Pest categorisation of Grapholita prunivora

Abstract

The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct a pest categorisation of Grapholita prunivora (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), an oligophagous moth whose larvae feed mostly on leaves and fruit of different Rosaceae including cultivated apples, plums, cherries and pecans. It overwinters in soil and bark crevices of its host plants. G. prunivora has reliable identification methods, both for adults and immature stages. It occurs in North America, where it can impact pome and stone fruit production, especially when broad spectrum insecticides targeting pome and stone fruit key pests are substituted by more selective crop protection methods (i.e. mating disruption, biological control). G. prunivora is regulated in the EU by EU Directive 2000/29/EC where it is listed in Annex IIAI using the synonym Enarmonia prunivora. Plants for planting, fruit, cut branches, and bark are potential pathways. Most, but not all hosts are regulated, e.g. pecan (Carya sp.). There are no records of interception of this species on Europhyt. Biotic and abiotic conditions are conducive for establishment and spread of G. prunivora in the EU. Therefore, were G. prunivora to establish, impact on pome and stone fruit production could be expected. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess its regulatory plant health status, G. prunivora meets with no uncertainties the criteria for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest (it is absent from the EU, potential pathways exist, and its establishment would cause an economic impact). Given that G. prunivora is not known to occur in the EU, it fails to meet this criterion required for regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) status.