Further details on Thrips palmi in Cuba
As reported in EPPO RS 97/114, Thrips palmi (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) was found for the first time in Cuba in March 1997. The pest is mainly present in the western part of Cuba in the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Habana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos and Isla de la Juventud. The most affected province is Habana with approximately 6,000 ha of crops attacked. At present, it is estimated that 9,000 ha of fruit and vegetable crops are infested by T. palmi, including: beans, beet, cabbage, cassava, cucumber, grape, melon, pepper, potatoes, pumpkin, soybean, sweet potato and tomato. The main affected crops are beans, potato, cucumber and water melon.
Sources
Pollard, G.V. (1997) Thrips palmi in Cuba.
CPPC Circular Letter, no. 1/97, 1st June 1997. FAO Sub Regional Office for the Caribbean, Barbados.