Brussels, 21/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - If they are implemented correctly, the current EU phytosanitary measures to protect the European citrus industry against citrus black spot and citrus canker are effective. This was the view of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the two scientific opinions published on 21 February.
The conclusion on the effectiveness of current measures was reached by EFSA plant health experts at the end of their assessments of the risks associated with Phyllosticta citricarpa (the organism which causes citrus black spot) and with Xanthomonas citr (which causes citrus canker). Both pathogens present a risk to the EU citrus industry because host plants are present in Europe and the environmental conditions are favourable to the establishment and propagation of these bacteria if they are brought into the EU. Both pathogens are subject to control measures preventing their entry into the region, and neither is currently found in the EU.
The main exporters of citrus fruit to the EU are Argentina, Brazil, China, the United States, Uruguay, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
EFSA's plant health experts carried out their two risk assessments assuming a hypothetical unregulated market (in other words, one without phytosanitary measures). With the two pathogens being difficult to control once established, EFSA states that the measures aiming to reduce the probability of their entry are the main means to maintain their absence. The prohibition of import of host plants for planting is the most reliable option to reduce the risk of entry. (AN/transl.fl)