Pest categorisation of non-EU Margarodidae

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Plant Health
• Pest Risk Assessment

Background:

• The family Margarodidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) comprises cosmopolitan, soil-dwelling scale insects, with nymphs feeding on plant roots.
• Some Margarodidae species are significant pests of economically important crops like grape vines, sugarcane, and cotton.
• Potential introduction pathways into the EU include the import of soil and rooted plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorisation of species within the Margarodidae family.
• To identify Margarodidae species that meet the criteria for Union quarantine pests.
• To assess the risk posed by non-European Margarodidae species to the EU.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and data on Margarodidae species distribution, host plants, and pest status.
• Categorisation of 97 non-EU Margarodidae species into three risk groups based on established criteria.
• Analysis of potential pathways for introduction and establishment in the EU.

Main Results:

• Eleven non-EU Margarodidae species were identified as satisfying criteria to be regarded as Union quarantine pests.
• Ten non-EU species were identified as not meeting all criteria for quarantine pests, but uncertainty remains regarding their potential impact.
• Seventy-six species were deemed unlikely to pose a significant risk due to climate, host, or limited study.

Conclusions:

• Eleven Margarodidae species require strict phytosanitary measures to prevent their introduction into the EU.
• Further assessment may be needed for 10 species due to uncertainties about their economic impact.
• The study provides a comprehensive risk assessment for Margarodidae species in the EU context.