The sunflower maggot (Strauzia longipennis), native to North America is so far found in the EU only in the Federal States Berlin and Brandenburg in Germany. Strauzia longipennis is not explicitly listed in the Annexes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072, but in principle, it belongs to the category of non-European Tephritidae, regulated as Union quarantine pests. It was listed in the EPPO Alert List, but was deleted. In 2012/2013, the winter with strong black frosts lead to a significant reduction of the population in the open landscape in Brandenburg, whereas the population survived in Berlin and the protected surroundings. So far, no further natural distribution was detected in the Federal State Brandenburg within the last 10 years. The infestation is still limited to the Federal States Berlin and Brandenburg. The probability of natural distribution from the infestation area is rather low because only very low population densities were developed in sunflower fields in the open landscape. No damage to Jerusalem artichoke is known in Europe. In the case of a spacious passive dispersal to southern cultivation areas of sunflowers, damage cannot totally be ruled out. Based on this risk analysis, it is assumed that the pest could establish in further parts of Germany or another EU Member State. Following establishment, no significant damage is expected. Though it is a non-European Tephritidae-species, Strauzia longipennis is not classified as a quarantine pest and Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 does not apply.

Nevertheless, it is recommended as a precautionary measure, to destroy infested plant material in order to prevent the distribution of the fruit fly. It should also be noted that the estimation of the pest potential (low to medium) for the southern member states with extensive sunflower cultivation is still subject to uncertainties due to a lack of experience