NAME OF THE ORGANISM: Lophodermium seditiosum LOPHSE

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE PEST

Name as submitted in the project specification (if different):

Pest category:

Fungi

1- Identity of the pest/Level of taxonomic listing:

Is the organism clearly a single taxonomic entity and can it be adequately distinguished from other entities of the same rank?

Yes

Is the pest defined at the species level or lower?:

Yes

Can listing of the pest at a taxonomic level higher than species be supported by scientific reasons or can species be identified within the taxonomic rank which are the (main) pests of concern?

Not relevant: Ornamental sector

If necessary, please list the species:

Is it justified that the pest is listed at a taxonomic rank below species level?

Not relevant

Conclusion:

Candidate: Ornamental sector

Justification (if necessary):

Remark: ES proposed a listing for the whole Pinus genera, rather than only Pinus nigra.

2 – Status in the EU:

Is this pest already a quarantine pest for the whole EU?

Presence in the EU:

Yes

List of countries (EPPO Global Database):

Conclusion:

candidate

Justification (if necessary):

The most common foliage disease in young Scots pine plantations and forest nurseries of Northern and central Europe, the Lophodermium needle cast, is caused by Lophodermium seditiosum.

HOST PLANT N°1: Pinus nigra (PIUNI) for the Ornamental sector.

Origin of the listing:

Commission Directive 93/49/EEC

Plants for planting:

Plants intended for planting

3 - Is the pest already listed in a PM4 standard on the concerned host plant?

Conclusion:

Evaluation continues

4 - Are the listed plants for planting the main* pathway for the "pest/host/intended use" combination? (*: significant compared to others):

Conclusion:

Not candidate

Justification:

In most references to this pathogen natural spread of spores by wind and water is the only means of distribution which is discussed. Due to its wide distribution and windblown spores, experts considered that natural spread is likely to be the main pathway.

5 - Economic impact:

Are there documented reports of any economic impact on the host?

Yes

Justification:

This is the most common and serious foliage disease of Scots pine.

What is the likely economic impact of the pest irrespective of its infestation source in the absence of phytosanitary measures? (= official measures)

Major

Is the economic impact due to the presence of the pest on the named host plant for planting, acceptable to the propagation and end user sectors concerned?

Is there unacceptable economic impact caused to other hosts (or the same host with a different intended use) produced at the same place of production due to the transfer of the pest from the named host plant for planting?

Conclusion:

Candidate

Justification:

There seems to be the potential for major damage but this pathogen seems to be managed in nurseries by chemical controls.

6 - Are there feasible and effective measures available to prevent the presence of the pest on the plants for planting at an incidence above a certain threshold (including zero) to avoid an unacceptable economic impact as regards the relevant host plants?

Yes

Conclusion:

candidate

Justification:

Chemical controls are available.

7- Is the quality of the data sufficient to recommend the pest to be listed as a RNQP?

Conclusion:

Justification:

CONCLUSION ON THE STATUS:

Disqualified: Natural spread is considered to be the main pathway. Chemical controls are available, and this pest was not raised by the Forestry SEWG or by any member country (except mention by Spain as part of a general comment on the level of listing).

8 - Tolerance level:

Is there a need to change the Tolerance level:

Proposed Tolerance levels:

Delisting.

9 - Risk management measures:

Is there a need to change the Risk management measure:

Proposed Risk management measure:

Delisting.

REFERENCES:

Drenkhan R (2011) Epidemiological investigation of pine foliage diseases by the use of the needle trace method, PhD Thesis, Estonian University of Life Sciences;
Rajkovic S, Markovic M & Rakonjac, L (2013) Incubation Methods for Forecasting the Occurrence and Development of Lophodermium seditiosum Minter, Staley & Millar on Pine. In Fungicides - Showcases of Integrated Plant Disease Management from Around the World, Chapter 8, 153-182;
Gregory SC & Redfern DB (1998) Diseases and Disorders of Forest Trees, Forestry Commission, UK;