Risk Assessment of the Biological Plant Protection Products Nemasys G and Nemasys H with the Active Organism Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora

Nemasys G and H with the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as active organism is applied for a plant protection product in Norway. intended use against garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola) lawns black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) strawberries ornamentals.
 VKM was requested by Norwegian Food Safety Authority to consider possible health environmental risk related properties of H; particular evaluate if naturally occurring Norway, potential establishing spreading under conditions, taxonomic challenges assessment its use.
 The finalized October 2014 VKM’s Panel on Plant Protection Products.
 conclusions are follows:
 Natural occurrence nematode:
 has not been observed but widespread world-wide regions continental Mediterranean climates. In Europe it isolated France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Moldavia, Spain, Switzerland UK.
 Potential conditions:
 thermal preference H. restricts establishing. Short term establishment growing season parts This however poor long survival soil, especially absence suitable hosts, Norway considered be low.
 Taxonomic challenges:
 There no this nematode.
 Human operators:
 Exposure user low. products containing Heterorhabditid nematodes insects associated effects humans. symbiotic bacteria Photorhabdus luminescens linked pathogenic It therefore view that will have minimal operators.