Pest categorisation of Liriomyza bryoniae

Area of Science:

• Plant health
• Entomology
• Pest risk assessment

Background:

• Liriomyza bryoniae (tomato leaf miner) is a polyphagous pest originating from southern Europe.
• It has spread across Europe, found outdoors in the south and in greenhouses in central and northern regions.
• The pest is currently regulated in specific EU protected zones but not explicitly listed in all relevant annexes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorisation of Liriomyza bryoniae for the European Union (EU).
• To assess its potential as a protected zone quarantine pest and a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP).

Main Methods:

• Pest categorisation based on existing data and EU regulations.
• Evaluation of geographic distribution, host range, and life cycle.
• Assessment against criteria for quarantine and non-quarantine pests.

Main Results:

• Liriomyza bryoniae meets all criteria to be considered a potential protected zone quarantine pest.
• Its wide distribution and presence in greenhouses indicate potential establishment across the EU.
• Plants for planting are identified as a primary pathway, supporting its consideration as an RNQP.

Conclusions:

• Liriomyza bryoniae poses a significant risk to EU agriculture, particularly in protected zones.
• The pest's characteristics warrant its inclusion in EU pest regulations.
• Further consideration as a regulated non-quarantine pest is recommended due to its widespread distribution and pathways.