Based on this report, Spodoptera ornithogalliand Spodoptera praefica were added to the EPPO A2 List of pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests in 2023.  Measures for for above-ground fresh plant parts of hosts and host plants for planting (except seeds, tissue cultures and pollen) are recommended. 

S. ornithogalli and S. praefica meet all the criteria to qualify as a quarantine pest. In particular, these polyphagous pests are absent in the EPPO region and could cause significant damage on several crops if it were to be introduced.

S. ornithogalli and S. praefica pose a risk to the EPPO region and risk management options should be considered.