Pest categorisation of Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Entomology
• Phytosanitary risk assessment

Background:

• Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas cause disease in palms (Arecaceae), with known molecular detection methods.
• The pest is not currently present in the EU, and vectors for most strains are unknown, though *Haplaxius crudus* is confirmed for *Candidatus* Phytoplasma palmae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorisation of Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas for the EU territory.
• To assess the risk of introduction, establishment, and potential impact on EU plant health.

Main Methods:

• Pest categorisation based on EU criteria for Union regulated non-quarantine pests.
• Review of existing knowledge on vectors, host range, and potential entry pathways.

Main Results:

• The pest is not known to occur in the EU and does not meet criteria for a regulated non-quarantine pest.
• Potential entry via plants for planting or infected vectors; establishment is possible due to host plant presence.
• Potential impact is difficult to assess but estimated as limited due to uncertainties regarding EU vectors.

Conclusions:

• Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding EU vectors, seed transmission, trade volumes, and host susceptibility.
• Palm lethal yellowing phytoplasmas meet EFSA's criteria for consideration as a Union quarantine pest.