
Alan MacleodDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | DEFRA · Office of the Chief Plant Health Officer
Alan Macleod
Agricultural Entomology PhD ;Environ Biol BSc
About
245
Publications
83,537
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3,473
Citations
Citations since 2017
Introduction
Has develop a career with practical experience of assessing the risks to the UK, EU and EPPO (European & Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization) from plant pests of quarantine significance developing & using national and international assessment formats.
Coordinator of EFSA funded project Prima phacie consisting of 11 partner institutes from 8 EU Countries
Was Chair of IAGPRA supporting IPPC and helped develop PRA training (https://www.ippc.int/?id=191884)
Additional affiliations
April 2009 - September 2014
October 1995 - March 2009
Central Science Laboratory
Position
- Pest Risk Analyst
Education
January 1991 - December 1994
Publications
Publications (245)
The EFSA Panel on Plant health was requested to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in the relevant Implementing Acts as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects' (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 establishing a provisional list of high risk plants, plant products or other objects, within the mean...
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. Momordica fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high-risk plants. Th...
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. Momordica fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high risk plants. Th...
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. Momordica fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high-risk plants. Th...
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. M. charantia fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high-risk plants....
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. Momordica fruits originating from countries where Thrips palmi is known to occur qualify as high risk plants. Th...
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers the plant health risks posed by the following commodities: (i) dormant and free o...
The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) (Asian citrus psyllid) for the EU. D. citri is a key pest of citrus in several countries as it is a vector of serious bacterial pathogens, the putative causal agents of Huanglongbing (HLB) also known as citrus greening. Eggs are laid on tips of...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the EU. L. decemlineata is primarily known as a major defoliator of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum); feeding damage can result in significant yield loss. Field grown tomatoes and eggplan...
The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the EU. This subspecies occurs in North and Central America. Adults oviposit on annual plants in the families Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae and Solanaceae. Adults feed on t...
The European Commission submitted to the EFSA Panel on Plant Health a Dossier by USDA proposing a systems approach to mitigate the risk of entry of Bretziella fagacearum to the EU when trading oak logs with bark from the USA. Due to the forthcoming ban of methyl bromide (MB), the Dossier indicates sulfuryl fluoride (SF) as the substitute fumigant f...
Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health performed a categorisation of beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the causal agent of the sugar beet rhizomania disease. The virus is currently listed in Annex III as a protected zone (PZ) quarantine pest of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The identity...
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of four phytoplasmas of tuber-forming Solanum spp. known to occur only outside the EU or having a limited presence in the EU. The only tuber-forming species of Solanum reported to be phytoplasma infected is S. tuberosum. This opinion cov...
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health prepared a list of non-EU phytoplasmas of tuber-forming Solanum spp. A systematic literature review and search of databases identified 12 phytoplasmas infecting S. tuberosum. These phytoplasmas were assigned to three categories. The first group (a) consists of seven no...
The management of risk is fundamental to biosecurity. Potential pest risks must be recognised early, with appropriate measures taken to prevent or reduce the potential damage a non-native species can cause. Risk registers are a recognised tool to support risk management, especially in project management or governance of corporate risk. The use of r...
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation EU/2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers all plant health risks posed by unrooted cuttings of Jasminum polyanthum produced i...
The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the planthopper Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) for the EU. This species occurs from south-eastern USA to Northern Brazil and on many Caribbean islands. Adults oviposit on grasses, mostly Poaceae and Cyperaceae in the vicinity of palms (Arecaceae). The pest can also be found o...
The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the species within the Andean Potato Weevil (APW) complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the EU. The complex consists of 14 species, 12 belong to the genus Premnotrypes, plus Phyrdenus muriceus and Rhigopsidius tucumanus. These weevils co-occur in the Andean region, usually above 2,...
Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation on tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). ToLCNDV is a well-defined bipartite Begomovirus species, sometimes associated with satellite molecules. It is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci to a wide range of hosts. ToLCNDV is reported from Esto...
The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (American cotton bollworm, corn earworm) for the EU. H. zea is a polyphagous species that feeds on over 100 plant species. The crops most frequently recorded as host plants are maize, sorghum, cotton, beans, peas, chickpeas, tomatoes, aubergin...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Ripersiella hibisci (Hemiptera: Rhizoecidae) for the EU. R. hibisci occurs in Japan, China and Taiwan and has spread to the USA: Florida, Hawaii and the territory of Puerto Rico. R. hibisci is a polyphagous mealybug recorded feeding on roots of monocotyledonous and dicotyled...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant health was requested to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in the relevant Implementing Acts as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’ (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 establishing a provisional list of high‐risk plants, plant products or other objects, within...
Abstract The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’. This Scientific Opinion covers all plant health risks posed by dormant and free of leaves, 1‐ to 3‐year...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Naupactus leucoloma Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the EU territory. N. leucoloma is a polyphagous pest reported to feed on 385 plant species; cultivated hosts include alfalfa, beans, brassicas, carrots, clover, onions, peas, potatoes and soft fruits. N. leucoloma i...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Exomala orientalis (Coleoptera: Rutelidae) (Oriental beetle) for the EU. Larvae feed on the roots of a variety of hosts including most grasses and many vegetable crops. Maize, pineapples, sugarcane are among the main host plants. Larvae are particularly damaging to turfgrass...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health was requested to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in the relevant Implementing Acts as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’ [Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 establishing a provisional list of high risk plants, plant products or other objects, within...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Nemorimyza maculosa (Malloch) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) for the European Union (EU). N. maculosa is an oligophagous pest; cultivated hosts include Chrysanthemum, lettuce and other Asteraceae although there is little evidence of recent impacts. N. maculosa occurs widely in the A...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) for the EU. L. sativae (the cabbage or vegetable leaf miner; EPPO code: LIRISA) is a polyphagous pest native to the Americas which has spread to Africa, Asia and Oceania. L. sativae can have multiple overlapping generations per year....
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Liriomyza bryoniae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) for the EU. L. bryoniae (the tomato leaf miner; EPPO code: LIRIBO) is a polyphagous Palaearctic species which probably originates from southern Europe, where it occurs commonly outdoors and has now spread to many parts of central and...
Abstract The Panel on Plant Health of EFSA conducted a pest categorisation of 17 viruses of Rubus L. that were previously classified as either non‐EU or of undetermined standing in a previous opinion. These infectious agents belong to different genera and are heterogeneous in their biology. Blackberry virus X, blackberry virus Z and wineberry laten...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for the European Union (EU). S. eridania (southern armyworm) is a highly polyphagous pest native to the Americas which has spread to Africa being first reported there in 2016. There are multiple generations per year. Although it c...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health was requested to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in the relevant Implementing Acts as ‘High risk plants, plant products and other objects’ [Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 establishing a provisional list of high‐risk plants, plant products or other objects, within...
Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of nine phytoplasmas of Cydonia Mill., Fragaria L., Malus Mill., Prunus L., Pyrus L., Ribes L., Rubus L. and Vitis L. (hereafter “host plants”) known to occur only outside the EU or having a limited presence in the EU. This opin...
Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health prepared a list of non‐EU phytoplasmas of Cydonia Mill., Fragaria L., Malus Mill., Prunus L., Pyrus L., Ribes L., Rubus L. and Vitis L. A systematic literature review and search of databases identified 27 phytoplasmas infecting one or more of the host genera u...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLHP) performed a pest categorisation of Saperda tridentata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) for the EU. S. tridentata (elm borer) occurs in eastern North America. Ulmus americana and U. rubra are almost exclusively reported as hosts, apart from two 19th century records from the USA of larvae from Acer sp. and Pop...
Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health prepared a list of non‐EU Scolytinae spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) affecting coniferous hosts. A literature review and search of databases, conducted up to January 2019, identified 804 Scolytinae species and subspecies of coniferous hosts. These Scolytinae...
Abstract The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of non‐EU Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of coniferous hosts (hereafter NESC). NESC occur worldwide, and some species are important forest pests. Species can be identified using taxonomic keys and molecular methods. Most NESC species (bark beetles) live in the inner bark of...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus V (PVV). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non‐EU...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus A (PVA). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact over the current situation and availability of...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of those viruses and viroids (hereafter referred to as viruses) of Solanum tuberosum and other tuber‐forming Solanum spp. (hereafter referred to as potato) which are considered to be either non‐EU or of undetermined standing based on...
Abstract The European Commission requested a pest categorisation of the non‐EU viruses and viroids of potato (hereafter referred to as viruses). As a first step, a systematic literature and database search was carried out to identify the viruses reported to naturally infect Solanum tuberosum and other tuber‐forming Solanum spp (hereafter referred t...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus X (PVX). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures of non‐EU...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato leafroll virus (PLRV). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact and availability of control measures o...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus M (PVM). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact compared to the current situation in the EU an...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus Y (PVY). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways and potential additional impact of non‐EU isolates of PVY, has been evaluat...
Abstract Following a request from the EU Commission, the Panel on Plant Health has addressed the pest categorisation of non‐EU isolates of potato virus S (PVS). The information currently available on geographical distribution, biology, epidemiology, potential entry pathways, potential additional impact compared to the current situation in the EU, a...
Abstract The Panel on Plant Health performed a group pest categorisation of non‐EU Tephritidae, a large insect family containing well‐studied and economically important fruit fly species and little studied species with scarce information regarding their hosts and species that do not feed on plants. Information was saught on the distribution of each...
Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Diabrotica barberi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), the northern corn rootworm, for the EU. D. barberi is a univoltine species occurring in mid‐western and eastern USA and Canada, where it reproduces on maize (Zea mays), the preferred larval host. A small proportion of individua...