Thrips palmi is present in Venezuela
Thrips palmi (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) is present in Venezuela. This report describes the situation of T. palmi since 1990 in the country. The most important crops attacked by the pest are: potatoes, aubergines (Solanum melongena), pepper (Capsicum spp.), melon and beans. The highest populations and damage have been observed during the dry season (December-May) in the central zone of the country. T. palmi is a limiting factor of potato production in two states (Aragua and Carabobo), with a 90% reduction in planting from 1990 to 1992. The pest has also been recorded on tomatoes but does not cause economic damage. The authors pointed out that no effective control has been achieved for the moment. This is the first report of T. palmi in Venezuela.
Sources
Cermeli, M.; Montagne, A. (1993) [Present situation of Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Venezuela].
Manejo Integrado de Plagas, no. 29, 23-23.