Open AccessPest categorisation of Witches' broom disease of lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ) phytoplasma
Author(s) -
Jeger Michael,
Bragard Claude,
Candresse Thierry,
Chatzivassiliou Elisavet,
DehnenSchmutz Katharina,
Gilioli Gianni,
Gregoire JeanClaude,
Jaques Miret Josep Anton,
MacLeod Alan,
Navarro Maria Navajas,
Niere Björn,
Parnell Stephen,
Potting Roel,
Rafoss Trond,
Rossi Vittorio,
Urek Gregor,
Van Bruggen Ariena,
Van der Werf Wopke,
West Jonathan,
Winter Stephan,
Dickinson Matthew,
Marzachi Cristina,
Hollo Gabor,
Caffier David
Publication year - 2017
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.2017.5027
Subject(s) - phytoplasma , broom , biology , pest analysis , quarantine , ornamental plant , vector (molecular biology) , orange (colour) , leafhopper , diaphorina citri , horticulture , botany , veterinary medicine , hemiptera , ecology , restriction fragment length polymorphism , polymerase chain reaction , medicine , biochemistry , gene , recombinant dna
The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation for the Witches' broom disease of lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ) phytoplasma for the EU territory. The pest has been reported in a few countries in the Middle East and is not known to occur in the EU . The disease is caused by a well‐defined phytoplasma strain in the ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia ' species, for which efficient molecular detection assays are available. The most important known natural host is Citrus aurantifolia, which is only grown for ornamental purposes in the EU . Sweet limes, rough lemon and trifoliate orange are also naturally infected by that phytoplasma. The latter can be transmitted by grafting also to some citrus species. Other citrus species were reported to be resistant; however, their susceptibility has been assessed only by symptom observations, and the possible presence of phytoplasmas in symptomless plants cannot be ruled out. The phytoplasma is transmitted by the leafhopper Hishimonus phycitis , which is not known to occur in the EU . There is no information on the vector status of other phloem feeding insects of citrus present in the EU . The pest is listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/ EC . The main pathways for entry, plants for planting and the vector insect, are closed by existing legislation on import of citrus plants. Nevertheless, should the pest enter, it could establish and spread. In countries where Witches' broom disease of lime ( WBDL ) is present, it has significant impact. The main knowledge gaps concern (1) and vertical transmission of the phytoplasma to H. phycitis eggs (2) lack of information regarding susceptibility of citrus crops grown in the EU (3) status of potential insect vectors in the EU . Therefore, the WBDL phytoplasma meets the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest.