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Pest categorisation of Morganella longispina
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority
|January 16, 2025
Summary
Morganella longispina, a polyphagous pest, poses a potential threat to various EU crops like citrus and olive. Its establishment in southern Europe is likely, necessitating phytosanitary measures to prevent economic damage.
Area of Science:
- Plant Health
- Entomology
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Morganella longispina (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) was identified as a pest of concern for Acer palmatum plants.
- The European Commission requested a pest categorization of M. longispina for the EU territory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a pest categorization of Morganella longispina for the European Union.
- To assess the potential risk posed by M. longispina to EU agriculture.
Main Methods:
- Review of M. longispina's origin, geographic distribution, and host range.
- Assessment of climate suitability and potential economic impact on EU crops.
- Evaluation against EFSA criteria for quarantine pest consideration.
Main Results:
- M. longispina is polyphagous, affecting 86 genera across 42 families, including key EU crops like citrus, olive, and avocado.
- Southern EU countries present suitable climate and host availability for M. longispina establishment.
- Significant economic impact is likely, though yield and quality loss magnitude remains uncertain.
Conclusions:
- M. longispina meets all EFSA criteria for a potential quarantine pest.
- Phytosanitary measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of introduction, establishment, and spread.
- The pest is not currently listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.
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