Pest categorisation of Aschistonyx eppoi

Area of Science:

• Plant Health
• Entomology
• Pest Risk Analysis

Background:

• Aschistonyx eppoi (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) is a gall midge native to Japan and Korea.
• It is recognized as a pest of Juniperus chinensis, with limited existing research.
• The species is currently absent from the European Union (EU) and listed under EU plant health directives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorization of Aschistonyx eppoi for the EU.
• To assess the potential risks and impact of A. eppoi if introduced into the EU.

Main Methods:

• Pest categorization based on available scientific literature.
• Review of interception records and eradication efforts within the EU.
• Assessment against criteria for regulated quarantine and non-quarantine pests.

Main Results:

• Aschistonyx eppoi is a distinct species, currently absent from the EU, with past interceptions and successful eradication.
• Potential pathways include plants for planting and branches of Juniperus spp.
• High uncertainties exist regarding its impact on EU Juniperus species and wild vegetation.

Conclusions:

• Aschistonyx eppoi meets criteria for a potential quarantine pest due to its pest status and pathways.
• Uncertainty regarding host specificity and impact prevents classification as a regulated non-quarantine pest.
• The pest's potential impact is likely limited to southern EU regions due to its origin in warm climates.