First report of Scirtothrips aurantii in Madeira (Portugal)
In Portugal, Scirtothrips aurantii (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A1 List) was first reported on the mainland in 2022 in Algarve and Alentejo regions (EPPO RS 2023/036, RS 2024/010). The NPPO of Portugal recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding in the island of Madeira.
At the end of January 2024, samples of suspicious insects collected in a strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit production field were submitted to the regional laboratory. The species was identified as S. aurantii. The authorities inspected other strawberry fields and the presence of S. aurantii was confirmed in four additional fields. Infested fields are located in the counties of Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz in Madeira Island. An investigation is ongoing and official phytosanitary measures will be taken, aiming at eradication.
The pest status of Scirtothrips aurantii in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2024-05).