EFSA guidance regarding pest risk assessment previously identified limitations within a generic qualitative risk assessment scheme published to support EU plant health decision making. In seeking to develop methods to overcome the limitations, we report results of a multiphase project where five test risk assessment methods were applied to Anoplophora glabripennis, Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri, Guignardia citricarpa, Meloidogyne chitwoodi, and Xanthomonas citri strains causing citrus bacterial canker. Teams of pest risk assessors applied the methods to the pests and compared methods in relation to EFSA PLH needs. The most promising method was then revised to incorporate desirable features from the other methods and tested on five more case study pests; Acidovorax citrulli, Ca.P. mali, Ca. P. prunorum, M. Fallax and Mycosphaerella dearnessii. In addition the risk assessment method that emerged from the EU funded project PRATIQUE was adapted to better suit EFSA needs and also tested on the second set of pests. Comprehensive datasheets on each pest were compiled to support the risk assessments. Datasheets included information that emerged from individual pest questionnaires distributed to the National Plant Protection Organisations of each EU Member State. Short term experimental studies were conducted to reduce uncertainty regarding survival and infectivity of the root-knot nematodes in the absence of host plants. Small scale experiments also clarified the role of vectors in the spread of Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum, proving that psyllids acquired the pathogen from wild Prunus sp. and transmitted it to orchards. Results from both sets of studies better informed the respective risk assessments and reduced some uncertainties although significant uncertainties still remain elsewhere within assessments. A novel method to determine an index of individual risk components, e.g. likelihood of entry, was developed. The performance of risk reduction options was evaluated by repeating assessments considering scenarios with and without risk reduction options in place. (Resume d'auteur)

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Im September 2011 wurde erstmals in Österreich der Pilz Diplocarpon mali an mehreren Apfelsorten nachgewiesen.

European stone fruit yellows (ESFY) is an EU-listed I/AII disease affecting Prunus spp. caused by ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’. This paper reports the results from a systematic literature review approach that sought to determine the geographic distribution of ‘ Ca . Phytoplasma prunorum’ in European fruit-growing areas. Evidence for the presence of the phytoplasma was found for 15 of the 27 EU countries. It is prevalent in the most important stone fruit production areas of Central and Southern Europe, where it causes substantial impact in apricots ( Prunus armeniaca ), Japanese plums ( P. salicina ) and peaches ( P. persica ). In Northern European areas where these hosts are not produced, it is occasionally found on tolerant species ( P. domestica ). However, because surveys of the disease status of tolerant hosts are not performed, it remains unclear whether the pathogen is absent in Northern Europe or survives in tolerant cultivated or wild hosts. No reports of ESFY were found from the southernmost part of Europe: Portugal, Spain (Andalucia, Castile–La Mancha), Italy (Sicily, Puglia), Greece (Crete), Cyprus and Malta. This may be explained by the absence of the favoured wild hosts of the vector. Moreover, it remains unclear if the vector finds suitable conditions for aestivation and overwintering in these regions.

Climate warming allows invasive pests to establish in areas where they have not been recognized before. Since its introduction in the 1950's in southern France, grapevine 'flavescence doree', a quarantine disease of grapevines, has spread significantly in Europe and has first been detected in Austria in the southeast of Styria in autumn 2009, which currently marks the Northeastern border of its extension. VitisCLIM, a project funded by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund, started in April 2011 and aims to model the current and future potential distribution of the disease and its vector, the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus, in Europe under the influence of climate change. Vine growing areas of high risk in Austria will be defined. Based on scientific literature and empiric studies, an epidemiological model will simulate the temporal and spatial dynamics of the spread of the disease and its vector. Sensitivity analysis will determine critical parameters, including different management strategies which have an impact on the dynamics of the spread. The spread model, together with the results of a survey on direct and indirect costs will then be used in Input-Output Analysis to model the potential economic impact of 'flavescence doree' to Austrian viticulture and related economic sectors. The results of the project will be communicated to stakeholders, risk managers, policy makers.

In this study, 15 early-ripening strawberry cultivars were evaluated on 11 sites in Austria regarding their susceptibility to root and leaf diseases. The main aim was to find cultivars with field resistance to Verticillium dahliae and other soilborne pathogens and to explore the interactions between cultivars and sites. 'Daroyal', 'Clery', 'Asia', 'Betty', 'Queen Elisa', and 'Alba' showed a comparably high vitality on all sites and a low number of plant losses on one site highly infested with V. dahliae. Cultivars susceptible to Verticillium wilt, were also prone to root diseases on non-infested sites. In addition, interactions between cultivars and sites played a significant role.

In 2004 and 2005, strawberries (cultivar Elsanta) were tested under different management systems in a field trial to find out if different fertilizing and plant protecting systems have an influence on growth, health and yield of plants. Four differently managed organic variants, fertilized since 1998 with green compost, compost from horse manure, horn chips and an unfertilized control were compared with two conventionally managed variants, one with and one without use of herbicide, which were both treated with fungicides and mineral fertilizer. The differences in field characteristics of strawberries in the observed years 2004 and 2005 were low. The use of different organic fertilizers (green compost, horn chips, compost from horse manure) had no influence on soil and fruit diseases in comparison with the unfertilized control. On the basis of the results, organic strawberry production was comparable to conventional production regarding the obtained yield of marketable fruits.

A long-term survey on the presence of phytoplasmas in Austrian viticulture was conducted from 2004 to 2010. ‘Boir noir’ was widespread in all Austrian vine growing areas, no other phytoplasmas could be identified until 2009. The first finding of grapevine ‘flavescence doree’ (FD) was in Southeast Styria in 2009. FD was identified in Vitis vinifera (cv. “Muller Thurgau” and “Samling 88”), in an American hybrid (cv. Isabella) and phytoplasmas of the same subgroup were also detected in Clematis vitalba. This first disease outbreak affected four different vineyards. Incidence of few newly-affected grapevines and clematis plants were observed within the infected area, however about 0.5 ha vine growing area has been uprooted until 2010. A second outbreak of FD was detected in the region of South Styria. It was an isolate disease outbreak on two single grapevines (cv. Samling 88) and FD-related phytoplasmas were also detected in three plants of C. vitalba. The ribosomal group affiliation of all characterized samples from both regions indicated that the phytoplasmas belonged to the ribosomal subgroup 16SrV-C. To prevent further spreading of this quarantine pathogen focus zones and a buffer zones were designated in Southeast Styria and in South Styria.

The present study was conducted within the framework of a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)-funded project (Prima pha- cie). The objective was to determine the current status of 'Ca. P. pyri' in the fruit growing areas of the European Union (EU) based on a systematic literature review approach (SLR). The results show that 'Ca. P. pyri' occurs in 15 out of the 27 EU coun- tries, including the most important pear production areas in the EU. 'Ca. P. pyri' is not reported from ten pear producing coun- tries, only two of which declared the absence on the basis of official surveys. In the eight others, official surveys for pest freedom are not available, thus contributing to the uncertain pest status in those countries. Within the Prima phacie project, the results of the SLR are used when analyzing the risk of entry, establishment, spread and impact of 'Ca. P. pyri' in regions where it is not pre- sent. Furthermore, the results are used to test the effectiveness of different options in reducing the risk of introduction and spread.

For organic strawberry production the choice of cultivar is of high importance. Specific regional characteristics and farmer’s preferences have to be considered. For the last decades, ‘Elsanta’ has been the main cultivar in European strawberry production, on organic as well as on conventional farms, although this cultivar has a high susceptibility to soilborne pathogens and sometimes a lack of flavour. The aim of this work was to find early-ripening cultivars suitable for organic growing in Eastern Austria to sell on the fresh market. In spring 2007, 15 cultivars were planted on an organically managed site with a high microsclerotia content of Verticillium dahliae in the North of Vienna. The following parameters were assessed in 2008 and 2009: plant vigour, marketable yield, percentage and categories of unmarketable fruits, incidence of the blossom weevil, fruit quality characteristics and consumer acceptance. Because of the high risk for Verticillium wilt on the site, the differences in susceptibility of the cultivars could be well documented. Some cultivars showed a medium to high tolerance to root diseases and were also convincing regarding yield and fruit quality. As conclusion, some new cultivars could be found which can be recommended as alternatives or supplements to ‘Elsanta’ for organic production.

In late 2009, a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)‐funded project (Prima phacie) began work to review and test methodologies for conducting pest risk assessment by means of case studies on three phytoplasmas (Candidatus Phytoplasma mali, Ca. P. prunorum, Ca. P. pyri); two bacteria (Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli, Xanthomonas citri [=X. axonopodis] pv. citri); two fungi (Guignardia citricarpa, Mycosphaerella dearnessii); two nematodes (Meloidogyne chitwoodi, M. fallax); and an insect (Anoplophora glabripennis). Multiple risk assessment schemes and methods will be applied to each of the case study pests, allowing for a comparative assessment of methods. Methods to assess the effectiveness of possible risk management options for each pest will also be evaluated. The project will further develop the scientific basis for pest risk assessment within the European Community and identify methodologies most suitable for conducting risk assessments and for evaluating the effectiveness of possible risk management options by the EFSA Panel on Plant Health in order to support European decision making. The project lasts 29 months, and is being conducted by an international consortium of 11 partners consisting of phytosanitary organizations, research institutes and a university. Results will be disseminated via conventional publications and at a workshop in March 2012.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on a document titled "Citrus Black Spot: Pest Risk Assessment document for the review of current phytosanitary regulations pertaining to the export of fresh citrus fruit from the Republic of South Africa to the EU", received in June 2000 from the national plant protection organisation of South Africa. In particular, the Panel was requested, pursuant to Article 29(1) and Article 22(5) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, to provide a scientific opinion on the pest risk assessment and additional supporting evidence provided by South Africa, with regard to the suitability of the European Union (EU) citrus fruit producing areas, the likelihood of an introduction, leading to an establishment, and the appropriateness of the level of protection under the existing management options. The Panel was also asked to identify whether effective options, alternative to those already present in Directive 2000/29/EC, could be suggested to prevent introduction of citrus black spot into the Community.This document presents the opinion of the Panel on Plant Health on the pest risk assessment conducted by South Africa on Guignardia citricarpa with the EU citrus growing areas as endangered area.Citrus black spot (CBS), caused by the fungus Guignardia citricarpa Kiely, is a leaf-spotting and fruit-blemishing disease affecting Citrus, Poncirus, Fortunella spp. and their hybrids. Except for sour orange and Tahiti limes, all commercially grown citrus species and cultivars are affected by the disease. Lemon is particularly susceptible and thus, in an unaffected area, the disease usually first appears on this species. CBS is present in citrus-producing areas in Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America, but it has never established in Europe, North America, Central America and the Caribbean region. Due to the external blemishes, CBS symptomatic citrus fruit is unsuitable for the fresh market. Severe infections may cause premature fruit drop, especially in years favourable for disease development and when fruit is held on the trees past peak maturity. In addition, asymptomatic fruit at harvest may still develop symptoms during transport or in storage. The pathogen is classified as a harmful organism for the European Community in Annex II part A Section I of the Council Directive 2000/29/EC.The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. The review was based on the principles of the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 11: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms (2004) and the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM No. 14: The use of integrated measures in a systems approach for pest risk management (2002), by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) (FAO, 2007).The Panel, has studied the pest risk assessment and additional supporting evidence supplied by South Africa, as well as new information collected by the Panel, and concludes the following.1. With regard to the suitability of the EU citrus fruit producing areas for establishment of CBS in terms of their climatic conditions:Based on (a) the evaluation of the application of CLIMEX (Paul et al., 2005), (b) the limitations of CLIMEX in predicting the potential distribution of pathogens such as G. citricarpa, (c) the relative climatic similarities between locations where CBS occurs in Eastern Cape Province and some locations where citrus is grown in the EU and (d) the results of the application of a generic infection model for foliar fungal pathogens, the Panel cannot agree with the conclusion by Paul et al. (2005) that the climate of the EU is unsuitable for the establishment of G. citricarpa.2. With regard to the likelihood of an introduction, leading to an establishment, of CBS to the EU citrus fruit producing areas on CBS infected citrus fruit:The Panel considers that G. citricarpa is associated with the citrus fruit in South Africa, is able to survive transport, storage and existing pest management procedures, especially in the form of quiescent infections and inconspicuous symptoms, and may be transferred to suitable hosts by means of splash dispersal from citrus black spot infected citrus fruit and peel. The Panel therefore concludes that G. citricarpa may enter the PRA area with infected citrus fruit. The Panel has also determined that, given the widespread distribution of susceptible hosts within the PRA area, cultural and climatic factors will not prevent the establishment of the pathogen.The Panel concludes therefore that entry of G. citricarpa, leading to establishment in the EU citrus fruit production areas, on CBS infected citrus fruit is possible. The South African documents do not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the importation of citrus fruit from infested areas is a very unlikely pathway for the introduction of G. citricarpa into these areas.3. With regard to the appropriateness of the level of protection under the existing risk management options listed in Annex IV, Part A, Section I, point 16.4 of Council Directive 2000/29/EC:Theoretically, the four existing risk management options are effective and in line with the IPPC principle of 'equivalence', but practical limitations may reduce their effectiveness. Option 16.4 (a) (pest free country) would be effective, but does not apply to South Africa. Option 16.4 (b) (pest free area) is effective in principle, but requires intensive continuous monitoring to maintain an accurate delimitation of this area. Information on such a monitoring programme was not provided to the Panel, so the effectiveness of this option could not be evaluated specifically for citrus fruit originating from South Africa. The Panel considered option 16.4 (c) (no symptoms in the field of production) to be not fully effective: the effectiveness depends on the intensity of the field inspection procedures in the field of production. Specification of the methods and level of accuracy of these inspection procedures is not required according to 2000/29/EC, and they are not specified by South Africa. The Panel considered option 16.4 (d) (appropriate field treatments) insufficiently effective, since no mitigating measure in the field, or combination of field treatments has been shown to fully prevent or eliminate fruit infections.Observing the frequent interceptions of consignments of citrus fruit infested with G. citricarpa, originating from South Africa, the Panel concludes that the existing risk management options are not sufficient to prevent the entry of G. citricarpa.The Panel observes that the existing measures apply to the whole territory of the European Community, where the movement of consignments of citrus fruit is not restricted. The Panel concludes that phytosanitary inspections and interceptions at all points of entry to the Community are appropriate in order to protect the citrus fruit growing areas. Therefore, the existing measures are in line with the IPPC principle of minimal impact.Uncertainties associated with estimating the effectiveness of risk management options, which do not affect the Panel conclusions, may arise from lack of information on the sampling procedures that are part of various management options, and from insufficient data on the effectiveness of mitigation methods.4. With regard to the identification of effective options, alternative to those already present in Directive 2000/29/EC, to prevent introduction of citrus black spot into the Community:The Panel observes that post-harvest treatments of fruit are currently not listed as risk management options in Annex IV, Part A, Section I, point 16.4 of Council Directive 2000/29/EC. The combination of pre-harvest (field) treatments with post harvest treatments would further reduce, but not eliminate the risk of introduction. The Panel suggests including effective post-harvest treatments in option 16.4 (d). It is noted that, despite routine application of post-harvest treatment of citrus fruit by South Africa, frequent interceptions of infested consignments occur at the Community points of entry. The Panel suggests an investigation of the exact causes for infested consignments arrival at the EU border despite applied mitigation measures in South Africa.For South Africa, as the country of origin, the Panel suggests that methods to accelerate citrus black spot symptoms development, combined with a standardised sampling scheme, could be applied in a pre-entry quarantine system to improve the detection of infested consignments before shipping.For the European Community, the Panel suggests that demarcation of endangered and nonendangered areas could be combined with distinctive measures regarding end use and distribution of citrus fruit, that are less trade-restrictive.

As part of a research project 13 cultivars were planted in 2005 at 11 sites in 5 different Austrian regions. The aim was to find new cultivars tolerant to the soil-borne pathogen Verticillium dahliae and to leaf/fruit diseases, with high yield and good fruit quality, to serve as alternative to 'Elsanta', a highly susceptible cultivar regarding soil-borne diseases. Infestation with V dahliae was evaluated in 2005 and 2006 at 7 sites and in 2007 at 3 sites. Moreover marketable yield, percentage of different categories of unmarketable fruits, plant vigour, and incidence of the blossom weevil Anthonomus rubi, of chlorosis and of leaf spot diseases were assessed on 2 of the sites in 2006 and 2007.'Elsanta' showed the highest infestation with V. dahliae whereas 'Salsa' and 'Daroyal' were most tolerant. 'Daroyal', 'Queen Elisa', 'Eva' and 'Dora' showed very high plant vigour. 'Dora', 'Eva', 'Queen Elisa' and 'Daroyal' recorded significantly higher losses by the blossom weevil than 'Alice'. Highest marketable yield per plant had the late ripening cultivars, particularly 'Salsa' and 'Sonata'. Of all early ripening cultivars tested, 'Darselect' showed the highest yield, followed by 'Elsanta', 'Daroyal' and 'Alba'.Summing up all the results, 'Alba', 'Alice', 'Daroyal', 'Darselect' and 'Salsa' can be recommended for organic production. 'Elsanta' and 'Sonata' had high yield under organic farming conditions, but are highly susceptible to V dahliae. 'Salsa', 'Daroyal', 'Alice', 'Record' and 'Queen Elisa' are suitable for growing in Verticillium-infested soils. As new alternatives to 'Elsanta', the early ripening cultivars 'Alba', 'Clery, 'Daroyal' and 'Queen Elisa' can be used, though 'Clery' and 'Queen Elisa' had rather low yield under organic farming conditions and 'Alba' and 'Clery' are only partially tolerant to V dahliae. 'Divine' and 'Dora' had low yield and are susceptible to Verticillium-wilt and 'Record' is prone to grey mould. These cultivars cannot be recommended for organic production.

The European Commission requested the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide a scientific opinion on the report "Mortality verification of pinewood nematode from high temperature treatment of shavings" provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) Nickle, is listed in Community plant health legislation and protective measures include a requirement that wood shavings of coniferous wood (except that of Thuja L.) originating in the United States (US) must be heat treated to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56 degrees C for at least 30 minutes.The USDA, through the United Kingdom (UK) Authorities, requested the recognition of an alternative treatment by the European Community. The request was supported by a report of an experiment entitled "Mortality verification of pinewood nematode from high temperature treatment of shavings" and additional explanatory information. This report (and additional explanatory information) presents a treatment process whereby wood shavings are exposed to high temperatures (398 degrees C) for a short time (3 minutes). The report was submitted to EF SA's Scientific Panel on Plant Health for evaluation with regard to the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed treatment method, as an alternative to the current heat treatment requirement. A scientific opinion was requested to assist risk managers in considering the technical justification for derogation from the current treatment requirement for wood shavings of coniferous wood listed in Annex IV, Part A, Section 1, point 1.2 of the Council Directive 2000/29/EC2.The Panel examined the report and supporting information in detail and based its conclusions on the following:An analysis of the cited references, and the extent to which they support the statements made in the introduction and discussion sections of the USDA report;Evaluation of the materials, methods and results presented in the report andA statistical analysis performed by the Panel to test the hypothesis of a mortality estimate after the heat treatment lower than 100%.No comparison is made of the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed treatment method in relation to the current treatment requirement.The scope of this opinion is restricted to one species of Pinus "white pine" (Pinus strobus) as no wider species testing of other coniferous wood has been undertaken. Although the Panel is requested to consider the proposed treatment as an alternative to the current requirement for coniferous wood shavings, this extrapolation of the findings of the report cannot be made since no species other than white pine have been tested.According to the Panel, the references cited do not provide adequate evidence to support the effectiveness of the high temperature treatment proposed, are in some cases incorrectly interpreted and do not sufficiently validate the premise behind the treatment as stated in the USDA report. In particular, the relationship between lethal temperature and duration of exposure was not accurately established and no conclusion can, therefore, be derived about the appropriateness of the proposed temperature/time combination.The Panel considers that the accuracy of the results is difficult to assess due to missing data in the report for the control samples. The report claims that the treatment results in 100% mortality, but a statistical analysis is not included in the report to specify the statistical level of confidence supporting these results. The Panel performed a statistical analysis of the data provided in the USDA report and cannot exclude that the mortality estimate is lower than 99.85%.Uncertainties relating to the experimental design are identified by the Panel. These include:The effect of the high temperature treatment alone, independent of the shredding process cannot be derived from this experiment.After the shredding process, shavings are expelled onto a mesh conveyer, which allows dust and particles to fall before the material enters the dryer. The possibility of B. xylophilus contamination from untreated waste material is not discussed.Only one temperature-time combination has been tested. Therefore the safety margins and reliability of routine operational application of the proposed high temperature treatment cannot be derived from this experiment. This is noted as particularly important in relation to the short exposure time of 3 minutes proposed.A temperature of 115 degrees C is recorded at the end of the high temperature treatment. Thus, a continuous exposure to 398 degrees C for 3 minutes cannot be confirmed from the experiment described.The Panel considers that several elements of the experiment were also not adequately described:The temperature of the wood shavings in the experiment is unknown. Further information on temperature measurement and placement of thermal sensors would enable more accurate evaluation of the temperature exposure over time.A number of factors that may influence the results of the experiment are unknown. These include: the volume of the wood shavings relative to the air volume inside the dryer, the homogeneity of the distribution of the shavings in the dryer and wood moisture levels at the start of the treatment.No information is provided to confirm the identity and the frequency of occurrence of the most resistant life stages of B. xylophilus in the treated samples. The storage conditions of the control samples are unknown, which may affect the natural mortality over time.The Panel agrees that there is potential for development of an alternative treatment protocol based on exposure of wood shavings to high temperatures for a short duration. The Panel however, does not consider that the evidence presented in this report demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed temperature/time regime as an alternative to the heat treatment requirement for coniferous wood shavings set out in Annex IV Part A Section I Point 1.2. of Council Directive 2000/29/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on a pest risk analysis for Thaumetopoea processionea L. prepared by the UK. The Panel was also asked to consider in its opinion the plant health risk of T. processionea to the whole EU territory.The oak processionary moth, Thaumetopoea processionea, is established in Europe and feeds primarily on deciduous oak (Quercus) species. The insect has one generation per year and overwinters as eggs laid on branches of oak trees. After emergence, the larvae feed gregariously and from the 5th instar form a communal silken nest on the tree from which they typically migrate in procession to feed. Feeding may result in partial or complete tree defoliation. From the third instar, the larvae produce urticating hairs which may cause allergic reactions in humans and animals.The Panel examined in detail the UK document to determine whether the evidence presented in the document supports the conclusions reached for the assessment area of the UK, including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.To consider the risks posed to the whole area of the European Community, the Panel analysed additional information obtained from a review of the literature and from consultation with experts in the EU. The Panel conducted a preliminary climatic analysis to explore the establishment in the whole EU area, based on temperature accumulation.Based on the above, the Panel reaches the following conclusions:1. With regard to the evaluation of the UK document:the Panel agrees that the probability for entry on the plants for planting pathway is moderate to high. It further agrees that the probability of entry of T. processionea on the oak roundwood pathway is low;the Panel agrees that the probability of establishment of T. processionea in the southern area of the UK is high given the presence of breeding populations in London and Jersey, the widespread distribution of oak trees and the favourable climatic conditions in the southern part of the assessment area;in the UK document evidence is not presented to support the statement that the impact of the oak processionary moth on oak trees is major. Pest management measures applied in areas where the pest is established relate primarily to human health effects and thus are not considered to be a reliable indicator of the magnitude of plant health impact of T. processionea;the Panel concludes from an evaluation of the risk assessment provided for the assessment area of the UK and review of additional information, that T processionea may enter, establish and spread in the UK and has the potential to cause negative effects on the health of Quercus spp. although there is a high level of uncertainty relating to the magnitude of the effects on wood yield and quality which are directly attributed to T. processionea;for the plants for planting pathway, visual inspection, pest surveillance and the establishment of pest free areas or places of production are proposed as risk management options in the UK document. The Panel agrees that uncertainties relating to adult dispersal and the absence of tested surveillance methods may influence the effectiveness and practical implementation of the management options proposed. Further analysis on natural dispersal by flight would assist in evaluation of entry pathways and risk management measures, including those taken in the area of the UK where the pest is present and under official control;the Panel agrees that the management options proposed for the roundwood pathway can reduce the risk of introduction i.e. removal of bark, restriction of time of year of felling and export of roundwood. There are uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of visual inspection for the presence of nests and the practicality of bark removal for oaks.2. With regard to the risk assessment conducted for the whole EU territory:T. processionea occurs in many Member States of the EU territory, but the Panel found no reports to suggest that the pest is established in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta or Sweden;the presence of the pest in many areas of the EU territory provides opportunity for natural dispersal of T. processionea into adjacent areas where it is not currently established. Natural dispersal of adults may be restricted by geographic barriers (e.g. sea, mountains);the results from the exploratory analysis conducted by the Panel indicate that spring and summer temperatures are suitable for larval and pupal development in parts of all EU member states where the pest is currently absent. Overwintering survival is not considered to be a key factor in defining the northern limits to the distribution. Limited availability of host plants (Quercus spp.) and low summer temperatures are likely to restrict the potential area of establishment to southern areas of the most northern EU member states;reports of the plant health impact of T. processionea range from low to high. Due to the high level of variation in the level of plant health impact in the pest's current area of distribution, more detailed analysis is required to assess the consequences of further spread in areas where it is not currently established in the EU;the Panel considers that the degree of uncertainty is high. The main uncertainties relate to:- differences in the magnitude of the pest effects reported from different areas of the EU where the pest is established,- the plant health impact directly attributed to T. processionea alone and in combination with other stress factors contributing to tree mortality,- factors affecting the health status and susceptibility of Quercus spp. to defoliation by T. processionea,- the current distribution of T. processionea in the EU territory and lack of biological data needed to estimate the potential expansion of the range of T. processionea,- natural dispersal capabilities of T. processionea females and effectiveness of surveillance methods.Phytosanitary measures are unlikely to prevent natural dispersal of the pest. Phytosanitary measures aimed at plants for planting could, however, reduce the probability of introduction of the pest into areas of the EU territory where the pest is currently absent, or present but under official control. Therefore, the Panel concludes that T. processionea may be considered as a harmful organism and hence is potentially eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Council Directive 2000/29/EC.(3)

The USDA, through the United Kingdom (UK) Authorities, requested the recognition of an alternative treatment by the European Community. The request was supported by a report of an experiment entitled Mortality verification of pinewood nematode from high temperature treatment of and additional explanatory information. This report (and additional explanatory information) presents a treatment process whereby wood shavings are exposed to high temperatures (398 °C) for a short time (3 minutes). The report was submitted to EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Plant Health for evaluation with regard to the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed treatment method, as an alternative to the current heat treatment requirement. A scientific opinion was requested to assist risk managers in considering the technical justification for derogation from the current treatment requirement for wood shavings of

Verticillium sp. causes plant loss and yield decrease in many Austrian strawberry regions. 'Elsanta', the main early-mid season strawberry cultivar, is highly susceptible to soil-borne pathogens. Aims of this project were, 1) to test new strawberry cultivars in different Austrian strawberry regions regarding their robustness to soil-borne and fruit diseases to serve as alternative to 'Elsanta', and 2) to test the application of beneficial microbes to increase the tolerance of 'Elsanta'. Thirteen cultivars were planted in 2005 at eleven sites. Infestation with Verticillium dahliae was evaluated in 2005 and 2006 at seven sites and at three sites in 2007. Marketable yield and percentage of unmarketable fruits were assessed on two of the sites in 2006 and 2007. 'Elsanta' showed the highest infestation with V. dahliae whereas 'Salsa' and 'Daroyal' were highly tolerant. Of all early ripening cultivars tested, 'Darselect' showed the highest yield, followed by 'Elsanta', 'Daroyal', and 'Alba'. In conclusion, 'Alba', 'Clery', 'Daroyal', and 'Queen Elisa' are recommended as new alternatives to 'Elsanta'. In the inoculation trial, the following microorganisms were chosen: Bacillus subtilis ('FZB24'), Trichoderma harzianum ('Promot'), and Serratia plymuthica ('Rhizostar'). The effects of these products were tested in a substrate inoculated with V. dahliae and in a non-inoculated substrate. In 2007 and 2008, fruit yield and fruit quality parameters were assessed, and in 2008, leaf and root dry weights were measured. Plants showed no symptoms of Verticillium wilt in both years. Plants treated with Rhizostar had a significantly higher leaf dry weight. No other significant differences between the treatments were found, neither in yield nor in fruit quality parameters.

The European Food Safety Authority requested the Panel on Plant Health to produce a guidance document on the evaluation of documents prepared by EU Member States or third parties to justify requests for phytosanitary measures to be considered under Council Directive 2000/29/EC3.The Panel reviewed the 36 opinions published in the period 2006-2008, and in particular considered the evaluation process for 30 pest risk analysis documents prepared by France on organisms considered harmful for the overseas Departments of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Reunion. It also considered the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and the evaluation process is presented with reference to the elements of ISPM No. 11: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms(4).This guidance confirms the criteria used by the Panel in evaluating whether the evidence presented in the submitted documents supports the conclusion that an organism may pose a risk to plant health and therefore be considered as a harmful organism. The following elements are used as the basis of the conclusions reached by the Panel:- the potential for consequences to cultivated and managed plants and environmental consequences following the introduction of the organism to a specified area- the likelihood of establishment and spread- the likelihood of entry by analysis of the potential pathways presented- the uncertainties which may influence the conclusions reached.If requested, the Panel may also identify and evaluate the effectiveness of potential risk management options a) in reducing the risk of entry and b) in reducing the magnitude of the potential consequences following the introduction of an organism considered to pose a risk to plant health in the European Community.