Panel statement on young pine plants used for afforestation or reforestation as pathway for pinewood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Pinewood nematode (PWN) (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is a destructive pest of Pinus trees worldwide which depends for transmission on the cerambycid insects of the genus Monochamus. EFSA was asked to assess the potential role of young host plants for afforestation or reforestation planting as a pathway for PWN. According to legislation (EU COM/2023/415 final), these seedlings are not older than 2 years. Based on communication with SNPF (Syndicat National des Pépiniéristes Forestiers), such pine seedlings are assumed to have a collar diameter no more than 12 mm.