Pest categorisation of Pestalotiopsis microspora

Author: mycolabadmin
12/21/2023
View Source

Summary

Pestalotiopsis microspora is a fungus that causes diseases on many cultivated and wild plants including avocado, banana, and kiwi fruit. It has been found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and was recently detected in the Netherlands. The fungus can enter the EU through infected plants, fruits, and contaminated soil from other countries. European scientists have determined it meets criteria to be classified as a quarantine pest requiring special phytosanitary measures to prevent its introduction.

Background

Pestalotiopsis microspora is a plant pathogenic fungus in the family Pestalotiopsidaceae reported on a wide range of monocotyledonous, dicotyledonous and gymnosperms, causing symptoms such as leaf spot, leaf blight, fruit rot and root rot. The pathogen was identified as a relevant non-regulated EU pest potentially entering the EU on bonsai plants from China. This pest categorisation evaluates whether P. microspora meets the criteria for designation as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Objective

To perform a pest categorisation of Pestalotiopsis microspora to determine whether it fulfills the criteria of a potential Union quarantine pest for the EU territory. The assessment evaluates the pest’s identity, distribution, entry pathways, establishment and spread potential, consequences, and available control measures.

Results

P. microspora is clearly defined with consistent symptoms and transmissibility. The fungus is present in the Netherlands but not widely distributed in the EU. It is reported from North America, Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Main entry pathways include host plants for planting, fresh fruits, bark, wood, soil and growing media contaminated with infected plant debris. Host availability and climate suitability in parts of the EU are favorable for establishment and spread.

Conclusion

Unless the restricted distribution in the EU is disproven, Pestalotiopsis microspora satisfies all the criteria within EFSA’s remit to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent introduction and spread. The introduction would have economic and environmental impact where susceptible hosts are grown.

Published in:EFSA Journal,
Study Type:Pest Risk Assessment,
Source: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8493; PMID: 38130321