Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

Based on the pest categorisation prepared by EFSA, E. lewisi has the potential to be both a quarantine pest, as it fulfils all ISPM 11 criteria, and a Non-Regulated Quarantine Pest, as it fulfils all ISPM 21 criteria. However, it is noted that information on the potential impact is very limited. At the same time, the organism is currently regulated only for plants of Citrus L., Fortunella Swingle, Poncirus Raf. and their hybrids. However, the affected host range is broader than what is currently covered. There are major hosts such as plants of Euphorbia, Rubus, Fragaria, Prunus, Vitis, etc. which are not regulated for this specific organism. In the European Union (EU), it has been found, for example, also on plants of Corokia cotoneaster in 1999. The pathways of spreading are numerous.
The Working Group recommends to keep this organism as Union Quarantine Pest. To support further decisions on risk reduction options, the PRA process has to continue. In particular, EFSA is asked to focus further work on the probability of entry of the pest (identification of the pathways), its establishment, as well as further spread after its establishment in the EU. It is important to explore as well the reasons for its absence in the EU. Additional information as regards the degree of impact would be also relevant even though the Working Group above acknowledges the absence of data in this respect.