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 )	The identity of the pest is well established; it can be identified with reliable and sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques.	The identity of the pest is well established; it can be identified with reliable and sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques.	The key uncertainty is precisely which phytoplasmas should be included in this pest categorisation (e.g. Bogia, wilt‐inducing phytoplasmas etc.)
Absence/presence of the pest in the EU territory (Section  3.2 )	The pest is not known to occur in the EU territory.	The pest is not known to occur in the EU territory, therefore it does not qualify as a RNQP.
Regulatory status (Section  3.3 )	Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas are currently regulated on Palmae (Arecaceae) plants for planting by 2000/29/EC.	Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas are currently regulated on Palmae (Arecaceae) plants for planting by 2000/29/EC.
Pest potential for entry, establishment and spread in the EU territory (Section  3.4 )	Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas could enter the EU, e.g. in palm trees for planting destined for commercial plantations or ornamental uses, and establish, in all areas where palm trees are already grown in the EU. It may spread either through trade of nursery plants or by insect vectors	Plants for planting and seeds of Arecaceae species represent the main entry pathways and potential vector insects present in the EU represent the main likelihood of spread.	Uncertainties on the origin and volume of the trade in palm seeds and plants for planting imported in the EU Uncertainties about vector insects and the efficiency of spread under EU conditions Lack of information on host status of many palm species grown in the EU and, in particular on susceptibility of the two native species growing in the EU Uncertainty about seed transmission Uncertainty about alternate hosts
Potential for consequences in the EU territory (Section  3.5 )	The potential impact of Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas if introduced in the EU is very difficult to assess. Given that the spread potential is, likely to be limited, the potential impact to agriculture is estimated to be minimal but the impact to environment/landscape could be significant.	The presence on plants for planting could influence subsequent yield and quality.	Lack of knowledge on presence of vector species in the EU Difficulties to assess environment/ landscape impact
Available measures (Section  3.6 )	Exclusion in the only method considered to be effective in controlling the spread of the pest.	There are no efficient methods for controlling Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasma spread after its introduction in an area.
Conclusion on pest categorisation (Section  4 )	Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas meet the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as Union quarantine pest.	Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas do not meet the presence on the territory criterion and therefore do not qualify as a Union RNQP.
Aspects of assessment to focus on/scenarios to address in future if appropriate	The main knowledge gaps concern status of potential vector insects in the EU; (2) Seed transmission of the phytoplasmas; (3) the origin and volume of the trade in palm seeds and plants for planting imported in the EU; (4) host status and susceptibility of many palm species grown in the EU; (5) potential new assignments of phytoplasmas to this categorisation that might have associated alternate hosts.