30th Meeting of the Panel on Quarantine Pests for Forestry

Paris, 2025-11-12/14

 

Photo of the meeting

 

The 30th meeting of the EPPO Panel on Quarantine Pests for Forestry took place in Paris from the 12th to the 14th November 2025. Members of the Panel met to discuss how risk assessment and management can help NPPOs of the EPPO member countries in preventing the introduction and spread of quarantine pests of forest trees. The meeting was chaired by EPPO’s Director-General, Ms Tikka and supported by EPPO Scientific Officer Mr Musolin. The Panel was attended by 26 experts from 22 EPPO member countries, a representative of the European Commission. Mr Uzunovic from Canada Wood (Canada) joined remotely to deliver a presentation.

 

Discussion on the EPPO Strategic Framework 2026–2030

The EPPO Secretariat presented to the Panel the new EPPO Strategic Framework 2026–2030, approved by the EPPO Council in September 2025. The Panel brainstormed on possible activities for inclusion in the implementation plan and yearly work programmes to ensure effective execution of this new Framework.

 

EPPO PRA and PRA reports

The Panel reviewed and provided comments on the EPPO PRA for the pine bark beetle, Pseudips mexicanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae; EPPO Alert List) and three PRA Reports – for the laurel wilt fungus Harringtonia lauricola (Ascomycota: Ophiostomataceae; EPPO Alert List) and its vector, redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae; EPPO Alert List), the American plum borer, Euzophera semifuneralis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae; EPPO Alert List), and the nematode Litylenchus crenatae (Rhabditida: Anguinidae; EPPO Alert List), causing beech leaf disease. These documents will be further review by the EPPO Panel on Phytosanitary Measures and the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulation in 2026.

 

 

Quarantine pest status and updates in the EPPO region

Panel members discussed the situation with the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Rhabditida: Aphelenchoididae) (EPPO A2 List) in the EPPO region, in particular recent records in Armenia and France, with the discussion focused on detection surveys, management measures, and national responses.

 

The Panel was presented information on the first national finding of Davidsoniella virescens (Ascomycota: Microascales: Ceratocystidaceae), including the identification of a new host tree – the European beech, Fagus sylvatica (Angiospermae: Fagales: Fagaceae).

 

The Panel was also updated on the situation concerning the oomycete Phytophthora pluvialis (Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae) (EPPO Alert List) in the EPPO region, in particular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, and Switzerland, highlighting progress in monitoring, diagnostic activities, and published scientific papers.

 

EPPO A1, A2, and Alert Lists

Members of the Panel received an update from the EPPO Secretariat on the recent additions of forest pests to the EPPO A1, A2, and Alert Lists and they also discussed a recently approved procedure for delisting of pests from EPPO A1 and A2 Lists.

 

 

EPPO guidance documents

The Panel discussed the progress of development of the EPPO Guidance document on managing the risks associated with international trade of wood chips, which is planned to be finalized during 2026. The experts similarly explored the need for a new guidance document or Standard to ensure the safe production of forest reproductive material in nurseries, addressing pest risks, certification schemes, and good production practices.

 

 

 

The Panel also discussed heat treatment as a phytosanitary measure against forest pests in wood commodities in international trade and decided to create a dataset with known protocols specified in legislation as well as schedules tested in laboratories and published in peer-reviewed articles. The Panel will review the dataset and discuss steps for analysis and harmonization at its next meeting.

 

Updates on the activities of the EPPO Network of experts working on surveillance, monitoring, and control of the Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis

The EPPO Secretariat provided updates on the current activities of Network, content of its regular Newsletter, its recent webinar ‘Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in the EPPO region: preparedness of countries for its further spread’, attended by about 600 listeners from 55 countries, development of a dynamic map of A. planipennis distribution, and preparation for the upcoming EPPO–REUFIS-FAO–BFW international conference ‘Safeguarding Forests in Europe: Emerging Risks of Agrilus Wood Borers (Buprestidae)’ (21–23 April 2026 in Vienna).

 

Recent and future meetings on forest quarantine pests

Members of the Panel informed colleagues about recent meetings focused on forest pests and organized by EPPO or in which they participated. The first report concerned the Joint Conference of EPPO and COST Action Urban Tree Guard (CA20132) ‘Biosecurity and Surveillance of Quarantine Pests of Trees in Forests and Cities’ (8–10 September 2025 in Carcavelos, Portugal). This conference was attended by more than 80 participants from 27 countries, including six members of the Panel. It covered a broad range of topics related to surveillance of quarantine forest tree pests and forest tree biosecurity, with a particular focus on urban environments. All materials are published online.

 

The Panel member from Ukraine and Mr Musolin (EPPO) updated the Panel on the first meeting of the Project FORSAID (Forest surveillance with artificial intelligence and digital technologies; European Commission under Grant Agreement # 101134200). EPPO is a partner in this project and several members of the Panel are involved in research tasks or represent their countries in the Committee of stakeholders.

 

 

The Panel member from Portugal presented a summary of the results of the 22nd Meeting of the International Forestry Quarantine Research Group (IFQRG) held in Maisons-Alfort, France (29 September – 3 November 2025). Key topics, research developments and options for collaboration were shared for information.

 

The Panel member from Ukraine presented outcomes from the EABRACE workshop ‘First Years of Baltic Co-partners’ Experience’ held in Krakow, Poland (16–17 October 2025). The EABRACE project focuses on monitoring the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, and evaluating the biodiversity of beetles before and during the invasion of this pest in Europe. The meeting was attended by 50 participants from 16 countries. The implementation and challenges of ISPM 15 are particularly pressing for EPPO countries, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and action. To address these issues, organizing a dedicated workshop would be beneficial for sharing best practices and fostering collaboration. The Panel considered options for the preparation of a future EPPO workshop. Additionally, as 2027 marks the 25th anniversary of this important IPPC standard, it provides a timely opportunity to reflect on its historical context and successes.

 

Country reports on the situation with quarantine forestry pests and pest control (including biological control)

At the end of the meeting national experts shared news on quarantine forestry pests and pest control (including biological control) in their countries. The European Commission updated the Panel on the news in forest quarantine regulation in the European Union.

 

The next Panel meeting is planned for 17–19 November 2026 to be held in Tallinn (Estonia).