Scientific Opinion on pest categorisation of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Smith, 1903)

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to perform a pest categorisation for Xanthomonas campestris pv. pruni which has been renamed Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni. In reaching its conclusions, the Panel considered four parameters to be of critical importance in the risk assessment area: (i) the presence and distribution of X. campestris pv. pruni in the risk assessment area and its potential for spread; (ii) the existence and distribution of the main host plants throughout the European Union (EU); (iii) the potential for damage to crops grown in Europe; and (iv) the implementation of pest control strategies and cultural measures. Based on its analysis, the Panel concluded that the identity of the pest is clearly defined and its distribution involves limited areas or regions in the EU, although with a medium uncertainty. The pathogen may have a serious impact on horticultural production. Yield and quality losses have been observed on peach, nectarine and Japanese plum genotypes, especially if weather conditions are conducive to disease and minimal damage to crops is expected on cherry and European plum genotypes. The Panel noted that host plants are widely distributed throughout the EU and most of them are of great commercial importance. The pathogen is present but not widely distributed and not fully under official control by means of specific certification and other control measures. Planting material is the main pathway of pathogen dissemination.