Update on the occurrence of Thrips palmi in Australia
EPPO has been informed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service that Thrips palmi (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) was first detected in the Birkdale/Redlands area, southeast of Brisbane, Queensland (AU) on 1993-05-24 on capsicums. Previously, T. palmi was only known from Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory and interstate movement of produce from the area has been restricted. Because of its wide distribution eradication is not considered feasible. To prevent further spread the following action plan has been adopted:
- quarantine of infested properties and destruction of crops
- imposition of quarantines by other Australian States on the movement of vegetables from the infested area
- surveys for melon thrips in Queensland are continuing.
Sources
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Canberra (1993-11)