First report of Hercinothrips dimidiatus in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Hercinothrips dimidiatus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on its territory. In October 2015, the pest was found in plants for planting of Aloe vera. These plants were grown in a greenhouse located in the municipality of Lansingerland and showed some leaf damage (silvering areas, dark leaves). The identity of the pest was then confirmed by the National Reference Centre. Only female specimens (adults and larvae) were found. The identification was performed morphologically with slide mounted specimens. The origin of this finding is unknown. It can be noted that H. dimidiatus was only known to occur in South Africa until it was detected in 2014 in Portugal on Aloe arborescens (see EPPO RS 2015/025). In the Netherlands, Aloe spp. are commonly cultivated in greenhouses but cannot survive outdoors during winter. The establishment potential of H. dimidiatus needs to be further studied, as it is still uncertain whether it can survive in commercial greenhouses throughout the year. A rapid PRA (‘quick scan’) was conducted and for the moment no phytosanitary measures were taken. However, a survey is planned in 2017 to obtain more information on the pest distribution.
The pest status of Hercinothrips dimidiatus in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient - non actionable in view of earlier record in Portugal and uncertainty on the origin of the finding. Specific surveillance will be completed in 2016.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2016-03).
INTERNET
Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
Quickscans: https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/planten-plantaardige-producten/dossier/risico-analyses-plantenziekten-en-plagen/quickscans