According to which criteria are phytopathogens classified into risk groups?

The classification of phytopathogenic organisms (plant pathogens) into risk groups is based on specific criteria to ensure safe handling of these organisms and to establish appropriate protective measures. For this purpose, the Central Commission for Biological Safety (ZKBS) published a statement in April 2007 on criteria for the evaluation and classification of plant viruses, phytopathogenic fungi, and bacteria as donor and recipient organisms for genetic engineering ( Ref. No.: 6790-10-53 ).

Accordingly, Plant viruses and phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria in Risk group 1 if they are widespread in Germany and its directly neighboring countries, or if their host plants do not occur in these areas. For plant viruses, the vectors that may be necessary for transmission of the plant virus must not be widespread in Germany or its directly neighboring countries. Furthermore, phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria (e.g., agrobacteria) must not be infectious to healthy animals or humans.

In contrast, Plant viruses in the Risk group 2 if the virus does not occur in Germany or its immediate neighboring countries, but its host plant and any vectors necessary for transmission are widespread. If insufficient information is available about the biology of the virus, the safety classification in risk group 2 also applies. Phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria are in Risk group 2 if they are pathogenic to humans or animals, the phytopathogenic organisms are not widespread in Germany and neighbouring countries in contrast to their host plants, or there is insufficient information on the biology of the phytopathogenic organisms. If the phytopathogenic fungi or bacteria special risk potential for humans, animals or the environment, may also be classified in Risk group 3 may be necessary.

Although humans and animals ingest a variety of plant viruses, no adverse health effects have been reported to date. For this reason, the potential threat to wild and cultivated plants from the escape of plant viruses is a key factor in classifying plants into risk groups. Fundamentally, it is necessary to prevent the escape of plant viruses, as well as phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria, into an environment in which they do not occur naturally but are capable of causing damage. In this context, when dealing with phytopathogenic organisms, reference to the Plant Protection Act (Plant Protection Act) and its regulations. The purpose of the law is, among other things, to protect plants, especially cultivated plants, from pests.