First report of Thrips parvispinus in Spain
Thrips parvispinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) is a species originating from South East Asia. It was reported from Greece in 2000 (EPPO RS 2000/061). This thrips has recently been reported from Spain as a pest of ornamental plants. In September 2017, T. parvispinus was observed in a greenhouse producing Gardenia and Mandevilla plants. During further monitoring between September 2017 and June 2019, larvae and adults were also observed on ornamental Citrus species. Adult feeding on Gardenia, Mandevilla and Citrus plants causes damage to leaves and flowers, which depreciate their ornamental value. T. parvispinus can be controlled by plant protection products, such as those applied against Frankliniella occidentalis. It is considered that T. parvispinus has probably been introduced into Spain via international trade of plants. It may be noted that over the last 15 years, this species has spread to new areas (e.g. India, Hawaii, Tanzania and Uganda). T. parvispinus is polyphagous and is an important pest of fruits (e.g. mango, papaya) and vegetables (e.g. capsicum, aubergine) in tropical countries. It is also noted that this species may overwinter in the coastal areas of Spain and may present a risk for greenhouse ornamentals.
Sources
Lacasa A, Lorca M, Martinez MC, Bielza P, Guirao P (2019) Thrips parvispinus (Karny, 1922), un nuevo trips en cultivos de plantas ornamentales. Phytoma España 311, 62-69.
Moritz G, Brandt S, Triapitsyn S, Subramanian S (2013) Identification and information tools for pest thrips in East Africa. CBIT Publishing, Queensland. http://thripsnet.zoologie.uni-halle.de/key-server-neu/data/0a0b0a0e-0d03-4106-8306-08060a080902/media/Html/Thrips%20parvispinus.html