Pest categorisation of Nacobbus aberrans

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Nematology
• Agricultural Entomology

Background:

• Nacobbus aberrans, the false root-knot nematode, is a pest originally described from the Americas.
• Populations exhibit host range and molecular variability, suggesting a species complex (N. aberrans sensu lato).
• This nematode complex poses a threat to key agricultural crops within the European Union.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of Nacobbus aberrans for the EU.
• To assess the risk of N. aberrans as a Union quarantine pest.
• To evaluate current EU legislation's effectiveness against N. aberrans introduction.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and databases.
• Analysis of host range, geographical distribution, and biological characteristics.
• Assessment against European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) criteria for quarantine pests.

Main Results:

• N. aberrans is a highly polyphagous endoparasite affecting crops such as potato, sugar beet, tomato, and beans.
• The nematode can survive adverse environmental conditions and is spread via plants for planting and soil.
• Climatic conditions in the EU are conducive to its establishment.
• While regulated, current measures may not cover all potential entry pathways for unregulated host plants and associated soil.

Conclusions:

• Nacobbus aberrans sensu lato meets the criteria to be considered a Union quarantine pest.
• Existing EU regulations require enhancement to address all potential introduction pathways.
• Proactive measures are crucial to prevent the establishment of this damaging nematode complex in the EU.