Pest categorisation of Pratylenchus loosi

Area of Science:

• Plant Nematology
• Pest Risk Assessment
• Invasive Species Biology

Background:

• Pratylenchus loosi (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) is a plant-parasitic nematode not currently present in the European Union.
• The pest is widely distributed in Asian countries, primarily affecting tea plants (Camellia sinensis).
• Reports of P. loosi on other hosts like citrus and banana are associated with uncertainty due to identification issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pest categorization of Pratylenchus loosi for the EU.
• To assess the potential risk of P. loosi establishing and impacting plant health within the EU.
• To determine if P. loosi meets the criteria for a potential Union quarantine pest.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature on Pratylenchus loosi distribution, hosts, and pathogenicity.
• Assessment of pathways for pest entry into the EU, including host plants and contaminated soil.
• Evaluation of climatic compatibility between P. loosi's preferences and EU growing conditions, particularly for tea.

Main Results:

• Pratylenchus loosi is not known to be present in the EU and is not listed in current EU plant health regulations.
• Morphological and molecular identification methods are available for P. loosi.
• Climatic conditions in EU tea-growing areas are suitable for P. loosi establishment.
• High uncertainty exists regarding P. loosi's impact on hosts other than tea.

Conclusions:

• Pratylenchus loosi poses a significant threat to EU tea production due to its pathogenicity on tea plants.
• The pest's pathways of entry and suitable climate increase the risk of establishment in the EU.
• Pratylenchus loosi satisfies the criteria to be considered a potential Union quarantine pest.