Update on the situation of Thrips setosus in Germany
In Germany, Thrips setosus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO Alert List) was first found in 2015 on Hydrangea plants grown for cut flower production near Hamburg. In 2016, further findings were made in Baden-Württemberg. In 2017, an outbreak was reported on Hydrangea pot plants in the greenhouse of a nursery in North Rhine Westphalia (EPPO RS 2017/012 and 2017/157). In 2017, other outbreaks have been reported in the following landers.
- Schleswig-Holstein
In June 2017, T. setosus was caught in sticky traps placed in 4 nurseries producing Hydrangea pot plants (greenhouses of 270 m ², 480 m², 800 m² and 4000 m²). Plants did not show any symptoms and were sold to final customers. Further surveys did not detect the pest.
- Brandenburg
In October 2017, T. setosus was found in a greenhouse of a garden centre on 10 plants of Hydrangea sp. These plants had been purchased 10 days before from a large trading company. In November 2017, T. setosus was also found outdoors on 10 plants of Hydrangea sp. in a garden centre located in Rangsdorf.
- Saxony
During the national survey, 2 specimens of T. setosus were caught in yellow and blue traps placed in the greenhouse of a nursery in November 2017. During summer, cyclamens had been grown in this greenhouse, followed by the cultivation of Hydrangea sp. from the beginning of November.
The pest status of Thrips setosus in Germany is officially declared as: Present.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2017-10, 2017-11, 2018-01).