Pest categorisation of Apium virus Y

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Entomology

Background:

• Apium virus Y (ApVY), a Potyvirus, is identified with established detection methods.
• The virus is endemic in Australia and reported in New Zealand and the USA.
• ApVY has been detected in Germany and Slovenia within the EU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of Apium virus Y (ApVY) for the EU territory.
• To assess the risk posed by ApVY to the EU.
• To determine if ApVY meets criteria for a Union quarantine pest.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature and databases.
• Analysis of existing data on ApVY distribution, hosts, and transmission.
• Assessment against EU plant health regulations criteria.

Main Results:

• ApVY infects Apiaceae family plants, causing leaf symptoms or stunting, but can be asymptomatic in some hosts.
• Transmission occurs via the aphid Myzus persicae, and seed transmission is possible for some hosts.
• Plants for planting and seeds are identified as potential entry pathways into the EU.

Conclusions:

• ApVY does not currently meet the criteria for a Union quarantine pest due to uncertainty in distribution and lack of official control.
• High uncertainty exists regarding the current distribution of ApVY within the EU.
• Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent further introduction and spread, and economic impact is expected if ApVY spreads further.