The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the species within the Andean Potato
Weevil (APW) complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the EU. The complex consists of 14 species, 12
belong to the genus Premnotrypes, plus Phyrdenus muriceus and Rhigopsidius tucumanus. These
weevils co-occur in the Andean region, usually above 2,100 m. Eggs are deposited in plant debris close to
potato plants. Upon hatching larvae immediately bore into potato tubers where they complete
development. Except for R. tucumanus, which pupates inside the tuber, mature larvae leave the tuber
and pupate in the soil. Adults can survive feeding on different plants but cannot deposit fertile eggs
unless fed on potato foliage. P. muriceus can also complete development feeding on tomato and
eggplant roots and occurs at lower altitudes from southern USA to central Argentina. Within the APW
complex only species in the genus Premnotrypes are regulated in Annex IIA of Commission
Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 as Premnotrypes spp. (non-EU). Within this regulation potential
pathways, such as solanaceous plants for planting with foliage and growing medium, seed and ware
potatoes, and soil, can be considered as closed. There are no records of interception of any of these
weevils in EUROPHYT. Should these species be introduced into the EU, climatic conditions and wide
availability of potato crops in the EU territory would provide conditions for establishment, spread and
economic impact. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. The species
within the APW complex satisfy with no uncertainties the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to
assess, for them to be regarded as potential Union quarantine pests. Although human-assisted
movement of seed potatoes is considered the main mechanism for spread of these species, these weevils
do not meet the criterion of occurring in the EU for them to be regarded as potential Union regulated
non-quarantine pests