Scientific Opinion on the pest categorisation of Ditylenchus destructor Thorne

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Ditylenchus destructor, the potato rot nematode. D. destructor is listed in Annex II, Part A, Section II of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism known to occur in the Union and relevant for the entire Union. D. destructor is a distinct taxonomic entity that can be identified in a straightforward way, and which is present in the majority of EU member states, although sporadically (but data from systematic surveys are lacking). Many hosts of D. destructor are present in the RA area and the climatic conditions in the whole risk assessment area are favourable for the completion of the pest life cycle. D. destructor can cause significant damage to the below-ground parts (roots, tubers, bulbs) of host crops such as potato and several ornamental plants. However, during recent decades only minor damage has been reported (except in some Eastern European countries). Plants for planting are a pathway for introduction and spread of D. destructor, which may cause severe impacts on the intended use of the plants for planting.