Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
13:04
An Introduction to Parasitic Wasps of Drosophila and the Antiparasite Immune Response
Published on: May 7, 2012
18.6K
Pest categorisation of Lepidosaphes malicola
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority
|March 28, 2024
Summary
The Armenian mussel scale, Lepidosaphes malicola, is a potential invasive pest for the EU. While it can establish in suitable climates, its economic impact remains uncertain, warranting further assessment.
Area of Science:
- Plant Health
- Entomology
- Invasive Species Risk Assessment
Background:
- Lepidosaphes malicola (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), the Armenian mussel scale, was identified as a pest of potential concern for the EU.
- This polyphagous insect affects over 60 plant species across 26 families, including significant crops like stone fruits, pome fruits, and grapes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a pest categorization of Lepidosaphes malicola for the EU territory.
- To assess the risk following commodity risk assessments of Prunus persica and P. dulcis plants for planting from Türkiye.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a pest categorization for the EU.
- Reviewed existing data on Lepidosaphes malicola's biology, host range, and geographic distribution.
- Assessed potential entry pathways and establishment suitability within the EU.
Main Results:
- Lepidosaphes malicola has two generations annually and a wide host range.
- Potential entry pathways include plants for planting, fruits, and cut flowers.
- Southern, central, and parts of northern EU countries are climatically suitable for establishment.
- Its pest status in Türkiye is unconfirmed, and historical EU detections have uncertain current status.
Conclusions:
- Lepidosaphes malicola meets most criteria for a potential Union quarantine pest, except for uncertain economic or environmental impact.
- Phytosanitary measures can mitigate entry risks.
- Further assessment is needed regarding its potential impact in the EU.
Related Concept Videos
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the biosynthesis of the...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...
01:22Phylogenetic Species Concept in Microbiology
The phylogenetic species concept (PSC) is a framework used to delineate species based on evolutionary relationships, emphasizing shared ancestry and diagnosable genetic traits. Unlike morphological or biological species concepts, the PSC is particularly advantageous for microbial taxonomy, where traditional reproductive or phenotypic criteria often fall short due to the prevalence of asexual reproduction, minimal morphological differentiation, and widespread horizontal gene transfer among...