Thrips palmi in Guadeloupe and Martinique
Since its appearance in Guadeloupe in 1985, Thrips palmi (EPPO Al List) has had disastrous economic effects on cucurbit crops (melon, cucumber) and solanaceous crops (aubergine, pepper). Aubergine exports fell from 5000 t in 1985 to 1600 t in
1986. In Martinique, 37 % of the vegetable crops of the two main cooperatives are attacked and 90 % of aubergine crops.
The situation of this pest in these two French islands is described by Guyot (1988). The French Plant Protection Service is currently developing control methods.
Sources
Guyot, G. (1988) Revue Bibliographique et première observation en Guadeloupe sur Thrips palmi. Agronomie 8, 565-576.