THE EUROPEAN AND  MEDITERRANEAN PLANT  PROTECTION ORGANISATION

IIl settore fitosanitario e l settore fitosanitario e l'EPPO:l'EPPO:contributi e criticacontributi e criticaRoma, Roma, 20112011‐‐0202‐‐2323

Françoise Petter EPPO 

European and Mediterranean Plant Protection European and Mediterranean Plant Protection  OrganizationOrganization

• Regional Plant Protection Organization (article IX of the IPPC)

• Creation 1951 by 15 countries

• International cooperation in plant protection (plant quarantine and plant protection products)

In 2011:50 member 

countries

In 2011:50 member 

countries

RegionalPlantProtectionOrganizations

EPPOEPPO

andand

the the 

European UnionEuropean Union

27 EU members are all EPPO  members 

EU prepares regulationsEPPO makes recommendationse.g. regional standards

• Plant protection productsPromotion of the use of modern, safe and effective 

pest control methods. 

• Plant quarantinePrevent entry or spread of dangerous pests (plant 

quarantine). 

EPPO: two main areas of activitiesEPPO: two main areas of activities

EPPO bodiesEPPO bodies

Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations

Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations

Working Party on Plant Protection Products

Working Party on Plant Protection Products

Working Parties are composed of representative of NPPOs

Meet once a year

Give directions to Panels on the work to be carried out and standards  to be developed/revised

Review the technical work done by Panels

Executive Committee (chairman, vice chairman + 7 elected country

representative)

Executive Committee (chairman, vice chairman + 7 elected country

representative)

Council (NPPO heads)Council (NPPO heads)

Administrative bodies

Technical bodies

Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations

Working Party on Plant Protection Products

EPPO technical bodiesEPPO technical bodies

Active PanelsPhytosanitary MeasuresCPM affairsQuarantine Pests for ForestryPhytosanitary TreatmentsBacterial DiseasesPRA developmentDiagnostics and Quality AssurancePhytosanitary ProceduresJoint EPPO/OIBC Panel on biological control agentsPhytosanitary measures for potatoesAd hoc Panel on NematodesAd hoc Panel on Invasive Alien SpeciesPanel on entomology Panel on virologyAd hoc Panel on Plant Protection Information

Dormant PanelsCertification of Fruit CropsCertification of Pathogen‐tested OrnamentalsCertification of Seed PotatoesAd hoc Panel on the Phytosanitary Risks of 

Composted Organic Waste

Active PanelsEfficacy Evaluation of Fungicides and InsecticidesEfficacy Evaluation of Herbicides and Growth 

Regulators

General Standards on Efficacy EvaluationAd hoc Panel on Harmonization of Data on Plant 

Protection Products

Resistance Panel on Plant Protection Products

Dormant PanelsRodent ControlEnvironmental Risk Assessment of Plant Protection 

Products

Good Plant Protection Practice (GPP)

EPPO PanelsEPPO Panels

Panels are composed of experts  nominated by EPPO member 

countries

Meet once a year (or twice)

Prepare draft recommendations  for the Working Party, most of 

which in the form of standards 

EPPO SecretariatThe EPPO Secretariat prepares and runs all 

meetings, and coordinates the activity which  arises from them. It is responsible for all 

publication and information services. 

The EPPO Secretariat is based in Paris

EPPO Secretariat staff

Ringolds Arnitis Director GeneralFrançoise Petter Assistant Director Vlasta Zlof Scientific Officer Andrei Orlinski Scientific Officer Anne‐Sophie Roy Information Officer Muriel Suffert Scientific Officer Sarah Brunel Scientific OfficerRobert Sunley Scientific Officer Damien Griessinger Information Technology Officer Madeleine McMullen Managing Editor Eliane Madène

AdministratorMarie‐Christine Ozanon Secretary Jocelyne Karquel Secretary 

EPPO approval procedureEPPO approval procedure

EPPO: two main areas of activitiesEPPO: two main areas of activities

Plant Protection ProductsPlant Protection Products•Development of Standards  (e.g. efficacy evaluation more than 

260 Standards, environmental risk assessment, good plant  protection practices…)

EPPO database on efficacy evaluation standards: more  information

direct access: http://pp1.eppo.org

•Organization of conferences and workshops on themes related  to plant protection

““Hot topicsHot topics””

include include minor uses, resistance, comparative minor uses, resistance, comparative 

assessment, zonal recognitionassessment, zonal recognition……

Minor usesMinor uses• Problems in terms of crop protection product 

availability for minor crops. • Current EU review of active substances and 

the rationalization of uses • Few products available even for some major 

usesMinor uses 

– crop considered to be of low economic  importance at national level (minor crop), 

– pest of limited importance on a major crop  (minor pest). 

Minor usesMinor usesStandard (PP 1/224) 

Describes the principles for determining the  requirements for efficacy evaluation for minor  uses of plant protection products in a 

registration procedure. Provides a definition of minor uses 

Provides guidance on where to seek data to  demonstrate effectiveness and crop safety, in  order to simplify the registration process. 

does not cover other minor use considerations such as residues and  ecotoxicology

Minor uses: EPPO standard PP1/257Minor uses: EPPO standard PP1/257Strategy to address efficacy data requirements = 

extrapolate from existing registered uses 

EPPO standard PP1/257

specific efficacy and crop safety extrapolations 

32 extrapolation tables developed so far to  accompany  this standard

Available on the EPPO Website www.eppo.orgextrapolation table for effectiveness of fungicides pome fruit

Disease Crop: pome and stone fruit

1 Disease species

2Disease group

3 Indicator crops

4Extrapolation to other crops 

5 Data from other crops (or 

crop groups) that enables 

reduced data on the 

indicator crops (or no data 

*)

6 Data on indicator crops 

that permits extrapolation 

to other crops (or crop 

groups) with reduced data 

(or no data *)

Podosphaera leucotricha 

PODOLEPowdery mildew Apple  Pome fruit Quince, Pear

Venturia inaequalis VENTIVenturia pyrina VENTPI

Scab  Apple  Pome fruit Loquat EIOJA, Pear

Diplocarpon mespili DIPCMA  Leaf spot (or blight) Pear Quince QuincePhoma pomorum PHOMPO  Leaf spot Apple Pear, Cherry  Pear, Cherry

Mutual recognition and zonal assessmentMutual recognition and zonal assessment

Core 

principles 

of 

dossier 

submission 

for 

the  authorization 

of 

plant 

protection 

products 

under 

the 

new EC Regulation 1107/2009 (replacing 91/414/EEC), 

Pb 

many 

of 

the 

technical 

details 

for 

conducting 

zonal  authorizations 

still 

need 

to 

be 

addressed, 

agreed 

and 

harmonized among EPPO member countries. 

EPPO Workshop Berlin  EPPO Workshop Berlin  

5  & 65  & 6

April 2011 April 2011 Deadline for registration 

28th

February 2011

Comparative assessmentComparative assessment• In EU comparative assessment will be required for 

authorization of Plant Protection Products, which  contain an active substance identified as a candidate 

for substitution (Regulation (EC) No1107/2009,  Articles 24 and 50). 

• Countries 

decided 

that 

EPPO 

should 

develop 

a  standard to address this issue. 

• Draft standard sent for Country Consultation at the  end of 2010 expected to be adopted in 2011. 

• Objective provide guidance to determine whether the  substitution 

of 

a 

plant 

protection 

product 

is 

appropriate in view of agronomic considerations. 

EPPO activities related to honeybeesEPPO activities related to honeybees

• EPPO/Council of Europe risk assessment scheme for  honeybees (EPPO Series PP 3 Environmental Risk 

Assessment Scheme for Plant Protection Products – Chapter 10: Honeybees) 

• Standard on the conduct of trials for the evaluation of  side‐effects of plant protection products on 

honeybees (PP 1/170). ICPBR ‘Bee Protection Group’

provides the technical 

input for both EPPO Standards. 

Revised in 2010Revised in 2010

• Conducted according to EPPO Standard PP1/213  (basis for risk assessment within authorization 

process in EPPO Countries)• Objective is to determine whether the proposed 

use pattern is acceptable• Two parts: 

– resistance risk assessment (evaluation of probability  of resistance development and its likely impact) 

– resistance risk management (if necessary, strategies  to avoid or delay resistance development are 

proposed)

EPPO Workshop on Azole fungicides and Septoria  leaf blotch control

Harpenden (GB), 2010‐12‐07/09In 2011 Tuta absoluta

Resistance Risk Analysis

EPPO: two main areas of activitiesEPPO: two main areas of activities

Plant Plant  Quarantine Quarantine 

Plant quarantine: all activities Plant quarantine: all activities  designed to prevent the designed to prevent the 

introduction and/or spread introduction and/or spread  of quarantine pests or to of quarantine pests or to 

ensure their official control  ensure their official control   [IPPC definition].[IPPC definition].

Plant Quarantine:Plant Quarantine:

EPPOEPPO’’s missionss missions

Prevent entry and spread of pests (crops, forests, natural  environments)

Identify potential risks: Early warning systems to identify  emerging risks and maintenance of a database

Evaluate potential risks: Pest Risk AnalysisRecommendations on pests which should be regulated as 

quarantine pests (EPPO A1 and A2 Lists) Preparation of standards (e.g. official control standards, 

diagnostic protocols, inspection procedures….)

Provide information to EPPO members

EMERGINGEMERGING PEST PEST  EARLY WARNINGEARLY WARNING

What are emerging plant diseases?What are emerging plant diseases?

• Diseases whose incidence is increasing• Diseases whose geographical range is increasing• New pathogens described by science

Sudden oak death in California

Impact can be quite severe!

NPPO of Spain ‐

International Conference  ‘Red palm weevil control 

strategy for Europe’

(Valencia, 2010‐05‐05/06)

SPAIN: estimated costs of 

official control from 2002 to 

2009:

45 500 000 euros

SPAIN: estimated costs of 

official control from 2002 to 

2009:

45 500 000 euros

What is the 

problem?

Possible causes of emergencePossible causes of emergence

Intensification and diversification of commercial  exchanges of plants and plant products 

accidental  introductions of 

pathogens into  new regions

accidental  introductions of 

pathogens into  new regions

Possible causes of emergencePossible causes of emergence

Trade of melon/watermelon 

seeds: Acidovorax citrulli

Trade of Castanea wood and trees:Cryphonectria parasitica

Trade of cuttings and young 

plants: Puccinia horiana

In practice: the detailed pathways and history of disease introductions are usually difficult to retrace

In practice: the detailed pathways and history of disease introdIn practice: the detailed pathways and history of disease introductions uctions are usually difficult to retraceare usually difficult to retrace

Possible causes of emergences:  Possible causes of emergences:   Spread of insect vectorsSpread of insect vectors

Bean golden mosaic virusTomato yellow leaf curl virus

Tomato infectious chlorosis virusBemisia tabaci

The number of 

viruses transmitted 

by Bemisia tabaci

is increasing 

(more than 150 

species of 

Begomovirus  and 

several species of 

Crinivirus, 

Ipomovirus and 

Carlavirus). Many 

of them have been 

recently described 

and are associated 

with emerging 

diseases

The number of 

viruses transmitted 

by Bemisia tabaci

is increasing 

(more than 150 

species of 

Begomovirus  and 

several species of 

Crinivirus, 

Ipomovirus and 

Carlavirus). Many 

of them have been 

recently described 

and are associated 

with emerging 

diseases

Possible causes of emergencePossible causes of emergence

Progress in science (detection and identification of  new pathogens)

Kowalski T (2006) Chalara fraxinea

sp. nov. associated with dieback of ash 

(Fraxinus

excelsior) in Poland. Forest Pathology

36(4), 264‐270.

Ash dieback

Caused by Chalara fraxinea

(newly described species) 

currently spreading in Europe

But C. fraxinea

is the anamorph 

of an already described species, 

Hymenoscyphus albidus, 

considered as non‐pathogenic, 

native, and widespread in 

Europe …

Ash dieback

Caused by Chalara fraxinea

(newly described species) 

currently spreading in Europe

But C. fraxinea

is the anamorph 

of an already described species, 

Hymenoscyphus albidus, 

considered as non‐pathogenic, 

native, and widespread in 

Europe …

Chalara fraxineaChalara fraxinea

First described in 2006 in Poland. Then, symptoms or the pathogen were reported 

from other countries:

‐

2007 : Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lituania, Sueden, Switzerland

‐

2008 : Austria, Finland, Hungary, Norway

‐

2009 : Slovenia …

First described in 2006 in Poland. Then, symptoms or the pathogen were reported 

from other countries:

‐ 2007 : Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lituania, Sueden, Switzerland

‐ 2008 : Austria, Finland, Hungary, Norway

‐ 2009 : Slovenia …

www.biosecurity.govt.nz/

Identification of a new 

pathogen: ‘Candidatus

Liberibacter solanacearum’

‘Psyllid 

yellows’

in 

North 

America

‘Zebra chip’

in USA, or 

‘Papa manchada) in 

Mexico and Guatemala

Unknown disease on 

tomato (and pepper) in 

New‐Zealand

Zebra chip: a new disease of potatoesZebra chip: a new disease of potatoes

Early warning: the EPPO Alert ListEarly warning: the EPPO Alert List

• Initiated in 1999

• Provides early  warning

• Suggests possible  candidates for Pest 

Risk Analysis

Critically reviewed every year (when alert has been given and noCritically reviewed every year (when alert has been given and no further action taken, pests are deleted after 3 years on the lisfurther action taken, pests are deleted after 3 years on the list)t)

Freely available on the EPPO website: Freely available on the EPPO website: www.eppo.org

EPPO Alert List: current contentsEPPO Alert List: current contentsFungi Bacteria Viruses

Chalara fraxinea

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.

lactucae

Melamspora euphorbiae

Phytophthora kernoviae

Phytophthora pinifolia

Phytophthora ramorum

Acidovorax citrulli

Liberibacter solanacearum

Pseudomonas syringae pv.

aesculi

Pseudomonas syringae pv.

actinidiae

Spiroplasma kunkelii

Iris yellow spot virus

Pepino mosaic virus

Tomato apical stunt viroid

Tomato torrado virus

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lactucae Iris yellow spot virus

Pepino

mosaic

viruswww.agf.gov.bc.ca

Acidovorax

citrulli

EPPO Alert List: current contentsEPPO Alert List: current contentsInsects &  Nematodes

Insects Insects 

Agrilus anxius

Chrysophtharta bimaculata 

Diaphania perspectalis

Diocalandra frumenti

Drosophila suzukii

Enaphalodes rufulus

Halyomorpha halys

Keiferia lycopersicella

Leptocybe invasa

Leucinodes orbonalis

Oemona hirta

Psacothea hilaris

Xylosandrus crassiusculus

NematodeNematode

Meloidogyne ethiopica

Diaphania perspectalis

Drosophila

suzukii

Leucinodes

orbonalis

Xylosandrus

crassiusculus

Meloidogyne ethiopica

Keiferia lycopersicella

EPPO Alert List

www.eppo.or g

It provides 

information on: •

distribution, 

• host plants,•

biology, 

•

damage,•

transmission,

•

pathway,•

possible

risks

www.eppo.or g

It provides  information on:

• distribution, • host plants,• biology, • damage,• transmission,• pathway,• possible

risks

INFORMATION INFORMATION  GATHERINGGATHERING

DATA COLLECTION AND STORAGEDATA COLLECTION AND STORAGE

Collect and store information on pestsCollect and store information on pests

Official pest reports 

from NPPOs Literature, 

Internet surveys 

Stored data

It contains:

New data on biology, host plants, diagnostic  methods and geographical distribution of 

quarantine pests and pests of potential  quarantine significance

Interception reports

Additions to the EPPO Alert List, etc.

Available by eAvailable by e‐‐mailmail

EPPO Reporting Service: a free monthly newsletter

EPPO Reporting Service: 

example of a first record

Source: NPPO of the Netherlands (2010‐11).

Additional key words: new record Computer codes: ANOLGL, NL

2010/200 First record of Anoplophora glabripennis in the NetherlandsThe NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. On 2010-11-16, the identity of the pest was confirmed on the basis of morphological analysis of wing covers and DNA analysis of larval remains which had been found in 1 tree in a lane of Acer pseudoplatanus in the municipality of Almere. In total 16 exit holes and 3 larvae were detected in one tree. Observations indicated that some exit holes had been formed recently, whereas others were estimated to be at least three years old. The exact age of exit holes is still to be determined. Signs of the presence of A. glabripennis have also been detected on 6 adjacent trees in a lane of A. pseudoplatanus trees. These trees are located in an industrial area of Almere and were planted approximately ten years ago. In this area there are no tree nurseries and only a limited number of public or private gardens, but a nature conservation area is situated within the surveillance area of 1 kilometre radius around the infested site. It is considered that the most likely source of the outbreak is wood packaging material from Asia because there are several companies importing goods from Asia in the vicinity. Investigations are being carried out to identify the possible source of this infestation. The following phytosanitary measures aiming at a prompt eradication of A. glabripennis are being taken and include the following:1) Destruction of all symptomatic trees, as well as all deciduous trees and shrubs (with a diameter of 2.5 cm or more) located within a range of 100 m from the infested trees. Each individual plant will be dissected and analysed by the national reference laboratory for any signs of the pest. It is envisaged to finalize tree destruction by January 2011.2) Restrictions on the movement of host plant material (with a diameter of more than 2.5 cm) within a range of 500 m around the infested trees. This material should be officially reported and destroyed according to official procedures. 3) Specific surveillance (also involving specialized tree climbers) will be carried out on an annual basis within a radius of 1 000 m around the affected trees for at least the next four years.The pest status of Anoplophora glabripennis in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient – Isolated outbreak, actionable, under eradication.

EPPO Reporting Service – Pests & Diseases

New EPPO database on pestsNew EPPO database on pestsDatabase which contains information about many plant pests 

and invasive alien plants (EPPO A1/A2 pests, EU regulated pests  and many other regulated pests for other parts of the world in 

total more than 1500 distribution records,  more than 2100 for  categorization)

‐

Host plants

‐

Geographical distribution

‐

Plant commodities liable to carry quarantine pests

‐

Diagnostic protocols, inspection, eradication,   PP1

At present, the earlier version  of the database (formerly called PQR) can be  downloaded from the EPPO website, but it is now under re‐construction (it 

will be an online database)

At present, the earlier version  of the database (formerly calleAt present, the earlier version  of the database (formerly called PQR) can be d PQR) can be  downloaded from the EPPO website, but it is now under redownloaded from the EPPO website, but it is now under re‐‐construction (it construction (it 

will be an online database)will be an online database)

New EPPO database on pestsNew EPPO database on pests

Geographical distribution, host plants, short reports of EPPO Reporting  Service, pictures etc. are stored in the Database  (under construction to be 

released soon)

Geographical distribution, host plants, short reports of EPPO ReGeographical distribution, host plants, short reports of EPPO Reporting porting  Service, pictures etc. are stored in the Database  (under constrService, pictures etc. are stored in the Database  (under construction to be uction to be 

released soon)released soon)

PEST RISK ANALYSISPEST RISK ANALYSIS

Potential invasive pests Potential invasive pests PRA & phytosanitary PRA & phytosanitary  regulationsregulations

• When new pests are emerging, studies can be done  to evaluate whether phytosanitary regulations are 

appropriate to prevent introduction and spread 

• Pest Risk Analysis can be performed

Risk perception Risk assessment

Risk management

The objective of PRA is to answer these  simple’

questions:

•

Can the pest studied be considered as  a quarantine pest?

•

Can phytosanitary measures  (prohibitions, restrictions on trade …) 

be taken to reduce the risk to an  acceptable level?

What is Pest Risk Analysis (PRA)?

EPPO Standard PM5/3(3) Decision‐support  scheme for quarantine pests

Pest Risk AssessmentPest Risk AssessmentProbability of entry (pathways, detection, survival in transit)

Probability of establishment and spread (host plants, vectors, climate)Economic impact assessment (direct/indirect damage)

Is it a quarantine pest?

Pest Risk ManagementPest Risk ManagementIs the risk acceptable?

For each possible pathway evaluate the efficacy of possible phytosanitary measures

Propose management options

InitiationInitiationWhich pest to analyse?

Definition of the PRA areaDoes an earlier PRA exist?

CLIMEX - Compare Locations (1 species)Saperda candida final

Run on Dec 07 2009 14:45World

No Climate Change / Irrigation: Not Set

0 to <1020 to <3040 to <5060 to <7080 to <9090 to <100

Saperda candida (round‐headed apple tree borer)

North American pest of Rosaceae (including apple)

Climatic zones which are similar to the area of origin  and where the pest could establish (CLIMEX studies)

Saperda candida (round‐headed apple tree borer)

North American pest of Rosaceae (including apple)

Climatic zones which are similar to the area of origin  and where the pest could establish (CLIMEX studies)

PRA tools  Climate matching studies to predict pest establishment

Performing and reviewing PRA to recommend regulation of pests

EPPO recommendations may then serve as a basis for establishing the EU regulations on plant health.

Council Directive 2000/29/EC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community

EPPO recommendations may then serve as a basis for EPPO recommendations may then serve as a basis for establishing the EU regulations on plant health.establishing the EU regulations on plant health.

Council Directive 2000/29/EC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community

Any request for addition to the EPPO Lists should be supported by a PRA

PRAs prepared by EPPO member countries

PRAs performed by an EPPO Expert Working Group for PRA

PRAs are reviewed by EPPO Panels and pests are eventually added to the EPPO A1/A2 Lists with recommendations on

management options (phytosanitary measures)

Other activities in the PRA frameworkOther activities in the PRA framework

•• Prepare a compact PRA scheme for Prepare a compact PRA scheme for  quicker decision makingquicker decision making

• Prioritization process for invasive alien plants(new standard der development)

Development of EPPO StandardsDevelopment of EPPO Standards

To help its member countries EPPO has  developed Standards on: 

Diagnostic protocols

Eradication /containment programmes

Inspection 

Certification schemes

Biological Control Agents

In practice, for potentially invasive species which have newly been  introduced, the difficulty is that field or lab experience is lacking 

(and takes time to build up) – so how to react promptly?

X

STANDARDSSTANDARDS DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOLSDIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOLS

Laboratory analysis are often performed Laboratory analysis are often performed to detect and identify pests to detect and identify pests

NPPOs perform inspections to NPPOs perform inspections to detect pests: detect pests:

Why a programme on Diagnostic protocols? Why a programme on Diagnostic protocols? 

on imported consignments (imported or exported)

for the surveillance of their territory (in fields, nurseries glasshouses….)

Need 

for 

a 

harmonized 

approach 

to 

diagnostic Need 

for 

a 

harmonized 

approach 

to 

diagnostic  methods for regulated pests was recognizedmethods for regulated pests was recognized

In 1998, EPPO started a programme to prepare In 1998, EPPO started a programme to prepare  diagnostic protocols.diagnostic protocols.

The 

work 

is 

conducted 

by 

Panels The 

work 

is 

conducted 

by 

Panels 

composed 

of composed 

of  laboratory 

specialists 

nominated 

by 

their laboratory 

specialists 

nominated 

by 

their 

NPPOs. NPPOs. 

EPPO Programme on Diagnostic  ProtocolsEPPO Programme on Diagnostic  Protocols

Objectives of EPPO DPObjectives of EPPO DP

•

to ensure correct detection and identification of  regulated pests

•

to ensure harmonized methodology in different diagnostic services/laboratories

•

to improve efficacy of inspection in order to ensure  that effective measures can be taken

Preparation of EPPO diagnostic protocolsPreparation of EPPO diagnostic protocols

• First 

drafts 

prepared 

by 

an 

author 

according 

to 

a  common format. 

• Drafts 

are 

reviewed 

by 

relevant 

Panels 

and 

other  EPPO bodies.

• 95 

pest 

specific 

protocols 

have 

been 

approved 

and  6 general standards 

• Approximately 20 protocols are in preparation. 

• EPPO DPs are available on the EPPO Website 

www.eppo.org

EPPO Diagnostic Protocol include EPPO Diagnostic Protocol include Pictures to illustrate symptoms

PSTV

or morphological characteristics

Conidia of Colletotrichum acutatum.

Colony of Ciborinia  camelliae on potato  dextrose agar (PDA).

EPPO Diagnostic Protocols include EPPO Diagnostic Protocols include 

Pupal cases of Aleurocanthus woglumi (left) and A. spiniferus (right) (with the permission of J.H. Martin)

submarginal row of glandular structures/rangée submarginale

de structures glandulaires

submarginal spines épines

submarginales

vasiform orifice orifice vasiforme

marginal teeth dents marginales

legs pattes

doubled pair of submarginal spines paire double d'épines submarginales

Ditylenchus  destructor.

Drawings

EPPO DP include flow 

EPPO DP include flow 

diagrams 

diagrams 

e.g. Guignardia citricarpa

e.g. Guignardia citricarpa

EPPO EPPO 

& & 

Quality assurance and Quality assurance and  accreditationaccreditation

NEED FOR HARMONIZATIONNEED FOR HARMONIZATIONDifferences concerning the interpretation of

the Standard ISO/IEC 17025 for plant pest diagnostic laboratories noted between national accreditation bodies in different

countries.

Achievements so farAchievements so far

2009Standard on the interpretation of ISO 17025 for plant pest diagnosis (including guidance on validation of

tests) PM 7/98 Standard will be revisited in 2012 based on experience

2007Standard on basic requirements for quality

assurance PM 7/84

““Specific requirements for laboratories preparing for Specific requirements for laboratories preparing for  accreditation for plant pest diagnosis activitiesaccreditation for plant pest diagnosis activities””

Core element of the StandardCore element of the Standard

A laboratory preparing for accreditation preparing for accreditation should only use validated testsvalidated tests

Validated test = test with the following performance criteria

analytical sensitivityanalytical sensitivity

analytical specificity analytical specificity

reproducibility reproducibility

repeatability repeatability

Depending on the scope of the test selectivityselectivity may also need to be determined.

Validated tests providing performance criteria are considered asValidated tests providing performance criteria are considered as ““standard testsstandard tests”” (equivalent to "standard methods" in ISO 17025).(equivalent to "standard methods" in ISO 17025).

““Specific requirements for laboratories preparing for Specific requirements for laboratories preparing for  accreditation for plant pest diagnosis activitiesaccreditation for plant pest diagnosis activities””

LaboratoryLaboratory performingperforming a testa test

Test with validation data

Laboratory performs a verification Laboratory performs a verification (to confirm its competence in(to confirm its competence in

performing the test)performing the test)

Test with no orincomplete validation data

Laboratory should produce Laboratory should produce missing validation data missing validation data

Validation tables mycologyValidation tables mycologyMolecular methods, e.g. hybridization, PCR (including DNA extraction)Remark. This step also includes methods for isolation of DNA from the sample material.

Analytical sensitivity Because the concentration of fungi is never known, determine the maximum dilution of DNA detected. Perform at least 3 experiments with 8 serial dilutions. If consistent results are not obtained after 3 series then additional series should be prepared and tested.

Analytical sensitivity refers to a specific set of test parameters which should be stringently defined and standardised, e.g. brand of PCR reagents (in particular DNA polymerase) and PCR cycle conditions.

Analytical specificity Screen once against a range of related target organisms and relevant non-related target organisms (e.g. phylogenetically close fungi) that might be present in the sample and sample extract. The test results can be supported by ‘in silico’ verification (genomic database comparison).

Selectivity Determine the relative insensitivity of the test to variations of the sample material, e.g. by using different cultivars of the host plant.

Repeatability Perform 3 experiments at above, below and at the limit of detection with a minimum of 8 replicates. This can give indications on the level of certainty of measurement

Reproducibility As for repeatability but with different operator(s) if possible , on different days and with different equipments when relevant

What about tests included in EPPO diagnostic protocols?What about tests included in EPPO diagnostic protocols?

Not all tests include validation data

Survey conducted in 2008 on the use of tests included in 58  EPPO Diagnostic protocols showed that many tests are 

widely used. 

these tests are considered as giving appropriate confidence  regarding repeatability, reproducibility and analytical 

selectivity. +

validation data regarding analytical sensitivity to be  produced only

European cooperation for Accreditation European cooperation for Accreditation  (EA) & EPPO (EA) & EPPO 

Collaboration initiated in  2007 and Collaboration initiated in  2007 and  continued since. continued since. 

Joint communication EA EPPO Joint communication EA EPPO  20092009‐‐0202‐‐2323

EPPO has been granted EPPO has been granted  ““recognized stakeholderrecognized stakeholder””

status by EA status by EA 

20112011‐‐0101

Future plans in QA areaFuture plans in QA area

• Create a database where validation data can be made available.

• Guidance on how to perform ring testing and proficiency testing

Other initiatives in the framework of Other initiatives in the framework of  diagnosticsdiagnostics

Database on diagnostic expertiseDatabase on diagnostic expertise(regulated pests)

Initiated in 2006 open access since 2007-11

• Encourage collaboration and communication between laboratories

• 70 laboratories from 25 countries in the database (~500 experts)

• Annual confirmation of declared expertise requested.

OTHEROTHER STANDARDSSTANDARDS

EPPO Standards: eradication and containmentEPPO Standards: eradication and containment

‘Generic elements for contingency planning’: a rapid and effective response of  NPPOs to pest outbreaks (containment/eradication):

o a general frameworko pest specific contingency plans remain to be drafted…

Decision support scheme for eradication (in framework of PRATIQUE)

National regulatory control systems: recommendations on  delimiting surveys, sampling, trapping, measures in infested 

areas:o

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

o

Diabrotica virgifera

o

Heterodera glycines

………….

o

Draft Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borer)

Inspection procedures Inspection procedures 

• Procedures for consignment  inspection and place of production 

inspection

Biological control agentsBiological control agents

Phytosanitary Treatments (PM10):Phytosanitary Treatments (PM10):standards describing the methods to be 

followed for treatments of commodities and  treatments of crops for containment or 

eradication of regulated pests: e.g. Number  Title of Standard 

PM 10/1(1) Disinfection procedures in potato production 

PM 10/2(1)  Hot water treatment of Dracaena and

Yucca

cuttings against Opogona sacchari

PM 10/4(1)  Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation of dried fruits and nuts to control

various stored product 

insects

PM 10/6(1)  Heat treatment of wood to control insects and wood‐borne nematodes

PM 10/7(1)  Methyl bromide fumigation of wood to control insects

PM 10/8(1)  Disinfestation of wood with ionizing radiation

PM 10/9(1)  Low energy electron treatment of cereal seed against fungi

Before I thank you for your Before I thank you for your  attention attention 

I would like to thank the experts.I would like to thank the experts.

EPPOEPPO’’s achievements are based s achievements are based  on collaboration between on collaboration between 

experts from our region.experts from our region.

Thank you!