76 research outputs found
20 YEARS OF ACADEMIC EDUCATION IN BIOLOGY SPECIAL EDITION/ON-LINE 45 YEARS FACULTY OF BIOLOGY METAL ACCUMULATION IN INSECTS (ORTHOPTERA, ACRIDIDAE) NEAR A COPPER SMELTER AND COPPER-FLOTATION FACTORY (PIRDOP, BULGARIA)
ABSTRACT This study reports on accumulation of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb in insect species (grasshoppers
Guidance on the environmental risk assessment of plant pests
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requested the Panel on Plant Health to develop a methodology for assessing the environmental risks posed by harmful organisms that may enter, establish and spread in the European Union. To do so, the Panel first reviewed the methods for assessing the environmental risks of plant pests that have previously been used in pest risk assessment. The limitations identified by the review led the Panel to define the new methodology for environmental risk assessment which is described in this guidance document. The guidance is primarily addressed to the EFSA PLH Panel and has been conceived as an enhancement of the relevant parts of the “Guidance on a harmonised framework for pest risk assessment and the identification and evaluation of pest risk management options by EFSA”. Emphasizing the importance of assessing the consequences on both the structural (biodiversity) and the functional (ecosystem services) aspects of the environment, this new approach includes methods for assessing both aspects for the first time in a pest risk assessment scheme. A list of questions has been developed for the assessor to evaluate the consequences for structural biodiversity and for ecosystem services in the current area of invasion and in the risk assessment area. To ensure the consistency and transparency of the assessment, a rating system has also been developed based on a probabilistic approach with an evaluation of the degree of uncertainty. Finally, an overview of the available risk reduction options for pests in natural environments is presented, minimum data requirements are described, and a glossary to support the common understanding of the principles of this opinion is provided
Statement on a heat treatment to control Agrilus planipennis
In 2011, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health was asked by the European Commission to provide an opinion on a technical file submitted by the US Authorities to support a request to list a new heat treatment (60 °C/60 min) among the EU import requirements for wood of Agrilus planipennis host plants. After a thorough analysis of the documents provided the Panel concluded that, with a low uncertainty, A. planipennis is likely to survive the proposed heat treatment of 60 °C/60 min, and that, to ensure a control level of 99 % the temperature of the heat treatment of 60 min should be higher than 70 °C. Following the publication of this scientific opinion, the US Authorities submitted a new proposal to the European Commission, consisting in a new heat treatment (71.1 °C/60 min). The EFSA Panel on Plant Health was asked to consider whether this new proposal was within the scope of the published opinion and, if not, to clarify its conclusion and indicate what data would be needed to assess the effectiveness of the new treatment. The Panel concluded that the new proposal is not within the scope of the opinion as the data provided by the US Authorities cannot be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the new proposed heat treatment. An accurate assessment of the new proposed heat treatment (71.1 °C/60 min) would require an experiment including several temperatures higher than 70 °C (one corresponding to the proposed treatment). Regarding the data requirements for assessing the effectiveness of the new treatment, the Panel lists the information required in the checklist presented in the Panel’s draft guidance document on methodology for evaluation of the effectiveness of options to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of organisms harmful to plant health in the EU territory, currently under public consultation on EFSA website
Scientific opinion on a quantitative pathway analysis of the likelihood of Tilletia indica M. introduction into EU with importation of US wheat
The European Commission requested EFSA to provide a scientific opinion on the USDA APHIS quantitative
pathway analysis on likelihood of Karnal bunt introduction with importation of US wheat for grain into EU and
desert durum wheat for grain into Italy. EFSA was also requested to indicate whether the US bunted kernel
standard would provide equivalent protection against introduction of Tilletia indica into EU, compared to the
existing EU import requirement. The Panel on Plant Health reviewed pathway scenarios, model and parameters
and found several shortcomings regarding model equations and parameter values, particularly a lack of scientific
evidence for the infection threshold. Simulations were computed, for importations of US wheat into EU and
desert durum wheat into Italy, based on original model and an updated model with revised parameter values.
Model output was teliospores number per hectare on soil surface of each EU country. Simulated teliospores
numbers entering EU were lower with the updated than with the original model. These results showed a high
uncertainty, underestimated with the original model, over the number of teliospores entering each EU country.
Sensitivity analysis showed several key parameters (proportion of bunted kernels in Arizona regulated counties,
number of Arizona positive hectares and number of teliospores per bunted kernel) strongly influencing number
of teliospores entering the EU. In addition, high sensitivity indices were obtained with the updated wheat model
for several parameters related to EU country characteristics. Further research is needed to refine parameter
values, to reduce uncertainty and to determine relationship between teliospores number on soil surface and
number of bunted kernels resulting from infection of a wheat plant. The Panel concluded that the US bunted
kernel standard does not provide a level of protection equivalent to EU requirements and that such level of
protection could only be warranted by measures which include testing at harvest and before shipment to detect T.
indica teliospores
Pest risk assessment of Monilinia fruticola for the EU territory and identification and evaluation of risk management options
The EFSA Panel on Plant Health has delivered a pest risk assessment on the risk posed by Monilinia fructicola
to the EU territory and has identified risk management options and evaluated their effectiveness in reducing the
risk to plant health posed by this organism. The Panel has also analysed the effectiveness of the special
requirements presently listed in Annex IV, Part A, Section I of Council Directive 2000/29/EC, in reducing the
risk of introduction of this pest into the EU territory. The Panel concluded that the main pathways for entry into
the EU territory are plant material for propagation purposes and fruit of host genera and that, with the exception
of dried fruit, the probability of entry is very likely. The probability of establishment is also very likely due to
the suitable environmental conditions and to the widespread presence of host species, susceptible for most of the
year, on most of the risk assessment area. Cultural practices and control measures currently applied and
competition with other Monilinia species cannot prevent the establishment of M. fructicola. The probability of
spread is very likely because of the multiple ways of dispersal of the pest. The overall impact in the endangered
area is estimated to be moderate. Neither additional cultural measures nor increased fungicide treatments would
be needed to control of brown rot in the orchard after the introduction of M. fructicola
Scientific Opinion on the phytosanitary risk associated with some coniferous species and genera for the spread of pine wood nematode
The European Commission requested the Panel on Plant Health to deliver a scientific opinion on the phytosanitary risk of plants (other than fruits and seeds) of Pinus pinea and of the genera Chamaecyparis, Cryptomeria and Juniperus for the spread of pine wood nematode (PWN) via movement of infested plants or untreated plant products or by supporting natural spread of PWN in conjunction with European species of the vector. The Panel analysed the data submitted by Portugal regarding surveys on the TrĂłia Peninsula where P. pinaster and P. pinea co-occur, and the related laboratory results of Naves et al. (2006) on feeding and oviposition preferences of Monochamus galloprovincialis. The Panel also undertook a comprehensive review of the literature. The zero infestation of PWN recorded on P. pinea on the TrĂłia Peninsula was not significantly different from the result for P. pinaster, because of the small P. pinea sample. Hence, the conclusion that P. pinea is not a host plant for PWN is not supported by the data submitted, principally because of low statistical confidence arising from the few P. pinea trees present. Moreover, the limited presence of P. pinea in the study areas means that the results are representative neither of the TrĂłia Peninsula nor of other parts of Portugal. Naves et al. (2006) recorded some oviposition by M. galloprovincialis on P. pinea, but less than on other hosts. No differences in feeding of M. galloprovincialis on P. pinaster and P. pinea were detected, thus potentially allowing PWN transmission to trees by this route. The available information regarding the genera Chamaecyparis, Cryptomeria and Juniperus as potential hosts of Monochamus spp. and PWN suggests overall a low susceptibility to PWN or its vectors; the uncertainty concerning PWN is high and would require supplementary research
Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of the pest risk analysis on Pomacea insularum, the island apple snail, prepared by the Spanish Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs
The Panel considers the Spanish pest risk analysis (PRA) to be clear and to provide appropriate supporting evidence. However, (i) the environmental impact assessment is incomplete and (ii) the estimates for the potentially endangered area are too limited. The Panel points out that large areas of the European Union have climatic conditions, that are very similar to those of the areas of native distribution of Pomacea spp. snails, and suitable host plants are available. The Panel agrees with the Spanish PRA on the following points with regard to the risk assessment area: (i) the potential consequences of the organism for rice crops are major; (ii) the probability for establishment of the organism is very likely and (iii) the probability of spread is estimated as likely. The Panel disagrees with the Spanish PRA on the following points and considers (i) the effects on the environment to be massive under suitable environmental conditions in the PRA area and (ii) the probability of entry of the organism to be high. Regarding risk reduction options the Panel agrees with the Spanish PRA that no single risk reduction method is sufficient to halt the introduction and spread of Pomacea spp. snails in the PRA area. However, a legislative ban on import of Pomacea spp. is the only risk reduction option identified that can reduce the probability of entry. The many other risk reduction options listed will help to reduce the probability of spread within the PRA area. The Panel considers that the risk reduction options should target the canaliculata complex, as Pomacea insularum and P. canaliculata, as well as other species from the complex, are almost indistinguishable. This is of particular importance for risk reduction options addressing both breeding and trade of the organism
Scientific Opinion on the request from the USA regarding export of Florida citrus fruit to the EU
Following a request from the EU Commission, the EFSA PLH Panel conducted a scientific opinion on risk analysis and supporting documents provided by APHIS/USDA in support of the request to remove the Union's plant health import requirement that citrus fruit imported into the EU be sourced from groves where, since the beginning of the last cycle of vegetation no symptoms of citrus canker were observed, neither in their vicinities. The PHL Panel concluded that the transmission of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) on asymptomatic citrus fruit was more likely when the fruit were collected from infested than from non-infested areas and groves. Symptomatic fruit carries more Xcc cells than asymptomatic fruit and the packinghouse disinfectant treatments do not achieve the eradication of Xcc. The application of management option 2 (i.e. „allow distribution of all types and varieties of commercially packed citrus fruit to all US States, subject to packinghouse treatment with APHIS-approved disinfectant. No packinghouse phytosanitary inspection is required‟) selected by USDA will result in an increase in the Xcc load of citrus fruit consignments and in a subsequent increase in the probability of spread of citrus canker through the fruit pathway. Some data provided in the APHIS-USDA documents support that citrus fruit remain a conceptually possible pathway for transmitting and establishing citrus canker disease. The PLH Panel agrees that transmission of Xcc from infected fruit to a susceptible host is rare. But the withdrawal of the current EU requirement that citrus fruit imported into the EU be sourced from groves where no symptoms of citrus canker have been observed in the field of production and in its immediate vicinity since the beginning of the last cycle of vegetation, will increase the probability of introduction of Xcc into new areas
Guidance on methodology for evaluation of the effectiveness of options for reducing the risk of introduction and spread of organisms harmful to plant health in the EU territory
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requested the Panel on Plant Health (PLH Panel) to provide
guidance for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the options for plants and plant products for reducing the risk
of introduction and spread of harmful organisms in the European Union territory. Two operational tools are
presented: a checklist for evaluating a proposed risk reduction option (RRO) and a database of references
corresponding to published guidance documents or experimental assessments of RROs. The checklist can be
used by the Panel or the dossier-submitting parties to verify whether all required information is provided in
support of a RRO, to quickly describe information supplied to EFSA and to identify major gaps in the data. Four
types of RRO assessments are distinguished in the proposed checklist according to their purposes and
characteristics: experimental assessment of the effectiveness of the option to reduce pest infestation in plant
material/products under laboratory/controlled conditions; experimental assessment of the effectiveness of the
option to reduce pest infestation in plant material/products under operational conditions; analysis of the
applicability of the RRO; and assessment of the effectiveness of the option to reduce the risk of pest entry from
an infested area to a pest-free area. The database of references is intended to assist the Panel in (i) identifying
potential RROs for a given pest and plant material, and (ii) quickly retrieving relevant experimental data and
guidance documents for assessing a proposed RRO. In addition, the current document provides
recommendations for assessing RROs, specifically: on experimental design; on the use of statistical methods
including approaches for studying uncertainty; on the use of quantitative pathway analysis and spread models
describing their advantages and limitations; and on recommendations for general surveillance and specific
surveys
Scientific opinion on the pest categorization of the tospovirus
The European Commission requested EFSA’s Panel on Plant Health to perform the pest categorisation for the 24 viruses of the Tospovirus genus for the EU territory. The following tospoviruses were analysed: Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), Polygonum ringspot virus (PolRSV), Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV), Alstroemeria necrotic streak virus (ANSV), Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus (CSNV), Melon severe mosaic virus (MSMV), Tomato yellow (fruit) ring virus (TYRV), Tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV), Groundnut yellow spot virus (GYSV), Groundnut chlorotic fan-spot virus (GCFSV), Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV), Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus (ZLCV), Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV), Watermelon bud necrosis virus (WBNV), Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV), Tomato necrotic ringspot virus (TNRV), Calla lily chlorotic spot virus (CCSV), Melon yellow spot virus (MYSV), Soybean vein necrosis associated virus (SVNaV), Bean necrotic mosaic virus (BeNMV) and Pepper necrotic spot virus (PNSV). In reaching its conclusions, the Panel considered four parameters to be of critical importance in the risk assessment area: (i) the presence of a tospovirus, (ii) the existence of host plants, (iii) the existence of thrips vector species and (iv) the potential for damage to crops grown in Europe. Based on its analysis, the Panel concluded that the 24 viruses analysed could be allocated to four different risk groups. Seven viruses (GRSV, TCSV, ANSV, CSNV, MSMV, TYRV, TZSV) for which both thrips species vectors and natural or experimental hosts crops are present in the EU territory were considered by the Panel to represent the highest risk to the EU territory. In contrast, three viruses (INSV, IYSV and PolRSV) already present in the risk assessment area were not considered by the Panel to pose a risk justifying the development of full risk assessments
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