Pest categorisation of Capsicum chlorosis virus

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) forthe EU territory. The identity of CaCV, a member of the genusOrthotospovirus(familyTospoviridae), isestablished and reliable detection and identification methods are available. The pathogen is notincluded in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. CaCV has been reported inAustralia, China, India, Iran, Taiwan, Thailand and USA (Hawaii). In the EU, it has been reported oncein Greece (Crete Island). The NPPO of Greece reported that CaCV is no longer present in Greece.CaCV infects plant species in the family Solanaceae (i.e. pepper, tomato) and several species of otherfamilies, including ornamentals. It may induce severe symptoms on its hosts, mainly on leaves andfruits, which may become unmarketable. The virus is transmitted in a persistent propagative mode bythe thripsCeratothripoides claratris, Frankliniella schultzei, Microcephalothrips abdominalisandThripspalmi. C. claratrisandT. palmiare EU quarantine pests.M.abdominalisis known to be present inseveral EU member states and it is not regulated in the EU. Plants for planting, parts of plants, fruitsand cutflowers of CaCV hosts, and viruliferous thrips were identified as the most relevant pathwaysfor the entry of CaCV into the EU. Cultivated and wild hosts of CaCV are distributed across the EU.Should the pest enter and establish in the EU territory, impact on the production of cultivated hosts isexpected. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent entry and spread of the virus in the EU.CaCV fulfils the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potentialUnion quarantine pest.