EPPO Council Colloquium on the consequences of the SPS Agreement, Berlin (DE), 1998-09-17

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been in force since 1995 and is intended to have a considerable effect on the application of phytosanitary measures worldwide, or their modification if they cannot be accepted as technically justified non-tariff barriers to trade. The EPPO Council Colloquium set out to examine the impact of the agreement on the NPPOs of EPPO countries. The Colloquium reviewed the objectives of the agreement, its relationship with the Principles of Plant Quarantine and the revised IPPC, its practical consequences for an NPPO, the impact of the transparency and notification obligations, the meaning of'technical justification'in relation to the agreement, the concept of'appropriate level of protection'and the conclusions to be drawn.     

International and regional standards for diagnosis of regulated pests*

For the last 8 years, EPPO has run a European Panel on diagnostics, which has developed regional standards on diagnostic protocols. Nearly 60 such standards have now been approved, and are in active use in EPPO countries. In 2004, the Interim Commission for Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM) of FAO, in reviewing global needs for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), recognized that there is a strong interest in developing diagnostic protocols for all IPPC contracting parties. Such protocols would support the harmonization of detection and identification procedures worldwide, contribute to greater transparency and comparability in the diagnostics of regulated pests, and assist in the resolution of disputes between trading partners. In addition, such protocols would constitute a very good material for technical assistance. In 2004, the ICPM adopted a mechanism for more rapid development of ISPMs in specific areas, suitable particularly for diagnostic protocols. A Technical Panel to develop protocols for specific pests was also established and met for the first time in September 2004. A format for international diagnostic protocols was prepared, together with a list of priority pests.     

EPPO Council Colloquium on 'Plant health and the environment', Dublin, 2000-09-21

The National Plant Protection Organizations of EPPO countries have a basic responsibility to prevent the introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products. This has been for many years defined by the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) and now by its new revised text. The Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of the World Trade Organization has in the past 10 years aimed to prevent the use of phytosanitary measures as unjustified barriers to trade. In the past 2 years, new constraints have appeared, particularly on account of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). International co-operation is now developing on biosafety (restricting the movement of potentially dangerous organisms, whether GMOs, alien species or invasive species) and on the protection of the environment and biodiversity as such. The new obligations of countries under the CBD, and the measures which they can take to implement them, overlap to a significant extent with their obligations under the IPPC. The responsibilities and tasks of NPPOs (under Ministries of Agriculture) can at a technical level be extended to cover the concerns of the CBD, but in so doing may conflict with those of the equivalent authorities under the Ministries of the Environment. The aim of the EPPO Council Colloquium in Dublin was to examine these areas of potential overlap and conflict and consider the consequences for the international organizations concerned with plant health (like EPPO) and for the NPPOs.     

International diagnostic protocols for regulated plant pests

The development and use of international standards for phytosanitary measures provides a framework for establishing actions to protect plant health that are harmonized and science-based. Standards for diagnostic processes are being developed to harmonize detection and identification procedures to enable safe movement and trade of plants and plant products. The aim is to increase the transparency of diagnostic processes and to foster trust and mutual recognition of test results. Diagnostic protocols may also assist in dispute resolution between trading partners and contribute to technical assistance programmes. The Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures in 2003 identified the development of international standards for diagnostic procedures for regulated pests as a priority. An ongoing 'Technical Panel on Diagnostic Protocols' was established in 2004 to manage the development of protocols for such pests. The panel was involved in the development of a standard that clarifies the purpose and use of international diagnostic protocols and describes the requirements for them and their development. After consultation the 'Diagnostic Protocols for Regulated Pests' standard (ISPM No. 27) was adopted in 2006 by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures. Draft diagnostic protocols are in development for over 30 pests, and a draft protocol for Thrips palmi has been sent for international consultation.     

International standards for the diagnosis of regulated pests

For the last 10 years, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) has run a European Panel on diagnostics, which has developed regional standards on diagnostic protocols. Nearly 80 such standards have now been approved, and are in active use in EPPO countries. In 2003, the Commission for Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) of FAO, in reviewing global needs for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), recognized that there is a strong interest in developing diagnostic protocols for all contracting parties to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Such protocols would support the harmonization of detection and identification procedures worldwide, contribute to greater transparency and comparability in the diagnostics for regulated pests, and assist in the resolution of disputes between trading partners. In addition, such protocols would be very useful in technical assistance programmes. In 2004, the CPM adopted a mechanism for rapid development of ISPMs in specific areas, particularly suitable for diagnostic protocols. A Technical Panel was accordingly established to develop protocols for specific pests and meets on an annual basis. A format for international diagnostic protocols was adopted in 2006 and a list of priority pests was established. In 2003, EPPO initiated a new programme on quality management and accreditation for plant pest laboratories and Standards are now also being developed in this area. In 2006, a survey of existing diagnostic capacities in EPPO member countries was undertaken and a database on diagnostic expertise was created.     

A methodology for preparing a list of recommended regulated non‐quarantine pests (RNQPs)

The concept of ‘regulated non‐quarantine pest’ (RNQP) was introduced in the revised text of the FAO International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) approved in 1997. Measures against quarantine pests (exclusion, eradication, containment) aim to prevent unacceptable economic, environmental and social impacts resulting from the introduction and/or spread of these pests. On the contrary, the concept of RNQPs is intended to prevent an unacceptable economic impact on the intended use of plants for planting by pests that are already present in the area. RNQPs have been introduced in the new EU plant health regulation, in line with available international standards. This regulation entered into force in December 2016 and will be implemented in the following 3 years. In this context, EPPO agreed to undertake a 2‐year project on RNQPs: the EU Quality Pest Project. The objective of this project was to develop a methodology and then to apply this methodology to a list of about 1400 pest–host combinations to identify which should be recommended as RNQPs. This methodology is presented in this paper, as well as the main issues discussed during its development.     

10th EPPO Workshop for Phytosanitary Inspectors, Sankt-Peterburg, RU, 1999-10-25/29

The 10th Workshop for Phytosanitary Inspectors provided the opportunity for inspectors from 27 countries to exchange experiences on working procedures, as at other annual EPPO workshops of this type. It was also the occasion for a detailed presentation of the structure and activities of the State Plant Quarantine Service of the Russian Federation, with particular reference to the complex structure of the different elements of the service in a large federal country, phytosanitary regulations, phytosanitary certification procedures, inspection procedures, interceptions, bilateral agreements, fumigation and special aspects arising from the export of wood. Contributions from the EPPO Secretariat and from other countries also related to phytosanitary regulations for wood, inspection procedures and the problems arising from the wood trade.     

国际植物保护公约实施工作与能力发展现状及对我国的建议

本文介绍了国际植物保护公约实施工作与能力发展的主要管理机构实施工作与能力发展委员会的产生历史因由、职责范围、议事规则等,并介绍了公约在实施工作与能力发展方面开展的工作和进展,就我国的应用方向、未来进一步的切入点提出了想法和建议。     

Scientific issues arising from the use of the International Plant Protection Convention definition of a quarantine pest

This paper examines some of the issues arising from the use of the IPPC definition of a quarantine pest. Using hypothetical case studies of pathogens and their hosts, the authors examine some of the potentially contentious issues that are likely to arise from the application of the definition. Proposals for resolving these issues are suggested. To further simplify the application of the IPPC definition in international plant quarantine, the authors present diagrams setting out the decision-making pathways that can be followed.     

EPPO Council Colloquium on pest-free areas Barcelona (ES), 1994-09-22

The 1994 EPPO Council colloquium was devoted to discussion of the concept of the 'pest-free area' (PFA), which arises specifically in the SPS agreement of GATT as a recommended phytosanitary measure. The IPPC Secretariat of FAO has drafted an international standard on the establishment of PFAs. The colloquium provided EPPO with the opportunity to explore this concept in its own terms, in relation to established EPPO ideas, in relation to PRA, as an element in the GATT agreement, in relation to the EU concept of a 'protected zone', and as an operational measure used for example in North America. Discussion at the colloquium served as the basis for EPPO's reaction to the FAO proposals. The four main contributions made at the colloquium are presented here in summarized form.     

PM 7/95 (2): Xiphinema americanum sensu lato

Specific scope

This Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for Xiphinema americanum sensu lato 1 . This Standard should be used in conjunction with PM 7/76 Use of EPPO diagnostic protocols. Terms used are those in the EPPO Pictorial Glossary of Morphological Terms in Nematology 2 .

Specific approval and amendment

Approved in 2009‐09. Revised in 2017‐01. This revision was prepared on the basis of the IPPC Diagnostic Protocol adopted in 2016 (Annex 11 to ISPM 27, IPPC, 2016). This EPPO Diagnostic Standard differs in terms of format but it is consistent with the content of the IPPC Standard. However, since the adoption of the IPPC Protocol 5 new species have been added into the group and are included in this version of the EPPO Protocol.     

Phytosanitary Measures Against Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), in International Trade

The establishment of P. truncatus in Africa has highlighted the inherent weakness of phytosanitary measures against exotic pests. Consideration is given to the need for phytosanitary measures and how patterns of international trade affect phytosanitary control. To prevent the spread of pests such as P. truncatus, large grain shipments can be subject to stringent pest control procedures. However, a significant proportion of grain movement in Africa, both within countries and across borders, occurs informally by both illicit, commercial movement of multiple truckloads of grain and legally by individuals carrying headloads via bush paths or small parcels on public transport. Attempts to locate and inspect the small lots would be impractical. Some recommendations are given on how the spread of P. truncatus in large-scale international trade can be slowed but otherwise it is accepted that in the long-term the prevention of further spread of P. truncatus in Africa is wholly unrealistic.     

少数民族地区行政边界纠纷的诱因和对策探讨——以甘青农牧交错带为例

甘青农牧交错带 ,是我国少数民族聚居地区和行政区域边界纠纷多发地段。边界纠纷作为一种特殊的人地矛盾表现形式 ,是地理、历史、资源和社会等因素彼此交织、互为激化的结果。针对传统边界管理体制的内在缺陷 ,提出了地缘和谐论、边界资源有偿调剂互补机制、创新型边界管理模式等新理论。     

Invasive alien plants in plant health: a review of the past ten years

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) provides the background for National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) to regulate and control invasive alien species that are harmful to plants. This subject was specifically discussed for the first time 10 years ago at IPPC level, and further explored by an IPPC open‐ended working group. The resulting concept was considered at EU level, and the EU Council supported the suitability of the plant health framework for these species, requesting the EU Commission to further analyse the needs for regulatory work in the EU plant health regime. Subsequently the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) started a new working programme. The international conference ‘Invasive alien species and the IPPC’ set a signal for IPPC contracting parties to encourage their NPPOs to enforce actions on invasive alien species. IPPC standards on pest risk analysis (PRA) were adapted so as to include invasive alien species harmful to plants, and a memorandum of cooperation was adopted between the Secretariats of the IPPC and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). At present, the EU Commission, DG Environment is developing a European strategy on invasive alien species. The EU Plant Health Regulatory System is currently subjected to a major evaluation process in which a clearer inclusion of invasive alien species into the system is one of the strategic discussions.     

PM 7/87 (2) Ditylenchus destructor and Ditylenchus dipsaci

Specific scope

This Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for Ditylenchus destructor and Ditylenchus dipsaci. 1 This Standard should be used in conjunction with PM 7/76 Use of EPPO diagnostic protocols. Terms used are those in the EPPO Pictorial Glossary of Morphological Terms in Nematology. 2

Specific approval and amendment

Approved in 2008‐09. This revision was prepared on the basis of the IPPC Diagnostic Protocol adopted in 2015 on D. dipsaci and D. destructor (Annex 8 to ISPM 27 Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests). The EPPO Diagnostic Protocol is consistent with the text of the IPPC Standard for morphological identification for this species. For comparison with other species the IPPC table includes Ditylenchus africanus whereas the EPPO table includes Ditylenchus convallariae due to the different distribution of the species. The molecular tests for which there is experience in the EPPO region are described in full in the appendices (some of these are additional tests to those in the IPPC protocol). Reference is given to the IPPC protocol for tests for which there is little experience in the EPPO region. DNA barcoding is also included. Revision approved in 2017‐04.     

PM 7/39 (2) Aphelenchoides besseyi

Specific scope

This Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for Aphelenchoides besseyi. This Standard should be used in conjunction with PM 7/76 Use of EPPO diagnostic protocols. Terms used are those in the EPPO Pictorial Glossary of Morphological Terms in Nematology a .

Specific approval and amendment

Approved in 2003‐09. Revised in 2017‐04. This revision was prepared on the basis of the IPPC Diagnostic Protocol adopted in 2016 on Aphelenchoides besseyi, Aphelenchoides fragariae and Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi (Annex 17 to ISPM 27; IPPC, 2016 ). The EPPO Diagnostic Protocol only covers A. besseyi. It differs in terms of format but it is consistent with the content of the IPPC Standard for morphological identification for this species. With regard to molecular methods, one real‐time PCR test available in the region is included as well as DNA barcoding.     

The Plant Protection Service in the Netherlands

A survey is given of the history, the tasks and the organization of the Plant Protection Service in the Netherlands. Its activities encompass two major fields, concerning phytosanitary and phytopharmaceutical aspects. In the phytosanitary field, a distinction can be made between long-term and short-term phytosanitary policy, depending on whether one has to deal with existing and established pests or diseases, or with a suddenly arising plant health problem. Two examples are given as illustrations, viz. the approach followed in designing new regulations for controlling potato root eelworm, and the campaign against the recent outbreak of fireblight. A further outline is given on the activities of the Plant Protection Service in the pesticides field, on the responsibilities of the different Ministries concerned, and on the basic elements of pesticides legislation. The restrictions imposed on the use of persistent organochlorine insecticides and organomercury fungicides are summarized. Finally, it is emphasized that the problems of plant protection are becoming increasingly complex as a result of a developing antagonism between phytosanitary and phytopharmaceutical requirements, and of a potential antagonism between these two on the one hand and environmental demands on the other. This situation calls for an integrated approach in plant protection matters, and for an intensified international collaboration.     

The effectiveness of phytosanitary controls in preventing the entry of Colletotrichum acutatum in the UK strawberry sector

Phytosanitary legislation is widely thought to be the most effective means of limiting the entry of alien pathogens without hindering trade. However, there is increasing evidence of limitations and weaknesses in phytosanitary systems worldwide. One such case is the entry and establishment of Colletotrichum acutatum in the UK in the 1980s. To investigate this further, data sets of disease incidence gathered by the authorities responsible for plant health between 1984 and 2008 were analysed to determine how and why the pathogen entered the UK and became established on strawberries. Results suggest that the disease entered the UK in 1982 on plants originating from the USA, a year earlier than the first UK record of the disease was reported. At least 54 further cases of infested plant material breached phytosanitary procedures and entered the UK, 75% of which originated from EU countries. Moreover, internal trade transmission was found to be highly influential in the successful spread of the disease. The effectiveness of phytosanitary procedures is limited when the sector is importing large numbers of plants from nurseries that have a track record of selling infested plant material, even if they are accompanied by a plant passport. By taking greater responsibility in limiting the spread of quarantine diseases, nurseries throughout the EU have an important role to play in limiting the entry of alien pathogens.