Pest categorisation of Spodoptera eridania

Area of Science:

• Plant Health
• Entomology
• Pest Risk Analysis

Background:

• Spodoptera eridania, the southern armyworm, is a highly polyphagous pest originating from the Americas.
• It has spread to Africa, first reported in 2016, and exhibits multiple generations per year.
• The pest can survive short freezing periods, but prolonged frosts are lethal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorisation of Spodoptera eridania for the European Union (EU).
• To assess its potential as a Union quarantine pest.
• To evaluate its status as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on Spodoptera eridania biology, distribution, and host plants.
• Assessment of potential entry pathways into the EU, including immature stages on plants and adult hitchhikers.
• Evaluation of climatic conditions and host plant availability for establishment in the EU.

Main Results:

• Spodoptera eridania is regulated in the EU by Directive 2000/29/EC, with soil import prohibitions.
• Potential entry pathways include immature stages on plants (excluding seeds), fruit, and flowers.
• Climatic conditions in frost-free EU regions and host plant availability support potential establishment.
• Transient populations may form during summer, impacting field vegetables and ornamentals.

Conclusions:

• Spodoptera eridania meets the criteria to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.
• It does not meet the criteria for a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest due to its absence in the EU and plants for planting not being the principal spread means.