Mycosphaerella citri is responsible for greasy spot and greasy spot rind blotch disease of citrus. The organism affects leaves and fruit resulting in defoliation and fruit blemishes. Yield losses of up to 45% have been reported for this disease. 

Grapefruit, lemon, early oranges and tangelos are most susceptible to greasy spot. The disease has also been noted on other genera of the family Rutaceae. 

The disease is spread by ascospores ejected by pseudothecia which have developed on decaying leaf litter.  The life cycle of the disease is slow allowing considerable scope for control. High humidity and temperature favour disease development but the organism can complete its life cycle in arid regions also. 

The Panel examined in detail the risk assessment provided, and considered the accuracy and quality of the information provided and methods applied for pest risk assessment purposes. 

The Panel concludes that M. citri can be considered as a harmful organism for the French overseas department of Réunion in the meaning of the definition mentioned in Article 2.1.(e) of Directive 2000/29/EC and thus eligible for addition to the list of harmful organisms in Directive 2000/29/EC.