New data on the distribution of Scirtothrips dorsalis in the Americas
In a recent US datasheet on Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A2 List), new information is provided on the current geographical distribution and main host plants of this pest in the Greater Caribbean region.
North America
In the USA, S. dorsalis occurs in Florida and Texas.
- Florida: S. dorsalis was first discovered in October 1991 (Okeechobee County). The pest has been found on numerous landscape ornamentals and plants in retail.
- Texas*: it was first found in 2005 in South-Eastern Texas. It occurs on roses (Rosa sp.) outdoors, and on roses and Capsicum annuum in retail centres.
Central America and the Caribbean
- Barbados*: it was first reported in 2005 and occurs on Capsicum annuum, Daucus carota, Gossypium barbadense, Phasolus vulgaris, and Solanum melongena.
- Jamaica*: it was first reported in 1995 but no major outbreak has been reported since (lastest information is from 2008).
- Puerto Rico*: S. dorsalis was first reported in 2006 on Mangifera indica.
- St. Lucia: it was found in 4 of 8 districts (2004) on Amaranthus sp., Capsicum annuum, Cucumis sativus, and Solanum melongena.
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines: it was first reported in 2003 on the island of St. Vincent (in all districts) and it occurs on a large number of plants (Abelmoschus esculentus, Amaranthus sp., Capsicum annuum, Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita pepo, Lycopersicon esculentum, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Solanum melongena).
- Trinidad: it was first reported in 2003 and found in 6 out of 8 counties (2004). S. dorsalis has been observed on Abelmoschus esculentus, Capsicum annuum, cucurbits, and Solanum melongena, but in 2008 it was not considered as a major problem.
South America
- Suriname*: it was first reported in 2004 and S. dorsalis now occurs on Capsicum sp. (hot pepper), Citrus spp., and Momordica charantia.
- Venezuela*: S. dorsalis was discovered in 2000 on grapevine (Vitis vinifera).
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* New records.
Sources
Jha KV, Seal DR, Kakkar G (2009) Chilli thrips. Scirtothrips dorsalis. Featured Creatures. University of Florida, USA. http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/thrips/chilli_thrips.htm