Pest categorisation of Pulvinaria psidii

Area of Science:

• Plant Health
• Entomology
• Pest Risk Assessment

Background:

• Pulvinaria psidii, the green shield scale, is an invasive insect pest originating from Hawaii.
• It has established in tropical and subtropical regions globally and has been reported in mainland Spain and the Canary Islands within the EU.
• The pest is not currently listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorisation of Pulvinaria psidii for the European Union (EU).
• To assess the potential risk posed by P. psidii to EU agriculture and plant health.
• To determine if P. psidii meets the criteria for a potential Union quarantine pest.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and databases on Pulvinaria psidii.
• Analysis of the pest's biology, host range, and geographical distribution.
• Assessment of climatic suitability and potential economic impact within the EU.

Main Results:

• Pulvinaria psidii is highly polyphagous, with a preference for avocado, citrus, coffee, guava, litchi, mango, mulberry, and pomegranate.
• It has been recorded on over 230 plant species across more than 70 botanical families, including solanaceous plants and ornamentals.
• Climatic conditions in southern EU countries are favorable for establishment and spread, with documented damage to ornamental trees and potential economic impact on various crops.

Conclusions:

• Pulvinaria psidii meets the criteria to be considered a potential Union quarantine pest.
• Phytosanitary measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of entry and further spread of this invasive species.
• Further assessment may be needed to clarify its impact on specific crops like mangoes in Spain.