Open AccessPest categorisation of the Gonipterus scutellatus species complex
Author(s) -
Jeger Michael,
Bragard Claude,
Caffier David,
Candresse Thierry,
Chatzivassiliou Elisavet,
DehnenSchmutz Katharina,
Gilioli Gianni,
Jaques Miret Josep Anton,
MacLeod Alan,
Navajas Navarro Maria,
Niere Björn,
Parnell Stephen,
Potting Roel,
Rafoss Trond,
Rossi Vittorio,
Urek Gregor,
Van Bruggen Ariena,
Van der Werf Wopke,
West Jonathan,
Winter Stephan,
SantolamazzaCarbone Serena,
Kertész Virág,
Aukhojee Mitesha,
Grégoire JeanClaude
Publication year - 2018
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.2018.5107
Subject(s) - pest analysis , quarantine , biology , european union , curculionidae , ecology , botany , business , economic policy
The Panel on Plant health performed a pest categorisation of the Australian Eucalyptus snout‐beetle Gonipterus scutellatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), for the EU . G. scutellatus should be referred as the G. scutellatus species complex because it includes several cryptic species. A complete nomenclature of the species present in the EU is still pending. It is a quarantine pest listed in Annex IIB of Council Directive 2000/29/ EC . Protected zones are in place in Greece and Portugal (Azores). In the EU , it has been found in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. It only consumes Eucalyptus species leaves. The main pathways of spread are the trade of Eucalyptus timber, hitchhiking in various commodities, trade of apple fruit as well as of plants for planting or plant parts. Spread by flight is also possible. The climate of the EU protected zones is similar to that of the Member States ( MS ) where the G. scutellatus complex is established, and the pest's main host plants are present. The damaged trees suffer die‐back and the development of epicormics shoots. Severe attacks may provoke massive amounts of tree death. Biological control by using the egg parasitoid wasp Anaphes nitens is the most effective control measure. Some species within the G. scutellatus complex are not yet present in the EU (including G. scutellatus sensu stricto) and might therefore be considered as potential union quarantine pests for the EU territory. At least two species within the G. scutellatus complex (most likely G. platensis and Gonipterus species no. 2) meet the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential protected zone quarantine pests for the territory of the protected zones: Greece and Portugal (Azores). The criteria for considering the G. scutellatus complex as a potential regulated non‐quarantine pest for the EU are not met since plants for planting are not the main pathway.