Open AccessRisk assessment and reduction options for Cryphonectria parasitica in the EU
Author(s) -
Jeger Michael,
Bragard Claude,
Chatzivassiliou Elisavet,
DehnenSchmutz Katharina,
Gilioli Gianni,
Jaques Miret Josep Anton,
MacLeod Alan,
Navajas Navarro Maria,
Niere Björn,
Parnell Stephen,
Potting Roel,
Rafoss Trond,
Urek Gregor,
Van Bruggen Ariena,
Werf Wopke,
West Jonathan,
Winter Stephan,
Maresi Giorgio,
Prospero Simone,
Vettraino Anna Maria,
Vloutoglou Irene,
Pautasso Marco,
Rossi Vittorio
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4641
Subject(s) - cryphonectria , chestnut blight , european commission , european union , risk assessment , business , biology , international trade , fungus , botany , economics , management , biochemistry , virulence , gene
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Plant Health (PLH) Panel performed a risk assessment for Cryphonectria parasitica in the EU with the aim to assess the current EU phytosanitary requirements and identify the risk reduction options (RROs), which would preserve the protected zone (PZ) status in some parts of the EU, where the pathogen is not known to occur. C. parasitica , a bark‐inhabiting fungus causing blight of chestnut trees ( Castanea spp.), has a wide distribution in the EU (non‐PZs). Three regulatory scenarios were considered for the whole risk assessment (RA) area: the current situation in non‐PZs (scenario A 0 ), the situation in the EU without measures (A 1 ) and the current situation in PZs with additional RROs (A 2 ). The Panel considered both the risk of potential spread to PZs of C. parasitica strains currently present in the non‐PZs and the risk of introduction from Third Countries and spread in non‐PZs of new, virulent strains that would be able to jeopardise the currently effective hypovirulence and cause severe impact. The number of new introductions of C. parasitica into the EU is reduced by approximately a factor 5,000 (median values) in scenario A 2 compared to scenario A 0 . Under the A 0 , A 1 and A 2 scenarios, 2, 3.5 and 0.5 (median values) EU Member States, respectively, are expected to be affected in the next 10 years due to spread of C. parasitica strains. The estimated relative impact on ecosystem services, due to the introduction and spread in the EU of new, virulent strains, is higher for scenario A 1 compared to scenarios A 0 and A 2 . The current EU requirements and the additional RROs considered in scenario A 2 were assessed to be effective in reducing the risk of introduction and spread of C. parasitica , thus preserving the PZ status in some parts of the EU.