In 1991, the Syndrome „basses richesses“ was detected in Burgundy, France for the first time. In 2008, first infested sugar beets were found in Germany. In 2010, no infestations were detected, but there were further outbreaks in autumn 2011 and in 2013. Since then, there has been both local spread in the known infestation area and further infestation in the federal territory. Only recently it was found that the γ-3-Proteobacterium Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus is the main origin of the syndrome detected in France and Germany. Mainly, the bacterium is transmitted by the planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus. 

So far, the pest is not listed in the Annexes of the Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. After the first occurrence in Germany, the disease was included in the EPPO-alert list in 2012 (deleted in 2016, because warning has been given).

The further transmission and natural spread of Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus within Germany and possibly introduction to other Member States is most likely in the case that infested areas were tolerated and infested plant material was transported, especially as the vector P. leporinus is widespread. 

Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus caused already significant damage to sugar beets locally in Germany and may as well cause significant damage in other EU-Member States where sugar beets are cultivated.  Due to the establishment of the pest and its vector in great parts of Germany as well as limited efficacy of control and containment strategies, phytosanitary measures against the movement and spread seem no longer useful. Thus, Article 29 of the Regulation (EU) 2016/2031does not apply any longer.