Pest categorisation of Anisogramma anomala

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Mycology
• Forest Pathology

Background:

• Anisogramma anomala is a fungal pathogen native to North America, responsible for eastern filbert blight.
• The pathogen is currently regulated in the EU, with import bans on Corylus plants from Canada and the USA.
• The disease significantly impacts cultivated and wild hazelnut (Corylus spp.) populations, causing canopy and yield loss, and potentially tree death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of Anisogramma anomala for the European Commission.
• To assess the risks associated with the introduction and establishment of Anisogramma anomala in the EU.
• To evaluate Anisogramma anomala as a potential quarantine pest for the EU.

Main Methods:

• Pest categorisation based on established criteria for regulated pests.
• Review of existing scientific literature and regulatory data on Anisogramma anomala.
• Assessment of potential entry pathways, establishment, spread, and impact within the EU.

Main Results:

• Anisogramma anomala meets the criteria for a potential quarantine pest in the EU.
• The EU possesses suitable hosts (Corylus spp.) and climatic conditions for pest establishment and spread.
• Potential impacts include significant economic losses in hazelnut production and ecological damage to woodlands.

Conclusions:

• Anisogramma anomala represents a high phytosanitary risk to the EU.
• Further research is needed on the role of deadwood in pest spread and the susceptibility of EU hazelnut cultivars and wild populations.
• The pest is not currently present in the EU, but its introduction could have severe consequences.