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SCIENTIFIC OPINION
ADOPTED: 22 November 2018
doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5509
Pest categorisation of Septoria malagutii
EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH),
Claude Bragard, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz, Francesco Di Serio, Paolo Gonthier,
Marie-Agn
es Jacques, Josep Anton Jaques Miret, Annemarie Fejer Justesen, Alan MacLeod,
Christer Sven Magnusson, Panagiotis Milonas, Juan A Navas-Cortes, Stephen Parnell,
Roel Potting, Philippe Lucien Reignault, Hans-Hermann Thulke, Wopke Van der Werf,
Jonathan Yuen, Lucia Zappal
a, Irene Vloutoglou, Bernard Bottex and Antonio Vicent Civera
Abstract
The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Septoria malagutii, the causal agent of
annular leaf spot of potato, for the EU. The pest is a well-defined fungal species and reliable methods
exist for its detection and identification. S. malagutii is present in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.
The pest is not known to occur in the EU and is listed as Septoria lycopersici var. malagutii in Annex
IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC, meaning its introduction into the EU is prohibited. The major cultivated
host is Solanum tuberosum (potato), but other Solanum species including wild solanaceous plants are
also affected. All hosts and pathways of entry of the pest into the EU are currently regulated. Host
availability and climate matching suggest that S. malagutii could establish in parts of the EU and
further spread mainly by human-assisted means. The pest affects leaves, stems and petioles of potato
plants (but not the underground parts, including tubers) causing lesions, leaf necrosis and premature
defoliation. In some infested areas, the disease has been reported to cause almost complete crop loss
with favourable weather conditions and susceptible potato cultivars. The introduction of the pest into
the EU would potentially cause impacts to potato production. The main uncertainties concern the host
range, the maximum period the pest survives on host debris in soil, the maximum distance over which
conidia of the pest could be dispersed by wind-driven rain and the magnitude of potential impacts to
the EU. S. malagutii meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union
quarantine pest. The criteria for considering S. malagutii as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine
pest are not met, since the pest is not known to occur in the EU.
©2018 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf
of European Food Safety Authority.
Keywords: Annular leaf spot of potato, European Union, Quarantine, Septoria leaf spot of potato,
Septoria lycopersici var. malagutii,Solanum tuberosum
Requestor: European Commission
Question number: EFSA-Q-2018-00017
Correspondence: alpha@efsa.europa.eu
EFSA Journal 2018;16(12):5509www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal
Panel members: Claude Bragard, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz, Francesco Di Serio, Paolo Gonthier,
Marie-Agn
es Jacques, Josep Anton Jaques Miret, Annemarie Fejer Justesen, Alan MacLeod, Christer
Sven Magnusson, Panagiotis Milonas, Juan A. Navas-Cortes, Stephen Parnell, Roel Potting, Philippe L.
Reignault, Hans-Hermann Thulke, Wopke Van der Werf, Antonio Vicent, Jonathan Yuen, Lucia Zappal
a.
Suggested citation: EFSA PLH Panel (EFSA Panel on Plant Health), Bragard C, Dehnen-Schmutz K,
Di Serio F, Gonthier P, Jacques M-A, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Sven Magnusson C,
Milonas P, Navas-Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Reignault PL, Thulke H-H, Van der Werf W, Yuen J,
Zappal
a L, Vloutoglou I, Bottex B and Vicent Civera A, 2018. Scientific Opinion on the pest
categorisation of Septoria malagutii. EFSA Journal 2018;16(12):5509, 24 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/
j.efsa.2018.5509
ISSN: 1831-4732
©2018 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf
of European Food Safety Authority.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs License,
which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and no
modifications or adaptations are made.
Reproduction of the images listed below is prohibited and permission must be sought directly from the
copyright holder:
Figure 1: ©EPPO; Figure 3: ©CABI
The EFSA Journal is a publication of the European Food
Safety Authority, an agency of the European Union.
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal 2 EFSA Journal 2018;16(12):5509
Table of contents
Abstract.................................................................................................................................................. 1
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................4
1.1. Background and Terms of Reference as provided by the requestor.................................................. 4
1.1.1. Background ................................................................................................................................4
1.1.2. Terms of reference ...................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.2.1. Terms of Reference: Appendix 1................................................................................................... 5
1.1.2.2. Terms of Reference: Appendix 2................................................................................................... 6
1.1.2.3. Terms of Reference: Appendix 3................................................................................................... 7
1.2. Interpretation of the Terms of Reference....................................................................................... 8
2. Data and methodologies .............................................................................................................. 8
2.1. Data........................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.1. Literature search ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2. Database search ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.2. Methodologies............................................................................................................................. 9
3. Pest categorisation ...................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. Identity and biology of the pest.................................................................................................... 11
3.1.1. Identity and taxonomy................................................................................................................. 11
3.1.2. Biology of the pest ...................................................................................................................... 11
3.1.3. Detection and identification of the pest ......................................................................................... 11
3.2. Pest distribution .......................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1. Pest distribution outside the EU .................................................................................................... 12
3.2.2. Pest distribution in the EU............................................................................................................ 13
3.3. Regulatory status ........................................................................................................................ 13
3.3.1. Council Directive 2000/29/EC ....................................................................................................... 13
3.3.2. Legislation addressing the hosts of Septoria malagutii .................................................................... 13
3.4. Entry, establishment and spread in the EU .................................................................................... 14
3.4.1. Host range.................................................................................................................................. 14
3.4.2. Entry .......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.4.3. Establishment ............................................................................................................................. 16
3.4.3.1. EU distribution of main host plants ............................................................................................... 16
3.4.3.2. Climatic conditions affecting establishment .................................................................................... 16
3.4.4. Spread ....................................................................................................................................... 18
3.4.4.1. Vectors and their distribution in the EU ......................................................................................... 18
3.5. Impacts ...................................................................................................................................... 19
3.6. Availability and limits of mitigation measures ................................................................................. 20
3.6.1. Identification of additional measures............................................................................................. 20
3.7. Uncertainty ................................................................................................................................. 20
4. Conclusions................................................................................................................................. 20
References.............................................................................................................................................. 22
Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
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1. Introduction
1.1 Background and Terms of Reference as provided by the requestor
1.1.1. Background
Council Directive 2000/29/EC
1
on protective measures against the introduction into the Community
of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community
establishes the present European Union plant health regime. The Directive lays down the phytosanitary
provisions and the control checks to be carried out at the place of origin on plants and plant products
destined for the Union or to be moved within the Union. In the Directive’s 2000/29/EC annexes, the
list of harmful organisms (pests) whose introduction into or spread wit
hin the Union is prohibited, is detailed together with specific requirements for import or internal
movement.
Following the evaluation of the plant health regime, the new basic plant health law, Regulation (EU)
2016/2031
2
on protective measures against pests of plants, was adopted on 26 October 2016 and will
apply from 14 December 2019 onwards, repealing Directive 2000/29/EC. In line with the principles of
the above-mentioned legislation and the follow-up work of the secondary legislation for the listing of
EU regulated pests, EFSA is requested to provide pest categorizations of the harmful organisms
included in the annexes of Directive 2000/29/EC, in the cases where recent pest risk assessment/pest
categorisation is not available.
1.1.2. Terms of reference
EFSA is requested, pursuant to Article 22(5.b) and Article 29(1) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002,
3
to provide scientific opinion in the field of plant health.
EFSA is requested to prepare and deliver a pest categorisation (step 1 analysis) for each of the
regulated pests included in the appendices of the annex to this mandate. The methodology and
template of pest categorisation have already been developed in past mandates for the organisms listed
in Annex II Part A Section II of Directive 2000/29/EC. The same methodology and outcome is
expected for this work as well.
The list of the harmful organisms included in the annex to this mandate comprises 133 harmful
organisms or groups. A pest categorisation is expected for these 133 pests or groups and the delivery
of the work would be stepwise at regular intervals through the year as detailed below. First priority
covers the harmful organisms included in Appendix 1, comprising pests from Annex II Part A Section I
and Annex II Part B of Directive 2000/29/EC. The delivery of all pest categorisations for the pests
included in Appendix 1 is June 2018. The second priority is the pests included in Appendix 2,
comprising the group of Cicadellidae (non-EU) known to be vector of Pierce’s disease (caused by
Xylella fastidiosa), the group of Tephritidae (non-EU), the group of potato viruses and virus-like
organisms, the group of viruses and virus-like organisms of Cydonia Mill., Fragaria L., Malus Mill.,
Prunus L., Pyrus L., Ribes L., Rubus L. and Vitis L.. and the group of Margarodes (non-EU species). The
delivery of all pest categorisations for the pests included in Appendix 2 is end 2019. The pests included
in Appendix 3 cover pests of Annex I part A section I and all pest categorisations should be delivered
by end 2020.
For the above-mentioned groups, each covering a large number of pests, the pest categorisation
will be performed for the group and not the individual harmful organisms listed under “such as”
notation in the Annexes of the Directive 2000/29/EC. The criteria to be taken particularly under
consideration for these cases, is the analysis of host pest combination, investigation of pathways, the
damages occurring and the relevant impact.
Finally, as indicated in the text above, all references to ‘non-European’should be avoided and
replaced by ‘non-EU’and refer to all territories with exception of the Union territories as defined in
Article 1 point 3 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031.
1
Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms
harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community. OJ L 169/1, 10.7.2000, p. 1–112.
2
Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against
pests of plants. OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4–104.
3
Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general
principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in
matters of food safety. OJ L 31/1, 1.2.2002, p. 1–24.
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1.1.2.1. Terms of Reference: Appendix 1
List of harmful organisms for which pest categorisation is requested. The list below follows the
annexes of Directive 2000/29/EC.
Annex IIAI
(a) Insects, mites and nematodes, at all stages of their development
Aleurocantus spp. Numonia pyrivorella (Matsumura)
Anthonomus bisignifer (Schenkling) Oligonychus perditus Pritchard and Baker
Anthonomus signatus (Say) Pissodes spp. (non-EU)
Aschistonyx eppoi Inouye Scirtothrips aurantii Faure
Carposina niponensis Walsingham Scirtothrips citri (Moultex)
Enarmonia packardi (Zeller) Scolytidae spp. (non-EU)
Enarmonia prunivora Walsh Scrobipalpopsis solanivora Povolny
Grapholita inopinata Heinrich Tachypterellus quadrigibbus Say
Hishomonus phycitis Toxoptera citricida Kirk.
Leucaspis japonica Ckll. Unaspis citri Comstock
Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel)
(b) Bacteria
Citrus variegated chlorosis Xanthomonas campestris pv. oryzae (Ishiyama)
Dye and pv. oryzicola (Fang. et al.) Dye
Erwinia stewartii (Smith) Dye
(c) Fungi
Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler (non-EU pathogenic
isolates)
Elsinoe spp. Bitanc. and Jenk. Mendes
Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. M€
uller
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Kilian and
Maire) Gordon
Apiosporina morbosa (Schwein.) v. Arx Guignardia piricola (Nosa) Yamamoto
Ceratocystis virescens (Davidson) Moreau Puccinia pittieriana Hennings
Cercoseptoria pini-densiflorae (Hori and Nambu)
Deighton
Stegophora ulmea (Schweinitz: Fries) Sydow &
Sydow
Cercospora angolensis Carv. and Mendes Venturia nashicola Tanaka and Yamamoto
(d) Virus and virus-like organisms
Beet curly top virus (non-EU isolates) Little cherry pathogen (non- EU isolates)
Black raspberry latent virus Naturally spreading psorosis
Blight and blight-like Palm lethal yellowing mycoplasm
Cadang-Cadang viroid Satsuma dwarf virus
Citrus tristeza virus (non-EU isolates) Tatter leaf virus
Leprosis Witches’broom (MLO)
Annex IIB
(a) Insect mites and nematodes, at all stages of their development
Anthonomus grandis (Boh.) Ips cembrae Heer
Cephalcia lariciphila (Klug) Ips duplicatus Sahlberg
Dendroctonus micans Kugelan Ips sexdentatus B€
orner
Gilphinia hercyniae (Hartig) Ips typographus Heer
Gonipterus scutellatus Gyll. Sternochetus mangiferae Fabricius
Ips amitinus Eichhof
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(b) Bacteria
Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens
(Hedges) Collins and Jones
(c) Fungi
Glomerella gossypii Edgerton Hypoxylon mammatum (Wahl.) J. Miller
Gremmeniella abietina (Lag.) Morelet
1.1.2.2. Terms of Reference: Appendix 2
List of harmful organisms for which pest categorisation is requested per group. The list below
follows the categorisation included in the annexes of Directive 2000/29/EC.
Annex IAI
(a) Insects, mites and nematodes, at all stages of their development
Group of Cicadellidae (non-EU) known to be vector of Pierce’s disease (caused by Xylella fastidiosa),
such as:
1) Carneocephala fulgida Nottingham 3) Graphocephala atropunctata (Signoret)
2) Draeculacephala minerva Ball
Group of Tephritidae (non-EU) such as:
1) Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) 12) Pardalaspis cyanescens Bezzi
2) Anastrepha ludens (Loew) 13) Pardalaspis quinaria Bezzi
3) Anastrepha obliqua Macquart 14) Pterandrus rosa (Karsch)
4) Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) 15) Rhacochlaena japonica Ito
5) Dacus ciliatus Loew 16) Rhagoletis completa Cresson
6) Dacus curcurbitae Coquillet 17) Rhagoletis fausta (Osten-Sacken)
7) Dacus dorsalis Hendel 18) Rhagoletis indifferens Curran
8) Dacus tryoni (Froggatt) 19) Rhagoletis mendax Curran
9) Dacus tsuneonis Miyake 20) Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh
10) Dacus zonatus Saund. 21) Rhagoletis suavis (Loew)
11) Epochra canadensis (Loew)
(c) Viruses and virus-like organisms
Group of potato viruses and virus-like organisms such as:
1) Andean potato latent virus 4) Potato black ringspot virus
2) Andean potato mottle virus 5) Potato virus T
3) Arracacha virus B, oca strain 6) non-EU isolates of potato viruses A, M, S,
V, X and Y (including Yo, Yn and Yc) and
Potato leafroll virus
Group of viruses and virus-like organisms of Cydonia Mill., Fragaria L., Malus Mill., Prunus L., Pyrus L.,
Ribes L.,Rubus L. and Vitis L., such as:
1) Blueberry leaf mottle virus 8) Peach yellows mycoplasm
2) Cherry rasp leaf virus (American) 9) Plum line pattern virus (American)
3) Peach mosaic virus (American) 10) Raspberry leaf curl virus (American)
4) Peach phony rickettsia 11) Strawberry witches’broom mycoplasma
5) Peach rosette mosaic virus 12) Non-EU viruses and virus-like organisms of
Cydonia Mill., Fragaria L., Malus Mill.,
Prunus L., Pyrus L., Ribes L., Rubus L.
and Vitis L.
6) Peach rosette mycoplasm
7) Peach X-disease mycoplasm
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Annex IIAI
(a) Insects, mites and nematodes, at all stages of their development
Group of Margarodes (non-EU species) such as:
1) Margarodes vitis (Phillipi) 3) Margarodes prieskaensis Jakubski
2) Margarodes vredendalensis de Klerk
1.1.2.3. Terms of Reference: Appendix 3
List of harmful organisms for which pest categorisation is requested. The list below follows the
annexes of Directive 2000/29/EC.
Annex IAI
(a) Insects, mites and nematodes, at all stages of their development
Acleris spp. (non-EU) Longidorus diadecturus Eveleigh and Allen
Amauromyza maculosa (Malloch) Monochamus spp. (non-EU)
Anomala orientalis Waterhouse Myndus crudus Van Duzee
Arrhenodes minutus Drury Nacobbus aberrans (Thorne) Thorne and Allen
Choristoneura spp. (non-EU) Naupactus leucoloma Boheman
Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) Premnotrypes spp. (non-EU)
Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetverikov Pseudopityophthorus minutissimus (Zimmermann)
Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence Pseudopityophthorus pruinosus (Eichhoff)
Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber Scaphoideus luteolus (Van Duzee)
Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata
Mannerheim
Spodoptera eridania (Cramer)
Diabrotica virgifera zeae Krysan & Smith
Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith)
Diaphorina citri Kuway
Spodoptera litura (Fabricus)
Heliothis zea (Boddie)
Thrips palmi Karny
Hirschmanniella spp., other than Hirschmanniella
gracilis (de Man) Luc and Goodey
Xiphinema americanum Cobb sensu lato (non-EU
populations)
Liriomyza sativae Blanchard
Xiphinema californicum Lamberti and Bleve-Zacheo
(b) Fungi
Ceratocystis fagacearum (Bretz) Hunt Mycosphaerella larici-leptolepis Ito et al.
Chrysomyxa arctostaphyli Dietel Mycosphaerella populorum G. E. Thompson
Cronartium spp. (non-EU) Phoma andina Turkensteen
Endocronartium spp. (non-EU) Phyllosticta solitaria Ell. and Ev.
Guignardia laricina (Saw.) Yamamoto and Ito Septoria lycopersici Speg. var. malagutii Ciccarone
and Boerema
Gymnosporangium spp. (non-EU)
Thecaphora solani Barrus
Inonotus weirii (Murril) Kotlaba and Pouzar
Trechispora brinkmannii (Bresad.) Rogers
Melampsora farlowii (Arthur) Davis
(c) Viruses and virus-like organisms
Tobacco ringspot virus Pepper mild tigr
e virus
Tomato ringspot virus Squash leaf curl virus
Bean golden mosaic virus Euphorbia mosaic virus
Cowpea mild mottle virus Florida tomato virus
Lettuce infectious yellows virus
(d) Parasitic plants
Arceuthobium spp. (non-EU)
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Annex IAII
(a) Insects, mites and nematodes, at all stages of their development
Meloidogyne fallax Karssen Rhizoecus hibisci Kawai and Takagi
Popillia japonica Newman
(b) Bacteria
Clavibacter michiganensis (Smith) Davis et al. ssp.
sepedonicus (Spieckermann and Kotthoff) Davis
et al.
Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi et al.
(c) Fungi
Melampsora medusae Th€
umen Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilbersky) Percival
Annex I B
(a) Insects, mites and nematodes, at all stages of their development
Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say Liriomyza bryoniae (Kaltenbach)
(b) Viruses and virus-like organisms
Beet necrotic yellow vein virus
1.2. Interpretation of the Terms of Reference
Septoria lycopersici var. malagutii is one of a number of pests listed in the Appendices to the Terms
of Reference (ToR) to be subject to pest categorisation to determine whether it fulfils the criteria of a
quarantine pest or those of a regulated non-quarantine pest for the area of the EU excluding Ceuta,
Melilla and the outermost regions of Member States referred to in Article 355(1) of the Treaty on the
Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), other than Madeira and the Azores. The pest has been
reclassified as a new species, Septoria malagutii Ciccarone & Boerema ex E.T. Cline, based on cultural
and morphological characteristics as well as multilocus sequence analyses (Cline and Rossman, 2006;
Verkley et al., 2013 –see Section 3.1.1).
2. Data and methodologies
2.1. Data
2.1.1. Literature search
A search of literature (1997–2018) in Web of Science and Scopus was conducted at the beginning
of the categorisation. The search focused on Septoria malagutii and its geographic distribution, life
cycle, host plants and the damage it causes. The following terms of search (TS) and combinations
were used: TS =((“Septoria malagutii”OR “Septoria lycopersici var. malagutii”OR “annular leaf spot of
potato”OR “Septoria leaf spot of potato”) AND (Solanaceae OR Solanum OR Potato OR Tomato OR
eggplant) AND (geograph* OR distribution OR “life cycle”OR lifecycle OR damag*)).
Further references and information were obtained from experts, from citations within the
references and grey literature.
2.1.2. Database search
Pest information, on host(s) and distribution, was retrieved from the European and Mediterranean
Plan Protection Organization (EPPO) Global Database (EPPO, 2018) and relevant publications.
Data about the import of commodity types that could potentially provide a pathway for the pest to
enter the EU and about the area of hosts grown in the EU were obtained from EUROSTAT (Statistical
Office of the European Communities).
The Europhyt database was consulted for pest-specific notifications on interceptions and outbreaks.
Europhyt is a web-based network run by the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
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SANT
E) of the European Commission and is a subproject of PHYSAN (Phyto-Sanitary Controls)
specifically concerned with plant health information. The Europhyt database manages notifications of
interceptions of plants or plant products that do not comply with EU legislation, as well as notifications
of plant pests detected in the territory of the Member States (MS) and the phytosanitary measures
taken to eradicate or avoid their spread.
2.2. Methodologies
The Panel performed the pest categorisation for S. malagutii, following guiding principles and steps
presented in the EFSA guidance on quantitative pest risk assessment (EFSA PLH Panel, 2018) and in
the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No 11 (FAO, 2013) and No 21 (FAO, 2004).
This work was initiated following an evaluation of the EU plant health regime. Therefore, to
facilitate the decision-making process, in the conclusions of the pest categorisation, the
Panel addresses explicitly each criterion for a Union quarantine pest and for a Union regulated non-
quarantine pest in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests
of plants, and includes additional information required in accordance with the specific terms of
reference received by the European Commission. In addition, for each conclusion, the Panel provides a
short description of its associated uncertainty.
Table 1presents the Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 pest categorisation criteria on which the
Panel bases its conclusions. All relevant criteria have to be met for the pest to potentially qualify either
as a quarantine pest or as a regulated non-quarantine pest. If one of the criteria is not met, the pest
will not qualify. A pest that does not qualify as a quarantine pest may still qualify as a regulated non-
quarantine pest that needs to be addressed in the opinion. For the pests regulated in the protected
zones only, the scope of the categorisation is the territory of the protected zone; thus, the criteria
refer to the protected zone instead of the EU territory.
It should be noted that the Panel’s conclusions are formulated respecting its remit and particularly
with regard to the principle of separation between risk assessment and risk management (EFSA
founding regulation (EU) No 178/2002); therefore, instead of determining whether the pest is likely to
have an unacceptable impact, the Panel will present a summary of the observed pest impacts.
Economic impacts are expressed in terms of yield and quality losses and not in monetary terms,
whereas addressing social impacts is outside the remit of the Panel.
Table 1: Pest categorisation criteria under evaluation, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on
protective measures against pests of plants (the number of the relevant sections of the
pest categorisation is shown in brackets in the first column)
Criterion of pest
categorisation
Criterion in Regulation
(EU) 2016/2031
regarding Union
quarantine pest
Criterion in Regulation (EU)
2016/2031 regarding
protected zone quarantine
pest (articles 32–35)
Criterion in Regulation
(EU) 2016/2031
regarding Union
regulated non-
quarantine pest
Identity of the
pest (Section 3.1)
Is the identity of the pest
established, or has it
been shown to produce
consistent symptoms and
to be transmissible?
Is the identity of the pest
established, or has it been shown
to produce consistent symptoms
and to be transmissible?
Is the identity of the pest
established, or has it been
shown to produce
consistent symptoms and
to be transmissible?
Absence/presence
of the pest in the
EU territory
(Section 3.2)
Is the pest present in the
EU territory?
If present, is the pest
widely distributed within
the EU? Describe the pest
distribution briefly!
Is the pest present in the EU
territory? If not, it cannot be a
protected zone quarantine
organism
Is the pest present in the
EU territory? If not, it
cannot be a regulated non-
quarantine pest. (A
regulated non-quarantine
pest must be present in the
risk assessment area)
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The Panel will not indicate in its conclusions of the pest categorisation whether to continue the risk
assessment process, but following the agreed two-step approach, will continue only if requested by
the risk managers. However, during the categorisation process, experts may identify key elements and
knowledge gaps that could contribute significant uncertainty to a future assessment of risk. It would
be useful to identify and highlight such gaps so that potential future requests can specifically target
the major elements of uncertainty, perhaps suggesting specific scenarios to examine.
Criterion of pest
categorisation
Criterion in Regulation
(EU) 2016/2031
regarding Union
quarantine pest
Criterion in Regulation (EU)
2016/2031 regarding
protected zone quarantine
pest (articles 32–35)
Criterion in Regulation
(EU) 2016/2031
regarding Union
regulated non-
quarantine pest
Regulatory status
(Section 3.3)
If the pest is present in
the EU but not widely
distributed in the risk
assessment area, it
should be under official
control or expected to be
under official control in
the near future
The protected zone system aligns
with the pest-free area system
under the International Plant
Protection Convention (IPPC)
The pest satisfies the IPPC
definition of a quarantine pest that
is not present in the risk
assessment area (i.e. protected
zone)
Is the pest regulated as a
quarantine pest? If
currently regulated as a
quarantine pest, are there
grounds to consider its
status could be revoked?
Pest potential
for entry,
establishment and
spread in the EU
territory
(Section 3.4)
Is the pest able to enter
into, become established
in, and spread within, the
EU territory? If yes,
briefly list the pathways!
Is the pest able to enter into,
become established in, and spread
within, the protected zone areas?
Is entry by natural spread from EU
areas where the pest is present
possible?
Is spread mainly via
specific plants for planting,
rather than via natural
spread or via movement of
plant products or other
objects?
Clearly state if plants for
planting is the main
pathway!
Potential for
consequences in
the EU territory
(Section 3.5)
Would the pests’
introduction have an
economic or
environmental impact on
the EU territory?
Would the pests’introduction have
an economic or environmental
impact on the protected zone
areas?
Does the presence of the
pest on plants for planting
have an economic impact,
as regards the intended
use of those plants for
planting?
Available
measures
(Section 3.6)
Are there measures
available to prevent the
entry into, establishment
within or spread of the
pest within the EU such
that the risk becomes
mitigated?
Are there measures available to
prevent the entry into,
establishment within or spread of
the pest within the protected zone
areas such that the risk becomes
mitigated?
Is it possible to eradicate the pest
in a restricted area within 24
months (or a period longer than
24 months where the biology of
the organism so justifies) after the
presence of the pest was
confirmed in the protected zone?
Are there measures
available to prevent pest
presence on plants for
planting such that the risk
becomes mitigated?
Conclusion of pest
categorisation
(Section 4)
A statement as to
whether (1) all criteria
assessed by EFSA above
for consideration as a
potential quarantine pest
were met and (2) if not,
which one(s) were not
met
A statement as to whether (1) all
criteria assessed by EFSA above
for consideration as potential
protected zone quarantine pest
were met, and (2) if not, which
one(s) were not met
A statement as to whether
(1) all criteria assessed by
EFSA above for
consideration as a potential
regulated non-quarantine
pest were met, and (2) if
not, which one(s) were not
met
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3. Pest categorisation
3.1. Identity and biology of the pest
3.1.1. Identity and taxonomy
The fungus causing the annular leaf spot disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum) in South America
was initially described by Jimenez and French (1972) as ‘strain A’of Septoria lycopersici, which is a
common pathogen of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Based on its distinctive host range (i.e. potato)
and preference for cooler temperatures as well as the brown pigmentation of the agar culture media,
Piglionica et al. (1978) described the fungus affecting potato as a new variety of Septoria lycopersici,
namely S. lycopersici var. malagutii to differentiate it from S. lycopersici var. lycopersici (current name:
S. lycopersici). The pest has been reclassified as Septoria malagutii based on multilocus sequence
analyses and cultural and morphological characteristics (Cline and Rossman, 2006; Verkley et al.,
2013). S. malagutii is a species distinct from S. lycopersici (Cline and Rossman, 2006).
Based on the above, this pest categorisation focuses on S. malagutii, the potato pathogen listed in
Council Directive 2000/29/EC as Septoria lycopersici Speg. var. malagutii Ciccarone and Boerema.
The Index Fungorum database (www.indexfungorum.org) provides the following taxonomical
identification for S. malagutii.
Current scientific name: Septoria malagutii Ciccarone & Boerema ex E.T. Cline 2006
Family –Mycosphaerellaceae
Genus –Septoria
Species –malagutii
Other reported synonyms (EPPO, 2018): Septoria lycopersici strain A; Septoria lycopersici var.
malagutii
Common name (EPPO, 2018): annular leaf spot of potato
Other common names (EPPO, 2018): Septoria leaf spot of potato.
3.1.2. Biology of the pest
The pathogen survives on wild solanaceous hosts (see Section 3.4.1) and possibly host plant debris
in the soil (French, 2001). However, it is uncertain how long the pest can survive on these plant
debris. Aerial parts of potato become infected by the conidia (pycnidiospores) splashed (rain-splash or
overhead irrigation) from inoculum sources (plant debris on soil surface or wild hosts). The minimum,
optimal and maximum temperatures for mycelial growth and sporulation in vitro are 3°C, 20–21°C and
27°C, respectively (Jimenez and French, 1972; Piglionica et al., 1978). According to French (2001), a
moist period of up to 2 days and wet leaves are required for infection of potato plants at 16–22°C. The
disease has been reported from areas in the Andean highlands above 2,000 m with cold and humid
conditions (Piglionica et al., 1978; Coca Morante, 2016). No teleomorphic stage of the pathogen is
known (Cline and Rossman, 2006).
3.1.3. Detection and identification of the pest
S. malagutii may be difficult to distinguish from other pathogens causing similar symptoms on
potato aerial parts, such as Alternaria solani (early blight) and Stagonosporopsis andigena (black blight
of potato). However, the brown colour of the concentric lesions and the presence of black pycnidia in
Is the identity of the pest established, or has it been shown to produce consistent symptoms and to be
transmissible?
Yes. The identity of Septoria malagutii is well-established.
Are detection and identification methods available for the pest?
Yes. The pest can be detected and identified based on host association, symptomatology as well as cultural
and morphological characteristics. Nevertheless, for reliable detection and identification of the pest, isolation
and culturing, followed by multilocus sequence analyses, should also be considered.
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
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the centre of the lesions can distinguish S. malagutii from the other potato pathogens (French, 2001;
Coca Morante, 2016; EPPO, 2018). The pest can be distinguished from the closely related S.
lycopersici based on multilocus sequence analyses (Cline and Rossman, 2006; Verkley et al., 2013).
Symptoms
S. malagutii affects stems, leaves and petioles of its hosts (French, 2001). The pest has not been
reported to affect underground plant parts (e.g. roots, tubers, stolons). Initially, the spots are small
(1–5 mm), circular to irregular, dark brown, and with irregular, concentric rings on the upper side of
the leaves. At first these spots appear isolated from one another, but over time they coalesce, giving
rise to lesions up to 12 mm in diameter (French, 2001; Coca Morante, 2016). In the centre of the
lesions, scattered black pycnidia are visible. As the disease progresses, the lesions may coalesce, and
the affected leaves become fragile and susceptible to wind damage (EPPO, 2018). Eventually, leaf
tissues become necrotic and leaves may drop prematurely (French, 2001; EPPO, 2018). On stems and
petioles, the lesions are more elongated, 2 mm wide and up to 15 mm long (French, 2001; EPPO,
2018).
Morphology
In naturally infected leaf lesions, the pycnidia are erumpent, and 90–230 lm in diameter (Jimenez
and French, 1972; French, 2001). The conidia are hyaline and filiform, curved, sometimes straight or
sigmoid, 27–136 lm long and 1.8–3.4 lm wide, with 1–9 septa (average 6) (Jimenez and French,
1972). On potato dextrose agar, the colonies have aerial, white mycelium and the underlying colour is
purplish-grey to pale purplish-grey (Cline and Rossman, 2006). On corn meal agar, the underlying
colour is described as lead grey and the agar below turns brown (French, 2001).
3.2. Pest distribution
3.2.1. Pest distribution outside the EU
S. malagutii is indigenous to areas in the Andean region of South America (EPPO, 2018) (Figure 1
and Table 2). The pest has been reported to be present in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela
(EPPO, 2018), and at altitudes between 3,500 and 4,300 m in Bolivia (Coca Morante, 2016), above
3,000 m in Ecuador (Carrera and Orellana, 1978; EPPO, 2018), between 3,800 and 4,200 m in Peru
(Torres et al., 1970; EPPO, 2018), and between 1,600 and 2,500 m in Venezuela (Piglionica et al.,
1978; EPPO, 2018). S. malagutii has not been reported from any other part of the world.
Figure 1: Global distribution map for Septoria malagutii (extracted from the EPPO Global Database
accessed on 4/9/2018)
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
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3.2.2. Pest distribution in the EU
3.3. Regulatory status
3.3.1. Council Directive 2000/29/EC
Septoria malagutii is listed as S. lycopersici var. malagutii in Council Directive 2000/29/EC. Details
are presented in Tables 3and 4.
3.3.2. Legislation addressing the hosts of Septoria malagutii
Table 2: Global distribution of Septoria malagutii based on information extracted from the EPPO
Global Database (last updated: 12/9/2017; last accessed: 4/9/2018)
Continent Country Status
America Bolivia Present, restricted distribution
Ecuador Present, few occurrences
Peru Present, restricted distribution
Venezuela Present, restricted distribution
Table 3: Septoria malagutii as S. lycopersici var. malagutii in Council Directive 2000/29/EC
Annex I, Part A Harmful organisms whose introduction into, and spread within, all
member states shall be banned
Section I Harmful organisms not known to occur in any part of the community
and relevant for the entire community
(c) Fungi
14. Septoria lycopersici Speg. var. malagutii Ciccarone and Boerema
Table 4: Regulated hosts and commodities that may involve Septoria malagutii as S. lycopersici var.
malagutii in Annexes III, IV and V of Council Directive 2000/29/EC
Annex III,
Part A
Plants, plant products and other objects the introduction of which shall be prohibited in
all Member States
Description Country of origin
10. Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L.,
seed potatoes
Third countries other than Switzerland
11. Plants of stolon- or tuber-forming species
of Solanum L. or their hybrids, intended
for planting, other than those tubers of
Solanum tuberosum L. as specified
under Annex III A (10)
Third countries
13. Plants of Solanaceae intended for
planting, other than seeds and
those items covered
by Annex III A (10), (11) or (12)
Third countries, other than European and
Mediterranean countries
14. Soil and growing medium as such,
which consists in whole or in part of
soil or solid organic substances such
as parts of plants, humus including
peat or bark, other than that composed
entirely of peat
Turkey, Belarus, Moldavia, Russia, Ukraine and third
countries not belonging to continental Europe, other
than the following: Egypt, Israel, Libya, Morocco,
Tunisia
Is the pest present in the EU territory? If present, is the pest widely distributed within the EU?
No. The pest in not known to be present in the EU territory.
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3.4. Entry, establishment and spread in the EU
3.4.1. Host range
The only cultivated natural host of S. malagutii is Solanum tuberosum (potato) (French, 2001;
EPPO, 2018). In the infested areas, the pest has also been reported on other tuber-forming Solanum
Annex IV,
Part A
Special requirements which shall be laid down by all member states for the
introduction and movement of plants, plant products and other objects into and within
all Member States
Section I Plants, plant products and other objects originating outside the Community
Plants, plant products and other
objects
Special requirements
34. Soil and growing medium, attached to
or associated with plants, consisting in
whole or in part of soil or solid organic
substances such as parts of plants,
humus including peat or bark or
consisting in part of any solid
inorganic substance, intended to
sustain the vitality of the plants,
originating in:
—Turkey,
—Belarus, Georgia, Moldova,
Russia, Ukraine,
—non-European countries,
other than Algeria, Egypt,
Israel, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia
Official statement that:
(a) the growing medium, at the time of planting, was:
—either free from soil, and organic matter,
or
—found free from insects and harmful nematodes
and subjected to appropriate examination or heat
treatment or fumigation to ensure that it was free
from other harmful organisms,
or
—subjected to appropriate heat treatment or
fumigation to ensure freedom from harmful
organisms, and
(b) since planting:
—either appropriate measures have been taken to
ensure that the growing medium has been
maintained free from harmful organisms,
or
—within two weeks prior to dispatch, the plants
were shaken free from the medium leaving the
minimum amount necessary to sustain vitality
during transport, and, if replanted, the growing
medium used for that purpose meets the
requirements laid down in (a)
Annex V Plants, plant products and other objects which must be subject to a plant health
inspection (at the place of production if originating in the Community, before being
moved within the Community—in the country of origin or the consignor country, if
originating outside the Community) before being permitted to enter the Community
Part B Plants, plant products and other objects originating in territories, other than those
territories referred to in Part A
Section I Plants, plant products and other objects which are potential carriers of harmful
organisms of relevance for the entire Community
4. Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L.
7. (a) Soil and growing medium as such, which consists in whole or in part of soil or solid organic
substances such as parts of plants, humus including peat or bark, other than that composed
entirely of peat.
(b) Soil and growing medium, attached to or associated with plants, consisting in whole or in part
of material specified in (a) or consisting in part of any solid inorganic substance, intended to sustain
the vitality of the plants, originating in:
—Turkey,
—Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine,
—non-European countries, other than Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia.
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spp. as well as on various solanaceous wild plants/weeds (Carrera and Orellana, 1978; EPPO, 2018).
In greenhouse inoculation trials, the following species were found to be susceptible to the pest:
Solanum acaule, Solanum demissum, Solanum phureja, Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena, Solanum
tuberosum subsp. tuberosum, Solanum melongena, Datura metel, Datura stramonium and Nicotiana
rustica (Jimenez and French, 1972; French, 2001). According to inoculation studies carried out by
Piglionica et al. (1978), S. malagutii was able to infect leaves of tomato cultivars ‘Bonny Best’and
‘Supermarmande’, but produced smaller lesions than those of S. lycopersici.S. malagutii has not been
reported to infect tomato in nature (Cline and Rossman, 2006), nor the above-mentioned experimental
hosts. Uncertainty exists whether tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena)
are potential hosts of the pest because these two plant species are not usually grown in the areas
where the pest has been reported (see Section 3.2.1). Based on the above, the Panel focused the pest
categorisation on Solanum tuberosum, as the major cultivated natural host of the pest.
3.4.2. Entry
S. malagutii is not known to be seed-borne and potato, which is considered the only cultivated
natural host,is propagated with seed tubers, which are not known to be affected by the pest (see
Section 3.1.3). The pest is unlikely to enter the EU territory by natural means (rain or wind-driven rain)
because of the distance between the infested third countries and the risk assessment area. The pest
has been reported to survive in host plant debris in the soil (see Section 3.1.2). However, uncertainty
exists with respect to the maximum period the pest could survive in host plant debris in the soil,
because there is no information in the available literature.
Based on the above, the Panel identified the following pathways for the entry of the pest into the
risk assessment area, in the absence of the current EU legislation:
•soil and growing media associated or not with host and non-host plants for planting and
carrying infected host plant debris, and
•host plants for planting of the family Solanaceae,other than seed tubers, originating in
infested third countries and used for ornamental purposes.
The following potential pathways of entry of S. malagutii into the EU territory are closed
(prohibited) by the current EU legislation (Table 4):
1) Stolon- or tuber-forming plants for planting of Solanum spp., or their hybrids, other than
Solanum tuberosum seed tubers, originating in third countries,
2) Plants for planting of the family Solanaceae, other than Solanum tuberosum seed tubers and
stolon- or tuber-forming Solanum species, originating in third countries, other than European
non-EU28 countries and Mediterranean countries,
3) Soil and growing media attached to or associated with plants originating in Turkey, Belarus,
Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine and non-European countries, other than Algeria, Egypt,
Israel, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia
4) Soil and growing media not attached to or associated with plants originating in Turkey,
Belarus, Moldavia, Russia, Ukraine and third countries not belonging to continental Europe
other than Egypt, Israel, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.
Based on the above, all the pathways associated with host plants for planting, and soil and growing
media, as commodities or substrates, originating in infested third countries are regulated (Council
Directive 2000/29/EC).
The Panel identified the following potential pathway of entry of S. malagutii into the EU, which is
open and not regulated by the EU legislation:
•infected host plant debris in soil adhering to agricultural machinery and implements, footwear,
and vehicles originating in infested third countries.
Is the pest able to enter into the EU territory? (Yes or No) If yes, identify and list the pathways!
Yes, however, all the pathways associated with host plants for planting and soil and growing media
(associated or not with plants for planting) originating in infested third countries are regulated under the
current EU legislation (Council Directive 2000/29/EC).
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The Panel considers this pathway as uncertain because of the distance between the infested
countries and the risk assessment area, and due to the absence of import data in the Eurostat
database (accessed on 2/5/2018). Therefore, this pathway is not considered as a major pathway of
entry and is not further addressed in the following sections.
There is no record of interception of S. malagutii in the Europhyt database (online; search
performed on 4/9/2018).
3.4.3. Establishment
3.4.3.1. EU distribution of main host plants
Potatoes are widely grown in the EU territory (Table 5; Source: Eurostat, data extracted on 6/11/2018).
Potatoes are also grown, but to a lesser extent, in Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, Estonia, Slovenia,
Malta and Luxembourg.
3.4.3.2. Climatic conditions affecting establishment
French (2001) indicated that the disease is prevalent in cold, moist areas of the Andean highlands
of South America at elevations as high as 4,200 m (see Section 3.2.1). Jimenez and French (1972) and
Piglionica et al. (1978) reported the presence of the disease in the Andes of Peru and Venezuela with
humid and cold microclimates with temperatures from 5°Cto20°C. In Ecuador, Carrera and Orellana
(1978) observed the disease in areas with temperatures around 8°C and high relative humidity of
Table 5: Area (in 1,000 ha) cultivated with Solanum tuberosum in the 28 EU Member States
between 2013 and 2017 (Source: Eurostat, extracted on 6/11/2018)
Countries 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Mean of EU area grown with
Solanum tuberosum (in 1,000 ha)
during the period 2013–2017
European Union (EU28) 1,741 1,663 1,656 1,689 1,746 1,699
Poland 337 267 293 301 321 304
Germany 243 245 237 243 251 243
Romania 208 203 196 186 171 193
France 161 168 167 179 194 174
Netherlands 156 156 156 156 161 157
United Kingdom 139 141 129 139 145 139
Belgium 75 80 79 89 93 83
Spain 72 76 72 72 71 73
Italy 50 52 50 48 49 50
Denmark 40 20 42 46 50 39
Portugal 27 27 25 23 24 25
Sweden 24 24 23 24 25 24
Lithuania 28 27 23 22 19 24
Czech Republic 23 24 23 23 23 23
Finland 22 22 22 22 21 22
Greece 25 24 21 19 19 22
Austria 21 21 20 21 23 21
Hungary 21 21 19 16 15 18
Latvia 12 11 10 11 22 13
Bulgaria 13 10 11 8 13 11
Croatia 10 10 10 10 10 10
Only Member States growing more than 10,000 ha are reported.
Is the pest able to become established in the EU territory?
Yes. The biotic (host availability) and abiotic (climate suitability) factors occurring in part of the risk
assessment area are favourable for the establishment of S. malagutii.
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90%. Likewise, Coca Morante et al. (2014) found the disease in the Andean highlands in Bolivia, with
constant cloudiness, high ambient humidity and cold temperatures. Coca Morante (2016) identified the
disease in Bolivia where the conditions were damp and cold (7–15°C C) during the growing season
from November to May.
S. malagutii has been reported in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela at altitudes ranging from
1,600 to 4,300 m (EPPO, 2018). These areas are characterised by different K€
oppen–Geiger climate
types (Peel et al., 2007) (Figure 2). The prevalent climate types are temperate (mainly Cwb: dry
winter, warm summer, and Cfb: without dry season, warm summer) and arid (BSk: steppe, cold, BWk:
desert, cold). The polar tundra climate (ET) is also present in those areas.
Temperate climate types, such as Cfb, are present in most areas of Western Europe, the UK and
Ireland, and in the north of the Iberian Peninsula (Fig. 3). Also, arid climate types, such as BSk, are
present in areas of southern EU Member States, like Spain. Therefore, the climatic conditions occurring
in some parts of the EU are suitable for the establishment of S. malagutii.
Figure 2: K€
oppen–Geiger climate type map of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela (left) and for
altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 4,300 m (right)
4
4
Based on the criteria of Peel et al. (2007) and data at 30-s spatial resolution from the WorldClim 1.4 database (Hijmans et al.,
2005).
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3.4.4. Spread
3.4.4.1. Vectors and their distribution in the EU
Following its establishment in the EU territory, the pest could potentially spread by both natural and
human-assisted means.
Spread by natural means. The pest could potentially spread over short distances by water (rain,
overhead irrigation) splashing and wind-driven rain (French, 2001; EPPO, 2018). Nevertheless,
uncertainty exists on the maximum distance over which conidia of the pathogen could be dispersed by
wind-driven rain.
Spread by human assistance. The pest could potentially spread over long distances via the
movement of (i) infected host plants for planting of the family Solanaceae (other than seed tubers)
grown for ornamental purposes, and (ii) soil and growing media associated or not with host and non-
host plants for planting and carrying infected host plant debris. However, uncertainty exists about the
host status of (i) plants for planting of Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum melongena (except seeds);
and (ii) plants for planting of the family Solanaceae grown for ornamental purposes in the EU.
Likewise, uncertainty exists on the maximum period the pest survives on host plant debris in soil.
Figure 3: K€
oppen–Geiger climate type map of Europe, from Peel et al. (2007)
Is the pest able to spread within the EU territory following establishment? Yes
How? By natural and human-assisted means
RNQPs: Is spread mainly via specific plants for planting, rather than via natural spread or via movement of
plant products or other objects?
Yes. Although the pest has not been reported to affect potato plants for planting (i.e. seed tubers), it could
spread mainly via the movement of host plants for planting of the family Solanaceae, other than seed
tubers, grown for ornamental purposes.
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3.5. Impacts
Potatoes rank fourth on the list of world food crops, after maize, rice, and wheat (FAOSTAT,
online). The total world potato production was estimated at 381.7 million tonnes in 2014. The EU
ranks third in fresh potato production after China and India (FAOSTAT, online). In 2015, the EU
produced 53.2 million tonnes of potatoes, with Germany, France and the Netherlands as the largest
producers (Table 6). The value of EU potato production, including seed potatoes, at basic prices was
EUR 10 billion, representing 2.5% of the total EU agricultural output and 4.7% of the crop output at
EU level (de Cicco and Jeanty, 2017). Most potatoes are traded in the internal EU market. The EU is a
net potato exporter, but potatoes are imported into its territory in winter and spring from Southern
and Eastern Mediterranean countries (de Cicco and Jeanty, 2017).
In Ecuador, Carrera and Orellana (1978) indicated that potato crops of the cultivars ‘Chola’and
‘Pufia’showed up to 60% of leaf area affected by S. malagutii. In Peru, Jimenez and French (1972)
observed almost complete crop loss in areas with favourable weather conditions for disease
development. In Bolivia, Coca Morante (2016) indicated that the disease was sometimes destructive.
Indeed, Coca Morante et al. (2014) reported disease incidence of 100% and defoliation 50 days after
plant emergence in untreated plots of the cultivars ‘Waych’a Pace~
na’and ‘Imilia Negra’. Disease
incidence was reduced to 55–70% with fungicide applied every two weeks. These same authors
reported yield reductions caused by S. malagutii of 42% and 51% in the cultivars ‘Waych’a Pace~
na’
and ‘Imilia Negra’, respectively.
The introduction of the pest in the EU territory would potentially cause direct and indirect impacts
to potato production. However, uncertainty exists whether the agricultural practices (e.g. potato
cultivars) and chemical control methods currently applied in the EU could reduce the impact of pest
introduction.
Table 6: Potato production, including potato seed tubers, in the 28 EU Member States in 2015
(Source: Eurostat; extracted on 2/5/2018)
Country Harvested production
(in 1,000 tonnes)
Share of 28 EU MSs
harvested production (%)
EU-28 53,160 100.00
Germany 10,370 19.51
France 7,114 13.38
Netherlands 6,652 12.51
Poland 6,152 11.57
United Kingdom 5,598 10.53
Belgium 3,665 6.89
Only Member States contributing to more than 5% of the EU potato production are reported.
Would the pests’introduction have an economic or environmental impact on the EU territory?
YES. The introduction of the pest in the EU territory would potentially cause direct and indirect impacts to
potato production and Solanum host species grown for ornamental purposes.
RNQPs: Does the presence of the pest on plants for planting have an economic impact, as regards the
intended use of those plants for planting?
YES. The pest does not affect the potato plants for planting (i.e. seed tubers). However, the presence of the
pest on host plants for planting of the family Solanaceae (other than seed tubers) intended for ornamental
use would have an economic impact.
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Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
3.6. Availability and limits of mitigation measures
3.6.1. Identification of additional measures
Phytosanitary measures (sourcing from pest-free areas or pest-free places of production, inspection
and laboratory testing both at the place of origin and at the EU entry point) are currently applied to
the major host and pathways of entry, which are all regulated (Council Directive 2000/29/EC) (see
Section 3.3). No additional major hosts or unregulated pathways of entry have been identified.
There are no measures that could prevent the establishment of the pest in the EU territory.
3.7. Uncertainty
1) Host range. It is not known whether wild or ornamental species of the genus Solanum in the
EU territory are hosts of the pest. Uncertainty exists whether tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
and eggplant (Solanum melongena) are potential hosts of the pest.
2) Entry. Uncertainty exists on whether the pest could enter the EU territory on infected host
plant debris in soil adhering to agricultural machinery and implements, footwear and
vehicles, because of the distance between the infested countries and the risk assessment
area, and due to the absence of import data in the Eurostat database.
3) Entry and spread. Uncertainty exists on the maximum period the pest survives on host plant
debris in soil.
4) Spread. Uncertainty exists on the maximum distance over which conidia of the pathogen
could be dispersed by wind-driven rain.
5) Impact. Uncertainty exists whether the agricultural practices (e.g. potato cultivars) and chemical
control methods currently applied in the EU could reduce the impact of pest introduction.
4. Conclusions
S. malagutii meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine
pest (Table 7). The criteria for considering S. malagutii as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine
pest are not met since the pest is not known to be present in the EU.
Table 7: The Panel’s conclusions on the pest categorisation criteria defined in Regulation (EU)
2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants (the number of the relevant
sections of the pest categorisation is shown in brackets in the first column)
Criterion
of pest
categorisation
Panel’s conclusions
against criterion in
Regulation (EU) 2016/
2031 regarding Union
quarantine pest
Panel’s conclusions
against criterion in
Regulation (EU) 2016/
2031 regarding Union
regulated non-
quarantine pest
Key uncertainties
Identity
of the pest
(Section 3.1)
The identity of the pest
(Septoria malagutii) is clearly
defined and there are reliable
methods for its detection and
identification
The identity of the pest
(Septoria malagutii) is clearly
defined and there are
reliable methods for its
detection and identification
None
Are there measures available to prevent the entry into, establishment within or spread of the pest within the
EU such that the risk becomes mitigated?
Yes. Please, see Section 3.3.
RNQPs: Are there measures available to prevent pest presence on plants for planting such that the risk
becomes mitigated?
Yes. The presence of the pest on host plants for planting of the family Solanaceae (other than seed tubers)
could be prevented by sourcing them in pest-free areas or places of production
www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal 20 EFSA Journal 2018;16(12):5509
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
Criterion
of pest
categorisation
Panel’s conclusions
against criterion in
Regulation (EU) 2016/
2031 regarding Union
quarantine pest
Panel’s conclusions
against criterion in
Regulation (EU) 2016/
2031 regarding Union
regulated non-
quarantine pest
Key uncertainties
Absence/
presence of the
pest in the EU
territory
(Section 3.2)
The pest is not known to be
present in the EU territory
The pest is not known to be
present in the EU territory
None
Regulatory
status
(Section 3.3)
The pest is currently officially
regulated in the EU as a
quarantine pest (Council
Directive 2000/29/EC)
The pest is currently officially
regulated in the EU as a
quarantine pest (Council
Directive 2000/29/EC). There
are no grounds to consider
its status could be revoked
None
Pest potential
for entry,
establishment
and spread in
the EU territory
(Section 3.4)
Entry: All major pathways of
entry of the pest into the risk
assessment area are regulated
(Council Directive 2000/29/EC)
Establishment: The host
availability and climate factors
occurring in part of the risk
assessment area are
favourable for the
establishment of the pest
Spread: Following
introduction, the pest could
potentially spread by natural
and human-assisted means
The pest does not affect
potato seed tubers.
Therefore, potato plants for
planting is not a means of
spread
Host plants for planting of
the family Solanaceae, other
than seed tubers, grown for
ornamental purposes are
potential means of spread of
the pest
It is not known whether wild or
ornamental species of the
genus Solanum in the EU
territory are hosts of the pest.
Uncertainty exists whether S.
lycopersicum and S. melongena
are potential hosts of the pest
(Uncertainty 1)
Uncertainty exists on whether
the pest could enter the EU
territory on host plant debris in
soil adhering to agricultural
machinery and implements,
footwear and vehicles
(Uncertainty 2)
Uncertainty exists on the
maximum period the pest
survives on host debris in soil
(Uncertainty 3)
No information on the
maximum distance over which
conidia of the pathogen could
be dispersed by wind-driven
rain (Uncertainty 4)
Potential for
consequences
in the EU
territory
(Section 3.5)
The introduction of the pest in
the EU territory would
potentially cause direct and
indirect impacts to potato
production
The presence of the pest on
host plants for planting of
the family Solanaceae, other
than seed tubers, intended
for ornamental use would
have an economic impact
Uncertainty exists whether the
agricultural practices and
chemical control methods
currently applied in the EU
could reduce the impact of pest
introduction (Uncertainty 5)
Available
measures
(Section 3.6)
There are measures available
to prevent the introduction
into and spread within the EU
of the pest such that the risk
becomes mitigated. These
measures are described in
Council Directive 2000/29/EC
The presence of the pest on
host plants for planting of
the family Solanaceae (other
than seed tubers) could be
prevented by sourcing them
in pest-free areas or places
of production
None
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal 21 EFSA Journal 2018;16(12):5509
References
Carrera J and Orellana H, 1978. Estudio de la mancha foliar de la papa Septoria lycopersici sub-grupo A en el
Ecuador. Fitopatologia, 13, 51–57.
de Cicco A and Jeanty J-C, 2017. The EU potato sector-statistics on production, prices and trade. Available online:
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=The_EU_potato_sector_statistics_on_production,_
prices_and_trade&oldid=379570
Cline E and Rossman AY, 2006. Septoria malagutii sp. Nov., cause of annular leaf spot of potato. Mycotaxon, 98,
125–135.
Coca Morante M, 2016. Emergent potato leaf spot diseases in the highland and lowland regions of Bolivia. Journal
of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, 7, 372. https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7471.1000372
Coca Morante M, Castillo-Plata W and M
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ımico de septoriosis (Septoria lycopersici Speg.)
de la papa (Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena) en zonas altoandinas de altura de Bolivia. Revista
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EFSA PLH Panel (EFSA Panel on Plant Health), Jeger M, Bragard C, Caffier D, Candresse T, Chatzivassiliou E,
Dehnen-Schmutz K, Gregoire J-C, Jaques Miret JA, MacLeod A, Navajas Navarro M, Niere B, Parnell S, Potting
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Suffert M, Kertesz V, Kozelska S, Mannino MR, Mosbach-Schulz O, Pautasso M, Stancanelli G, Tramontini S, Vos
S and Gilioli G, 2018. Guidance on quantitative pest risk assessment. EFSA Journal 2018;16(8):5350, 86 pp.
https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5350
EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization), 2018. EPPO Global Database. Available online:
https://gd.eppo.int [Accessed: 4 September 2018].
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 1995. ISPM (International standards for
phytosanitary measures) No 4. Requirements for the establishment of pest-free areas. Available online: https://
www.ippc.int/en/publications/614/
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 2004. ISPM (International Standards for
Phytosanitary Measures) 21—Pest risk analysis of regulated non-quarantine pests. FAO, Rome, 30 pp. Available
online: https://www.ippc.int/sites/default/files/documents//1323945746_ISPM_21_2004_En_2011-11-29_Refor.pdf
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 2013. ISPM (International Standards for
Phytosanitary Measures) 11—Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests. FAO, Rome, 36 pp. Available online:
https://www.ippc.int/sites/default/files/documents/20140512/ispm_11_2013_en_2014-04-30_201405121523-
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FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 2017. ISPM (International standards for
phytosanitary measures) No 5. Glossary of phytosanitary terms. Available online: https://www.ippc.int/en/
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Criterion
of pest
categorisation
Panel’s conclusions
against criterion in
Regulation (EU) 2016/
2031 regarding Union
quarantine pest
Panel’s conclusions
against criterion in
Regulation (EU) 2016/
2031 regarding Union
regulated non-
quarantine pest
Key uncertainties
Conclusion
on pest
categorisation
(Section 4)
Septoria malagutii meets all
the criteria assessed by EFSA
for consideration as potential
Union quarantine pest
The criteria for considering
Septoria malagutii as a
potential Union regulated
non-quarantine pest are not
met since the pest is not
known to be present in the
EU
None
Aspects of
assessment to
focus on/
scenarios to
address in
future if
appropriate
None
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal 22 EFSA Journal 2018;16(12):5509
Hijmans RJ, Susan E. Cameron, Juan L. Parra, Peter G. Jones and Andy Jarvis, 2005. Very high resolution
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Mediterranea, 17, 81–89.
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Abbreviations
DG SANT
E Directorate General for Health and Food Safety
EPPO European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
IPPC International Plant Protection Convention
ISPM International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures
MS Member State
PLH EFSA Panel on Plant Health
PZ Protected Zone
TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
ToR Terms of Reference
Glossary
Containment (of a pest) Application of phytosanitary measures in and around an infested
area to prevent spread of a pest (FAO, 1995, 2017)
Control (of a pest) Suppression, containment or eradication of a pest population (FAO,
1995, 2017)
Entry (of a pest) Movement of a pest into an area where it is not yet present, or
present but not widely distributed and being officially controlled
(FAO, 2017)
Eradication (of a pest) Application of phytosanitary measures to eliminate a pest from an
area (FAO, 2017)
Establishment (of a pest) Perpetuation, for the foreseeable future, of a pest within an area
after entry (FAO, 2017)
Impact (of a pest) The impact of the pest on the crop output and quality and on the
environment in the occupied spatial units
Introduction (of a pest) The entry of a pest resulting in its establishment (FAO, 2017)
Measures Control (of a pest) is defined in ISPM 5 (FAO 2017) as ‘Suppression,
containment or eradication of a pest population’(FAO, 1995). Control
measures are measures that have a direct effect on pest abundance.
Supporting measures are organisational measures or procedures
supporting the choice of appropriate Risk Reduction Options that do
not directly affect pest abundance
Pathway Any means that allows the entry or spread of a pest (FAO, 2017)
Phytosanitary measures Any legislation, regulation or official procedure having the purpose to
prevent the introduction or spread of quarantine pests, or to limit the
economic impact of regulated non-quarantine pests (FAO, 2017)
Protected zones (PZ) A Protected zone is an area recognised at EU level to be free from a
harmful organism, which is established in one or more other parts of
the Union
Quarantine pest A pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered
thereby and not yet present there, or present but not widely
distributed and being officially controlled (FAO, 2017)
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Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
Regulated non-quarantine pest A non-quarantine pest whose presence in plants for planting affects
the intended use of those plants with an economically unacceptable
impact and which is therefore regulated within the territory of the
importing contracting party (FAO, 2017)
Risk reduction option (RRO) A measure acting on pest introduction and/or pest spread and/or the
magnitude of the biological impact of the pest should the pest be
present. A RRO may become a phytosanitary measure, action or
procedure according to the decision of the risk manager
Spread (of a pest) Expansion of the geographical distribution of a pest within an area
(FAO, 2017)
Septoria malagutii: Pest categorisation
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