Pest categorisation of Spodoptera frugiperda

The European Commission requested EFSA to conduct a pest categorisation ofSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a pest with hosts in 27 plant families. Favoured hosts include maize, rice andsorghum (Poaceae). Hosts also include crops within the Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae,Rutaceae and other families.S. frugiperdais a taxonomic entity with reliable methods for identification.It is regulated in the EU as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. It is native totropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and migrates to temperate regions in North and SouthAmerica during the summer. Establishment in temperate areas is prevented by its inability to overwinter.S. frugiperdahas been intercepted on plant produce entering the EU. Phytosanitary measures areavailable to impede entry via traded commodities. In 2016,S. frugiperdawas reported damaging maizein Africa. Subsequent reports indicate that it continues to spread severely damaging maize and othercrops. IfS. frugiperdaspreads into north Africa, the likelihood of adults migrating into the temperate EUincreases. Within the scope and level of analysis appropriate for pest categorisation, the EFSA PlantHealth Panel concludes thatS. frugiperdacould establish in a small area of the southern EU from where itis likely to enter more northern regions forming transient summer populations, particularly in maizegrowing regions where impacts on yield could occur. However, uncertainties regarding establishmentremain. Considering the criteria within the remit of EFSA to assess as regards status as a potential Unionquarantine pest (QP) or as a potential regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP),S. frugiperdasatisfies thecriteria to be regarded a Union QP but does not meet the criteria of (i) occurring in the EU territory, and(ii) plants for planting being the principal means of spread, criteria required for RNQP status.