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. 2022 Feb 8;20(2):e07077. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7077
Number Risk mitigation measure Effect on the pest Evaluation and uncertainties
1 Separation and physical protection of the commodity during production and before export Yes

The net does not prevent the entry of airborne inoculum (basidiospores). However, it might reduce air currents thereby decreasing the amount of inoculum entering the production site. As it cannot be excluded that the pathogens could be dispersed by insect vectors, insect vectors, such as Diptera of the genus Mycodiplosis, the net is also expected to be effective against the entry of these vectors.

Uncertainties:
  • The level to which the net decreases air currents.
  • If the pathogens are spread by insect vectors and if such vectors are present in the production area.
  • The precise timing of the net protection period is not provided.
2 Growing medium and its treatment No Not applicable.
3 Treatment of seeds No Not applicable.
4 Insecticide and acaricide treatments Yes

As it cannot be excluded that the pathogens could be dispersed by insect vectors, such as Diptera of the genus Mycodiplosis, insecticides could have some effects in reducing the insect vector populations.

Uncertainties:
  • If the pathogens are spread by insect vectors.
5 Fungicide treatments Yes

Fungicide treatments (most of active ingredients are systemic) are expected to reduce the likelihood of infection of the pathogens and the rate of colonisation of needles.

Uncertainties:
  • If the fungicides are rotated in order to reduce the likelihood of development of resistant strains of the pathogens.
  • The level of effectiveness of each active ingredient against the pathogens.
6 Nematicide treatments No Not applicable.
7 Herbicide treatments and weed management No Not applicable.
8 Official inspections during production Yes

The official inspections are expected to have some effects in detecting the pathogens. However, asymptomatic periods of at least 6 months (18 months for C. phellodendri) are reported during which infection cannot be detected visually.

Uncertainties:
  • Level to which inspectors are trained to recognise the pathogens based on symptoms also considering that the pathogens are not quarantine in the EU.
  • If laboratory analyses are performed.
9 Official inspections and treatments before export Yes

The official inspections are expected to have some effects in detecting the pathogen. However, asymptomatic periods of at least 6 months (18 months for C. phellodendri) are reported during which infection cannot be detected visually.

The removal of 2 cm of surface growing medium 2 weeks before export and its replacement with new growing medium is expected to reduce pathogen inoculum because of the removal of fallen infected needles. However, the inoculum may persist on infected needles in the crown.

Uncertainties:
  • Level to which inspectors are trained to recognise the pathogens based on symptoms also considering that the pathogens are not quarantine in the EU.
  • If laboratory analyses are performed.