The fungus Biscogniauxia rosacearum, assumed to be native to the Middle East, is already present in the EU. It is not yet listed in the annexes to Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 or in the European Plant Protection and Health Regulation (EPPO). 

Biscogniauxia rosacearum infects a number of host plants, including pear, plum, quince, grapevine, and various oak species. 

A previously unpublished phylogenetic analysis indicates a significantly broader host range (besides Rosales, e.g., Abies alba, A. grandis, Pinus mugo, P. sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Holcus lanatus) and extensive geographical distribution (e.g., North Africa, the Middle East, Southern to Central Europe, China, and the USA). This is also related to the fact that the fungus was generally found in the past was identified as the closely related species B. mediterranea and deposited in sequence databases. Therefore, confusion with older entries can easily occur when comparing current sequence data.

It can be assumed that B. rosacearum can establish itself in Germany due to suitable climatic conditions and the availability of potential host plants; (further) establishment in southern European and Mediterranean EU member states is to be expected. Due to its high damage potential for some Rosales and oaks ("charcoal canker") on the one hand and its endophytic or opportunistic occurrence in numerous tree species on the other, as well as uncertainties regarding the current distribution of the fungus, the phytosanitary risk of B. rosacearum cannot currently be conclusively assessed.

There is also currently insufficient information on the phylogenetic diversity and pathogenicity of different B. rosacearum strains against different tree species. 

Therefore, there is an urgent need for further research. This particularly concerns the fulfillment of Koch's postulates on tree species that can be attacked by B. rosacearum, but for which no "charcoal canker" is known to date.

It cannot be ruled out that the fungus can cause significant damage; therefore, Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 would apply. First of all, any findings of infected plants should be documented and reported to the competent authority, i.e., plant protection services should report to the JKI; private individuals, companies, or other institutions should report to the plant protection service of their federal state. 

This Express PRA will be updated as soon as further relevant information becomes available.