Pest categorisation of Scirtothrips citri

Area of Science:

• Plant health and phytosanitary risk assessment.
• Entomology and pest management.
• Agricultural science.

Background:

• Scirtothrips citri (citrus thrips) is a pest of citrus and blueberries, with a known distribution in North America and Asia.
• The pest feeds on young foliage and fruit, affecting over 50 host species across 33 plant families.
• S. citri is not currently present in the European Union (EU) but is listed as a harmful organism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorisation of Scirtothrips citri for the European Union.
• To assess the risk of introduction and establishment of S. citri in the EU.
• To evaluate S. citri's status as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) or regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP).

Main Methods:

• Pest categorisation based on available scientific data and EU regulatory criteria.
• Analysis of global distribution, host range, and feeding habits of S. citri.
• Assessment of potential introduction pathways via international trade and likelihood of establishment in EU climates.

Main Results:

• S. citri has a wide host range and feeds on actively growing plant parts, posing a threat to citrus and blueberries.
• International trade of plants for planting and cut flowers represents a potential pathway for introduction into the EU.
• Climatic similarities between regions where S. citri occurs and Mediterranean EU climates suggest a high potential for establishment, particularly in citrus and blueberry growing areas.

Conclusions:

• S. citri meets the criteria for consideration as a potential Union quarantine pest (QP) due to its potential to establish and cause economic damage in the EU.
• Current EU legislation and import measures reduce but do not eliminate the risk of introduction.
• Phytosanitary measures are crucial to prevent the introduction of S. citri into the EU and protect agricultural production.