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. 2021 Mar 10;19(3):e06428. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6428
No Risk mitigation measure Effect on the pest Evaluation and uncertainties
1 Surveillance and monitoring Yes

Evaluation: Inspection activities in ulluco‐producing areas by SENASA follow ISPMs. Tubers are visually inspected, and when suspected of pests are sent to a diagnostic laboratory. If the pest is detected, SENASA headquarters and producers are informed and corrective measures are applied.

Uncertainties: It is unclear to what extent the monitoring by visual inspection is effective to detect asymptomatic plants. This virus may remain asymptomatic in ulluco plants, and also in some other plant host species. It is uncertain the measures applied after diagnosis.

2 Sampling and laboratory testing Yes

Evaluation: The samples are registered in the database ‘Integrated System of Plant Health Management’ (SIGSVE) and sent the Unit of Diagnostic Center of Plant Health of SENASA, under adequate conditions of protection. The analyses are performed by the SENASA Plant Health Diagnostic Centers Unit (UCDSV), which has diagnostic methods based on pest morphology, ELISA and molecular biology (conventional PCR, real time and sequencing). This diagnostic approach is methodologically appropriate.

Uncertainties: It is unclear to what extent the detection and sampling strategies are effective to detect asymptomatic plants. This virus may remain asymptomatic in ulluco plants, and also in some other plant host species. Additionally, they stated that during the harvest, no analysis is done.

3 Crop rotation Yes

Evaluation: Ulluco production can be part of a rotation scheme with different crops e.g. oca, beans, barley. However, the overlapping with alternative crops could favour the PVT dispersal in crops, as other alternative host plants may act as a source of viral inoculum.

Uncertainties: It is unclear to what extent other cultivated host plants (potato) could be potential source of PVT inoculum.

4 Selection of production sites Yes

Evaluation: The environmental conditions in the areas where ulluco is cultivated allow limited pest pressure.

Uncertainties: Lack of information on the biology of PVT in ulluco. This control measure is considered of low relevance for the spread of the virus.

5 Use of healthy propagation material Yes

Evaluation: The use of healthy propagation material is correct, and a visual selection during the cultivation may be useful, but virus may be unnoticed and ulluco plants are grown from non‐certified seeds. The use of certified virus‐free seed tubers would have been preferable.

Uncertainties: It is unclear to which extent the implemented method is effective to prevent potential infections. Moreover, it is also uncertain the transmission of the virus to tubers, true seeds and pollen in ulluco.

14 Sorting/grading/tuber selection Yes

Evaluation: There is a field selection for tubers that are used for export, but PVT infection can be asymptomatic.

Uncertainties: Lack of information on the biology of PVT in ulluco (tubers). It is uncertain to what extent the inspection is effective to detect asymptomatic tubers.

16 Pre‐consignment inspection Yes

Evaluation: SENASA is monitoring 2% of tubers and those with symptoms are sent for laboratory testing, but PVT infection can be asymptomatic.

Uncertainties: It is uncertain to what extent visual inspection is effective in detecting infected tubers (as it is regarded as an asymptomatic virus). Additionally, it is stated that no analysis is done during harvest.