ABSTRACT
The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of nematodes belonging to the genus Hirschmanniella (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae). Twenty-nine species in this genus have been considered of which five species are present in the EU (Hirschmanniella behningi, Hirschmanniella gracilis, Hirschmanniella halophila, Hirschmanniella loofi and Hirschmanniella zostericola). The whole genus except H. gracilis is regulated by Council Directive 2000/29/EC (Annex IAI). Hirschmanniella species are root endoparasites uniquely adapted to aquatic environments. Most species are reported from tropical regions. Monocotyledons including aquatic plants are main hosts and some Hirschmanniella species are important pests of rice. Plants for planting are potential pathways for entry. Hirschmanniella species are frequently intercepted on imported aquarium plants. Measures are available to avoid entry. Environmental conditions in greenhouses and potentially in rice production areas of the EU are suitable for establishment. The nematode may be spread with irrigation, tools or plants for planting. Hirschmanniella species were categorised into four groups. The first group includes species reported as pests of crop plants; those satisfy all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess to be regarded as Union quarantine pests. The second group includes species that are not reported to cause economic damage to crop plants; those species do not satisfy all the criteria to be regarded as Union quarantine pests. Uncertainty exists whether species in this group can cause damage once introduced into the EU. The third group includes species that are known to be present in the EU and do not cause damage; they do not satisfy the criteria to be regarded as Union quarantine pests or regulated non-quarantine pests. The fourth group consists of H. gracilis only. This worldwide occurring species is present in the EU where it does not cause economic damage. It does not satisfy all the criteria to be regarded as a Union quarantine pest.
ABSTRACT
The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Xiphinema californicum (Nematoda: Longidoridae) for the EU. The nematode is a well-defined taxon belonging to a group of morphologically similar species called Xiphinema americanum sensu lato. The nematode was described from the USA and is present in some North and South American countries. The nematode is not present in the EU and is regulated by Council Directive 2000/29/EC, listed in Annex I A I as X. californicum Lamberti and Bleve-Zacheo. It is a polyphagous pest found in soil associated with a number of plant species. As a migratory ectoparasitic species, it punctures the cells of plant roots. X. californicum is in principle able to cause direct damage to plants, but its main damage is caused by vectoring the American nepoviruses: Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV), Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) and Cherry rasp leaf virus (CRLV). Soil is a potential pathway for this nematode for entry into the EU. Moist soil, such as soil attached to plants for planting, increases survival of the nematode. The viruses may persist over prolonged periods inside the nematode and viruliferous nematodes may introduce American nepoviruses. Climatic conditions in the EU are similar to those found in the areas where the pest is currently present. Hosts of the nematode (and of associated viruses) are, e.g. grapes, apples and plums, which are also widely cultivated in the EU. The nematode only moves short distances (around 1 m) but may be spread with soil moving activities. Measures are available to inhibit entry via soil as such. Entry of the nematode with soil attached to plants for planting that are not regulated is possible. X. californicum does satisfy all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess to be regarded as a Union quarantine pest.
ABSTRACT
The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Cercospora angolensis, the fungus responsible for Pseudocercospora fruit and leaf spot of citrus, for all territories except of the Union territories defined in Article 1 point 3 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031. C. angolensis is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC and is not known to be present in the EU. The pathogen, which has recently been reclassified as Pseudocercospora angolensis, is a well-defined, distinguishable fungal species affecting all cultivated Citrus spp. and Fortunella japonica plants. It is currently distributed in sub-Saharan Africa (altitudes 80-1,800 m) and Yemen. Although the epidemiology of P. angolensis is not well understood, infection is favoured by warm temperatures and humidity. The current distribution of the pathogen and climate matching suggests that it might not be well adapted to Mediterranean climates. However, the pathogen is also present in arid areas of Yemen and can infect young fruit with short wetness durations. Uncertainty exists on whether and at which extent the irrigation applied to EU citrus orchards can make the microclimate favourable for P. angolensis. There are no eco-climatic factors limiting the potential spread of the pathogen in the EU. Long-distance spread occurs by wind-disseminated conidia and movement of infected plants for planting and fruit. Short-distance spread occurs via water splash and/or wind-driven rain. In the infested areas, the disease causes premature abscission of young leaves and fruit resulting in yield losses up to 50-100%. Cultural practices and chemical measures applied in the infested areas reduce inoculum but they cannot eliminate the pathogen. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest are met. As P. angolensis 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.
