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. 2023 Jul 6;21(7):e08074. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8074
Overview of the evaluation of Phytophthora ramorum for bundles of whips and seedlings
Rating of the likelihood of pest freedom Pest free with some exceptional cases (based on the Median).
Percentile of the distribution 5% 25% Median 75% 95%
Proportion of pest‐free bundles 9,872 out of 10,000 bundles 9,922 out of 10,000 bundles 9,957 out of 10,000 bundles 9,981 out of 10,000 bundles 9,995 out of 10,000 bundles
Percentile of the distribution 5% 25% Median 75% 95%
Proportion of infected bundles 5 out of 10,000 bundles 19 out of 10,000 bundles 43 out of 10,000 bundles 78 out of 10,000 bundles 128 out of 10,000 bundles
Summary of the information used for the evaluation

Possibility that the pest could become associated with the commodity

Phytophthora ramorum is present in the UK with a restricted distribution. The pathogen has a wide host range including A. pseudoplatanus and other Acer species. The main hosts (e.g. Rhododendron spp., Larix spp., etc.) can be present either inside or in the surroundings of the nurseries. Aerial inoculum could be produced on these host plants and cause bark and leaf infections on the commodity.

Measures taken against the pest and their efficacy

Phytophthora ramorum is a quarantine pest in the UK and under official control. General measures taken by the nurseries are effective against the pathogen. These measures include (a) the use of certified plant material and growing media; (b) inspections, surveillance, monitoring, sampling and laboratory testing; and (c) application of pest control products.

Interception records

In the EUROPHYT/TRACES‐NT database, there are no records of notification of Acer plants for planting neither from the UK nor from other countries due to the presence of P. ramorum between the years 1995 and December 2022 (EUROPHYT/TRACES‐NT, online).

Shortcomings of current measures/procedures

None observed.

Main uncertainties
  • The level of susceptibility of Acer spp. to the pathogen.
  • Whether symptoms may be promptly detected.
  • The presence/abundance of the pathogen in the area where the nurseries are located.
  • Effect of fungicide treatments against the pathogen.
Overview of the evaluation of Phytophthora ramorum for bare root plants/trees up to 7 years old
Rating of the likelihood of pest freedom Pest free with some exceptional cases (based on the Median).
Percentile of the distribution 5% 25% Median 75% 95%
Proportion of pest‐free plants 9,886 out of 10,000 plants 9,936 out of 10,000 plants 9,964 out of 10,000 plants 9,983 out of 10,000 plants 9,995 out of 10,000 plants
Percentile of the distribution 5% 25% Median 75% 95%
Proportion of infected plants 5 out of 10,000 plants 17 out of 10,000 plants 36 out of 10,000 plants 64 out of 10,000 plants 114 out of 10,000 plants
Summary of the information used for the evaluation

Possibility that the pest could become associated with the commodity

Phytophthora ramorum is present in the UK with a restricted distribution. The pathogen has a wide host range including A. pseudoplatanus and other Acer species. The main hosts (e.g. Rhododendron spp., Larix spp. etc.) can be present either inside or in the surroundings of the nurseries. Aerial inoculum could be produced on these host plants and cause bark and leaf infections on the commodity.

Measures taken against the pest and their efficacy

Phytophthora ramorum is a quarantine pest in the UK and under official control. General measures taken by the nurseries are effective against the pathogen. These measures include (a) the use of certified plant material and growing media; (b) inspections, surveillance, monitoring, sampling and laboratory testing; and (c) application of pest control products.

Interception records

In the EUROPHYT/TRACES‐NT database, there are no records of notification of Acer plants for planting neither from the UK nor from other countries due to the presence of P. ramorum between the years 1995 and December 2022 (EUROPHYT/TRACES‐NT, online).

Shortcomings of current measures/procedures

None observed.

Main uncertainties
  • The level of susceptibility of Acer spp. to the pathogen.
  • Whether symptoms may be promptly detected.
  • The practicability of inspections of older trees.
  • The presence/abundance of the pathogen in the area where the nurseries are located.
  • Effect of fungicide treatments against the pathogen.
Overview of the evaluation of Phytophthora ramorum for plants in pots up to 7 years old
Rating of the likelihood of pest freedom Extremely frequently pest free (based on the median).
Percentile of the distribution 5% 25% Median 75% 95%
Proportion of pest‐free plants 9,808 out of 10,000 plants 9,891 out of 10,000 plants 9,939 out of 10,000 plants 9,971 out of 10,000 plants 9,992 out of 10,000 plants
Percentile of the distribution 5% 25% Median 75% 95%
Proportion of infected plants 8 out of 10,000 plants 29 out of 10,000 plants 61 out of 10,000 plants 109 out of 10,000 plants 192 out of 10,000 plants
Summary of the information used for the evaluation

Possibility that the pest could become associated with the commodity

Phytophthora ramorum is present in the UK with a restricted distribution. The pathogen has a wide host range including A. pseudoplatanus and other Acer species. The main hosts (e.g. Rhododendron spp., Larix spp. etc.) can be present either inside or in the surroundings of the nurseries. Aerial inoculum could be produced on these host plants and cause bark and leaf infections on the commodity.

Measures taken against the pest and their efficacy

Phytophthora ramorum is a quarantine pest in the UK and under official control. General measures taken by the nurseries are effective against the pathogen. These measures include (a) the use of certified plant material and growing media; (b) inspections, surveillance, monitoring, sampling and laboratory testing; and (c) application of pest control products.

Interception records

In the EUROPHYT/TRACES‐NT database, there are no records of notification of Acer plants for planting neither from the UK nor from other countries due to the presence of P. ramorum between the years 1995 and December 2022 (EUROPHYT/TRACES‐NT, online).

Shortcomings of current measures/procedures

None observed.

Main uncertainties
  • The level of susceptibility of Acer spp. to the pathogen.
  • Whether symptoms may be promptly detected.
  • The practicability of inspections of older trees.
  • The presence/abundance of the pathogen in the area where the nurseries is located.
  • Effect of fungicide treatments against the pathogen.