Pest categorisation of Crisicoccus pini

Area of Science:

• Plant Health
• Entomology
• Invasive Species Biology

Background:

• Crisicoccus pini (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a mealybug native to Japan with a growing invasive range across Asia, North America, and Europe.
• The pest has established in northern Italy, causing significant damage to pine species like Pinus densiflora and Pinus pinaster.
• Current EU regulations do not list C. pini as a quarantine pest, despite its potential impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of Crisicoccus pini for the EU territory.
• To assess the risk posed by C. pini to the European Union's plant health.
• To determine if C. pini meets the criteria for a potential Union quarantine pest.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature and databases on C. pini biology, distribution, and impact.
• Assessment of host availability (Abies, Keteleeria, Larix, Pinus) and climate suitability within the EU.
• Evaluation of potential pathways for introduction and spread, including trade of plants for planting.

Main Results:

• Crisicoccus pini has demonstrated significant phytosanitary impact on various pine species in affected regions.
• The pest overwinters as nymphs and disperses via crawling, wind, animals, and trade.
• Climate suitability and host availability indicate a high potential for establishment across most of the EU.

Conclusions:

• Crisicoccus pini satisfies the criteria for a potential Union quarantine pest.
• Existing phytosanitary measures can inhibit introduction and slow spread, but require reinforcement.
• Urgent consideration of C. pini as a regulated pest is recommended to protect EU forests.