Pest categorisation of Amyelois transitella

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), for the EU. This polyphagous species feeds on citrus, almonds, pistachios, grapes and other crops cultivated in the EU. A. transitella occurs in North, Central and South America in a range of climates some of which also occur in the EU. Adult females lay up to 200 eggs on overripe, damaged, cracked or mummified fruits or nuts. In citrus, eggs are laid at the navel end of damaged fruit. On occasions, they may be found on adjacent leaves or stems. This species is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. Potential entry pathways for A. transitella, such as plants for planting, and fruit, exist. The pest is not known to be present in the EU territory although it has been intercepted in Italy and Austria. Should A. transitella arrive in the EU the availability of hosts and occurrence of potentially suitable climates would be conducive for establishment. Should this species establish in the EU, yield and quality losses in citrus, nuts, stone and pome fruit production is anticipated. A. transitella satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.