Pest categorisation of Retithrips syriacus

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the black vine thrips, Retithrips syriacus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), for the EU territory. This species is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. This polyphagous species feeds, among others, on apple, avocado, banana, cotton, grapevine, persimmon, pear, walnut and other plants cultivated in the EU. R. syriacus occurs in several African and Asian countries and in Florida (USA), the Caribbean and Brazil, in a range of climates some of which also occur in the EU. It can complete up to seven generations per year. It overwinters at the adult stage in the soil. Adult females lay up to 60 eggs in 5–10 days in the leaf tissue or less frequently on the leaf surface. Larvae and adults feed usually on the lower side of leaves. Larvae then drop down, enter the soil, and pupate. Potential entry pathways for R. syriacus, such as plants for planting, cut flowers and fruits, exist. Soil can be considered as a closed pathway. The pest is not known to be present in the EU territory and there are no reports of interceptions. Should R. syriacus 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 several fruit trees production is anticipated. R. syriacus satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.