Pest categorisation of Selenaspidus articulatus

Following the commodity risk assessment of Jasminum polyanthum unrooted cuttings from Uganda, in which Selenaspidus articulatus (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) was identified as a pest of possible concern, the European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to conduct a pest categorisation of S. articulatus for the territory of the European Union (EU). S. articulatus originates probably from sub-Saharan Africa. It is present in Africa, North and South America, as well as in parts of Asia and Oceania. Within the EU, the pest has been recorded in the Netherlands in greenhouses on ornamental plants, however, it appears not to be able to establish outside of a greenhouse under the environmental conditions of the Netherlands. S. articulatus is polyphagous, feeding on plants assigned to 158 genera in 68 plant families. Important crops of the EU that may be affected by this insect are avocado, citrus, grape and olive. Host availability and climate suitability would support its establishment in the southern EU countries. Indoor establishment in greenhouses can occur in colder areas of the EU. Reintroduction and spread of this scale insect would likely have an economic impact in the EU as it feeds on plant leaves and fruit, injects toxic saliva, reduces photosynthesis, and overall may cause yield loss and even death of entire plants. S. articulatus is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry, establishment and spread of the pest into the EU. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met.