First report of Thrips setosus in Croatia
In Croatia, Thrips setosus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO Alert List) was found for the first time in May 2016 on potted plants of Hydrangea growing outdoors in a nursery located in Turanj. During a routine phytosanitary inspection, unusual damage was observed on Hydrangea leaves. Very low infestation (adults and larvae) and typical thrips damage (silvery spots with dark excrements on the leaf underside) were observed on infested plants. Several female adult specimens were identified as T. setosus based on their morphological characteristics. This identification was confirmed by the National Reference Centre (NVWA) in Wageningen (NL). The origin of the finding is unknown but could be linked to imports of Hydrangea plants from the Netherlands. The NPPO considered that due to its highly polyphagous nature and its ability to transmit viruses, T. setosus could present a risk to vegetable crops grown in Croatia, in particular to the glasshouse production of tomato, pepper and cucumber. Therefore, a specific survey is planned for 2017.
The pest status of Thrips setosus in Croatia is officially declared as: Present, only in one locality.
Sources
NPPO of Croatia (2016-10).