Pest categorisation of Hirschmanniella spp

Area of Science:

• Plant Nematology
• Pest Risk Assessment
• Agricultural Entomology

Background:

• The genus Hirschmanniella comprises root endoparasitic nematodes adapted to aquatic environments.
• Five Hirschmanniella species are present in the EU, with most species originating from tropical regions.
• These nematodes primarily infest monocotyledons, including aquatic plants and rice, posing significant agricultural threats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of the nematode genus Hirschmanniella within the EU.
• To evaluate the risk posed by Hirschmanniella species to plant health and agriculture in the European Union.
• To determine which species meet the criteria for Union quarantine pests.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and data on Hirschmanniella species distribution, hosts, and economic impact.
• Assessment of species against criteria for Union quarantine pests as defined by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
• Categorisation of species into four groups based on their pest status and risk to the EU.

Main Results:

• Four of the five Hirschmanniella species present in the EU were categorised into groups based on their pest risk.
• Species reported as pests of crop plants met the criteria for Union quarantine pests.
• Species not reported to cause economic damage, or already present and non-damaging in the EU, did not meet all criteria for quarantine pest status.

Conclusions:

• Certain Hirschmanniella species present a potential quarantine pest risk to the EU, particularly affecting rice and aquatic plants.
• While some species are established in the EU without causing damage, others require ongoing monitoring and management.
• Further research may be needed to clarify the potential economic impact of certain Hirschmanniella species introduced into the EU.