Table 6.
The Panel's conclusions on the pest categorisation criteria defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants (the number of the relevant sections of the pest categorisation is shown in brackets in the first column)
| Criterion of pest categorisation | Panel's conclusions against criterion in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 regarding Union quarantine pest | Panel's conclusions against criterion in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 regarding Union regulated non‐quarantine pest | Key uncertainties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity of the pest (Section 3.1) |
There are doubts about the nature of the specific citrus syndrome covered by the term ‘naturally‐spreading psorosis’. However, Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) is a well characterised virus that is systematically associated with the psorosis disease and therefore considered to be its causal agent |
There are doubts about the nature of the specific citrus syndrome covered by the term ‘naturally‐spreading psorosis’. However, Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) is a well characterised virus that is systematically associated with the psorosis disease and therefore considered to be its causal agent |
Exact nature of the ‘naturally‐spreading psorosis’ syndrome and identity of its causal agent not clearly established Uncertainty on the causal role of CPsV in the psorosis disease not unambiguously established |
| Absence/presence of the pest in the EU territory (Section 3.2) | CPsV is present in the EU Territory | CPsV is present in the EU Territory | Uncertainty on the precise distribution of CPsV in the EU |
| Regulatory status (Section 3.3) |
Naturally‐spreading psorosis is currently regulated in Directive 2000/29/EC CPsV not listed as such in Directive 2000/29/EC |
Naturally‐spreading psorosis is currently regulated in Directive 2000/29/EC CPsV not listed as such in Directive 2000/29/EC |
Uncertainty on the exact nature of the naturally‐spreading psorosis syndrome and consequently on whether CPsV should be considered as being covered by the current legislation |
| Pest potential for entry, establishment and spread in the EU territory (Section 3.4) | CPsV has the potential to enter, establish and spread in the EU territory. However, the main pathway for entry is closed by the existing legislation so that entry is only possible through minor alternative pathways | Plants for planting are the major mechanism of spread |
Uncertainty on the existence of CPsV natural infection in unregulated rutaceous hosts Uncertainty on the existence and efficiency of a natural spread mechanism of CPsV Uncertainty on the seed‐transmissibility of CPsV in some citrus species or varieties |
| Potential for consequences in the EU territory (Section 3.5) | CPsV introduction and spread in the EU would have negative consequences on the EU citrus industry because CPsV is very likely to be the causal agent of the psorosis disease | Because of its pathogenicity, presence of CPsV on plants for planting would have a negative impact on their intended use | Causal role of CPsV in the psorosis disease not absolutely established |
| Available measures (Section 3.6) | Closing the potential pathway associated with unregulated rutaceous hosts is perceived as having limited relevance given the presence of CPsV in several EU MS | Existing citrus certification systems constitute a strong limitation to CPsV spread |
Uncertainty on the existence of CPsV natural infection in unregulated rutaceous hosts Uncertainty on the seed‐transmissibility of CPsV in some citrus species or varieties |
| Conclusion on pest categorisation (Section 4) |
Of the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union quarantine pest, naturally‐spreading psorosis does not meet the criterion of being a well characterised pest or disease. In parallel, it is unclear whether CPsV meets the criterion of being currently regulated or under official control |
Of the criteria evaluated by EFSA to qualify as a Union RNQP, naturally‐spreading psorosis does not meet the criterion of being a well characterised pest or disease. In parallel, CPsV meets all the criteria |
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| Aspects of assessment to focus on/scenarios to address in future if appropriate |
The key uncertainties of this categorisation concern:
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