Background
EFSA is currently performing a pest categorisation of Matsucoccus matsumurae (Kuwana) [EPPO code: MATSRE]. Matsucoccus matsumurae is a species of scale insect (Japanese pine bast scale or red pine scale) reported mainly from Asia and North America. According to a commodity risk assessment of bonsai plants from China by EFSA (2021) the species was also reported as present in Sweden, citing ScaleNet (García Morales et al. 2022), which cites Gertsson (2001). EFSA requested information from the Swedish NPPO to verify the pest status (pers. comm. Swedish Board of Agriculture).

SLU Risk Assessment of Plant Pests was requested by the Swedish Board of Agriculture to evaluate whether Matsucoccus matsumurae should be regarded to be present in Sweden. In addition, information should be provided whether any measures are applied against the spread of this species in Sweden.