First report of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Israel
PPIS, the National Plant Protection Organization of Israel, recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the discovery in Israel of the invasive alien quarantine pest Scirtothrips dorsalis (EPPO A1 quarantine pest), commonly called the castor or yellow tea thrips. This polyphagous pest was first found in 2001 all along the length of the border with Egypt infesting Limonium plants in commercial cultivation as well as Acacia and castor bean (Ricinus communis) growing in the wild. An initial delimiting survey at the time indicated distribution to be restricted to the border region. At present, comprehensive surveillance is continuing across the country to determine the exact extent of spread and host range, parallel to ongoing official efforts to reduce or contain the damage, specifically by chemical control among other phytosanitary measures. The declared status of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Israel is: Quarantine pest: distribution limited and subject to official control.
Sources
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NPPO of Israel, 2003-07.
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