Pest categorisation of non-EU Pissodes spp

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Forest Pathology
• Plant Protection

Background:

• Non-European Pissodes weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are distributed globally, including North America, Asia, and South Africa.
• Several species are recognized as major pests of conifers (Pinus and Picea spp.) and can vector pathogens.
• Their life cycle involves larval stages in tree tissues and adult overwintering in litter or galleries, with adults living up to four years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorization of non-EU Pissodes spp. for the Panel on Plant Health.
• To assess the potential risk these weevils pose to the European Union (EU) territory.
• To determine if non-EU Pissodes spp. meet the criteria for quarantine pests.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on Pissodes spp. distribution, biology, and host interactions.
• Analysis of pathways for introduction, including plants for planting, branches, and wood.
• Evaluation of Pissodes spp. against EU quarantine pest criteria.

Main Results:

• Non-EU Pissodes spp. are present in various countries and are known pests of conifers.
• Potential pathways for introduction into the EU include plants for planting, branches, and wood.
• Adult weevils exhibit long lifespans and can disperse considerable distances.
• All criteria for considering non-EU Pissodes spp. as potential quarantine pests are met, but they are not currently regulated as such due to their absence from the EU.

Conclusions:

• Non-EU Pissodes spp. pose a significant risk of establishment in the EU due to the widespread presence of their host plants.
• Introduction could lead to economic impacts on conifer plantations and disruption of forest ecosystem processes.
• These species meet the criteria for potential quarantine pests and warrant strict monitoring and control measures to prevent introduction.