NAME OF THE ORGANISM: Candidatus Phytoplasma associated with Vaccinium (Blueberry witches broom phytoplasma) 1PHYPG*

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE PEST

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

Blueberry witches' broom phytoplasma

Pest category:

Bacteria

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?

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

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?

Null: Fruits (including hops) sector

If necessary, please list the species:

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

Conclusion:

Not evaluated: Fruits (including hops) sector

Justification (if necessary):

Instead of listing Blueberry witches' broom phytoplasma, the Fruit SEWG proposed to discard all names of phytoplasma listed in the EU Marketing Directive and to add all phytoplasma species reported from naturally infected Vaccinium plants. This would consist in the listing of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ [Blueberry stunt phytoplasma], ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ [Blueberry Reddening disease], and the Cranberry false blossom phytoplasma.

2 – Status in the EU:

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

Presence in the EU:

List of countries (EPPO Global Database):

Conclusion:

Justification (if necessary):

HOST PLANT N°1: Vaccinium (1VACG) for the Fruits (including hops) sector.

CONCLUSION ON THE STATUS:

Not evaluated: from the fruit Marketing Directive (see Terms of reference)