-growing regions around the Mediterranean where losses in quality and yield of citrus could occur. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the likelihood of introduction of U. citri. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess the status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP), or as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP), U. citri meets the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP.

Pest categorisation of Scirtothrips aurantii.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the South African citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the European Union (EU). This is a well-defined and distinguishable species, recognised as a pest of citrus and mangoes in South Africa, which has been cited on more than 70 different plants, including woody and herbaceous species. It feeds exclusively on young actively growing foliage and fruit. S. aurantii is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism presenting a risk to EU plant health. The international trade of hosts as either plants for planting or cut flowers provide potential pathways into the EU. However, current EU legislation prohibits the import of citrus plants. Furthermore, measures aimed at the import of plants for planting in a dormant stage (no young foliage or fruits present) with no soil/growing medium attached, decreases the likelihood of the pest entry with such plants. Interceptions have occurred on Eustoma grandiflorum cut flowers. Considering climatic similarities between some of the countries where S. aurantii occurs (South Africa, Australia) and the EU, its thermal biology and host distribution in the EU, S. aurantii has the potential to establish, especially in citrus-growing regions of the EU. S. aurantii would most probably breed all year long around the Mediterranean and could cause crop losses in citrus, especially oranges. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the introduction of S. aurantii. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP), S. aurantii meets with no uncertainties the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP.

Pest categorisation of Scirtothrips citri.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the European Union (EU). This is a well-defined and distinguishable species, occurring in North America and Asia. Its precise distribution in Asia is uncertain. S. citri is a pest of citrus and blueberries and has been cited on over 50 different host species in 33 plant families. Whether all plants reported as hosts are true hosts, allowing population development of S. citri, is uncertain. S. citri feeds exclusively on young actively growing foliage and fruit. It is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism. The international trade of hosts, as either plants for planting or cut flowers, provide potential pathways into the EU. However, current EU legislation prohibits the import of citrus plants for planting. Furthermore, measures aimed at the import of plants for planting in a dormant stage (no young foliage or fruits present) with no soil/growing medium attached, decreases the likelihood of the pest's entry via other hosts. Considering that there are regional climatic similarities where S. citri occurs in the USA with climates in the EU, and taking EU host distribution into account, S. citri has the potential to establish in the EU, especially in citrus and blueberry growing regions around the Mediterranean where quality losses in citrus and yield losses in blueberry could occur. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the likelihood of introduction of S. citri from infested countries. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP), S. citri meets with no uncertainties the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union QP.

Pest categorisation of Apiosporina morbosa.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the fungus Apiosporina morbosa, the causal agent of black knot, for the EU. The identity of the pest is well established and reliable methods exist for its detection/identification. The pest is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to occur in the EU. Apiosporina morbosa is present in Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the continental states of the USA. The major hosts of A. morbosa are Prunus domestica and Prunus cerasus; the host status of other Prunus species and hybrids is uncertain because of contradictory reports or lack of information. The pest could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and plant parts originating in infested third countries. Wood of Prunus spp. is also a pathway of entry, but of minor importance. The current pest distribution and climate matching suggest that the pest could establish and spread in the EU wherever the hosts are grown. In the infested areas, the pest causes girdling of twigs and occasionally of larger branches, whereas trees with multiple infections loose vigour, bloom poorly, and become unproductive, stunted and susceptible to winter injury and infection by other pathogens. The presence of black knots makes trees unsuitable for timber production. It is expected that the pest introduction and spread in the EU would impact host production. Uncertainty exists on whether the agricultural practices and chemical control methods applied in the EU could prevent the establishment and spread of A. morbosa. A. morbosa meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. As the pest is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion to consider it as Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met.

Pest categorisation of Anthonomus quadrigibbus.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the weevil Anthonomus quadrigibbus Say, (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), for the EU. A. quadrigibbus is a well-defined and distinguishable species, recognised as an occasional pest of apples, pears and sour cherries in North America where it also feeds on a range of wild rosaceous plants such as Crataegus and Amelanchier. Adults feed on leaves, flowers and fruit. Feeding damage to fruit reduces quality. Females oviposit into young fruit, causing surface blemishes and resulting in distortion as the fruit develops. Marketability is subsequently reduced. Larvae and pupae develop within host fruit. Most infested fruit fall prematurely, reducing yield. A. quadrigibbus was regarded as a more serious pest in the early 20th century. A. quadrigibbus is not known to occur in the EU and is listed in Annex IIAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC under the synonym Tachypterellus quadrigibbus. Host plants for planting and infested fruit could potentially provide a pathway into the EU. Considering the climatic similarities between North America and Europe, and that wild and commercial hosts occur widely within the EU, A. quadrigibbus has the potential to establish within the EU. There would be one generation per year, as in North America. Impacts could be expected in apple, pear and perhaps sour cherry orchards. The level of impacts would be uncertain. There is also uncertainty regarding whether A. quadrigibbus would extend its host range to include other Rosaceae within the EU. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of introduction of A. quadrigibbus. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As A. quadrigibbus is not known to occur in the EU, this criterion assessed by EFSA to consider it as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest is not met.

Pest categorisation of Mycodiella laricis-leptolepidis.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH) performed a pest categorisation of Mycodiella laricis-leptolepidis, a well-defined and distinguishable fungal species of the family Mycosphaerellaceae. The former species name Mycosphaerella laricis-leptolepis is used in the Council Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogen is regulated in Annex IAI as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. M. laricis-leptolepidis is native to East Asia and causes a disease known as needle cast of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi = Larix leptolepis) and Kurile larch (Larix gmelinii). European larch (Larix decidua) was found to be susceptible to the disease as introduced tree in Japan. The fungus could enter the EU via plants for planting and cut branches of Larix spp. It could establish in the EU, as hosts are present and climatic conditions are favourable. The pathogen would be able to spread following establishment by human movement of infected plants for planting and by dissemination of ascospores. Should the pathogen be introduced in the EU, impacts can be expected due to needle loss in larch forests and plantations, thus leading to reduced tree growth and ecosystem service provision. The use of resistant/tolerant varieties can reduce the impacts. The key uncertainties are the knowledge gaps concerning (i) the potential range of spread through ascospores and (ii) the level of impacts in the native range of the pathogen. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. For regulated non-quarantine pests, the criterion on the pest presence in the EU is not met.

Pest categorisation of Sphaerulina musiva.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Plant Health Panel performed a pest categorisation of Sphaerulina musiva, a well-defined and distinguishable fungal species of the family Mycosphaerellaceae. Following a recent phylogenetic analysis of the genus Septoria and other closely related genera, a new name (S. musiva) was introduced for the species. The former species name Mycosphaerella populorum is used in the Council Directive 2000/29/EC. The pathogen is regulated in Annex IAI as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. S. musiva is reported from North and South America and not known to occur in the EU. S. musiva causes Septoria leaf spots and cankers of poplar (Populus spp.). Of the poplars native to Europe, Populus nigra is reported as susceptible and Populus tremula as susceptible when planted in North America. The hybrid Populus x canadensis (arising from a cross of P. nigra and the North American Populus deltoides), widely grown in the EU, is also susceptible. The pest could enter the EU on plants for planting, cut branches, isolated bark and wood with and without bark. S. musiva could establish in the EU, as hosts are common and favourable climatic conditions are widespread, and could spread following establishment by natural dispersal and movement of infected plants for planting, cut branches, isolated bark and wood with or without bark. The pest introduction would have impacts in woodlands, plantations and nurseries. The pathogen is considered the most serious disease affecting hybrid poplar production in North America. Selection, breeding and planting of resistant species and clones are the main methods used to control the damage caused by the pathogen. There is some uncertainty on the geographical distribution of the pest in the Caucasus, the Crimean Peninsula and South America and on the level of susceptibility among Populus species native to Europe as well as Salix spp. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. For regulated non-quarantine pests, the criterion on the pest presence in the EU is not met.

Pest categorisation of 'Blight and blight-like' diseases of citrus.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of 'Blight and blight-like' for the EU territory. Blight is a major disease of citrus. Similar 'blight-like' diseases are also known (e.g. declinio, declinamiento) and are addressed simultaneously with Blight in the present categorisation. The causal agent(s) remain(s) unknown and the potential role of a recently identified citrus endogenous pararetrovirus (Citrus Blight-associated pararetrovirus, CBaPRV) remains to be established. Transmissibility and ability to produce consistent (although poorly specific) symptoms have been demonstrated and a combination of indirect approaches is used, with limits, for diagnosis. There are large uncertainties on the biology of the causal agent(s) and on the epidemiology of the disease, including the transmission mechanism(s) responsible for the observed field spread. Blight has been reported from North, Central and South America, Africa and Oceania but is not known to occur in the EU. It is listed in Annex IIA of Directive 2000/29EC. It has the potential to enter, establish and spread in the EU territory. The main entry pathway (citrus plants for planting) is closed by existing legislation and entry is only possible on minor pathways (such as illegal import). Blight is a severe disease and a negative impact is expected should it be introduced in the EU, but the magnitude of this negative impact is very difficult to estimate. 'Blight and blight like' satisfies all criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union quarantine pest. It does not meet the criterion of being present in the EU to qualify as a Union regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP). Since the identity of the causal agent(s) of the Blight and blight-like disease(s) and the existence and efficiency of natural spread mechanism(s) remain unknown, large uncertainties affect all aspects of the present pest categorisation.

Pest categorisation of Nacobbus aberrans.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Nacobbus aberrans (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae), the false root-knot nematode, for the EU. The nematode was originally described from the American continent. Due to differences in host range as well as molecular variability among populations, N. aberrans should be regarded as a species complex (N. aberrans sensu lato). All populations belonging to this species complex are pests of important host plants in the EU. N. aberrans had been detected indoors in the EU in the 1950s and 1960s but is no longer reported to be present in the EU. It is regulated by Council Directive 2000/29/EC, listed in Annex IAI as N. aberrans (Thorne) Thorne and Allen. Species within the N. aberrans complex are endoparasitic with migratory and sedentary stages. They are highly polyphagous attacking many plant species. They are also found in soil where they can survive dry conditions and freezing temperatures. Plants for planting and soil are potential pathways for this nematode. Climatic conditions in the EU are similar to those found in the countries where the pest is present. Hosts of the nematode from which high-yield losses have been reported include potato, sugar beet, tomato and beans. The nematode only moves short distances (around 1m) but may be spread with plants and soil moving activities. Measures are available to inhibit EU entry via potatoes and soil as such but not all host plants are covered by current legislation. Entry of the nematode with plants and soil attached to plants for planting that are not regulated is therefore possible. N. aberrans does satisfy all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess to be regarded as a Union quarantine pest.

Pest categorisation of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the seed-borne bacterium Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens. The pest is regulated in Council Directive 2000/29/EC (Annex IIB) as a harmful organism whose introduction into, and spread within, the protected zones (PZ) of Greece, Portugal and Spain shall be banned if present on seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris and of Dolichos. The bacterium is widely distributed outside the EU and causes a systemic vascular disease (bacterial wilt of bean) as well as bacterial tan spot disease on soybean. The pest was sporadically recorded in several EU Member States in the past, but is currently not known to occur in the EU. The identity of the bacterium is well established and identification methods are available. The major host is common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), but other crops and weeds are, or may be, hosts or play a role as reservoirs, with uncertainties. Seed transmission remains uncertain for minor and alternative host species. The main pathway for entry is seed. The role of other pathways (e.g. irrigation water and infected residues) is uncertain. Should the bacterium enter the EU (including the PZ), it may establish, spread and have an impact on its host crops. The use of healthy seeds is the most effective control measure. Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens fits all the criteria assessed by EFSA to be regarded as a Union quarantine pest.