First report of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory.
Following a notification from the Netherlands of the detection of S. dorsalis in a lot of Laurus nobilis* plants originating from the production site of a Belgian operator in Oost-Vlaanderen province (Vlaams Gewest region), visual inspections of the production site were carried out in November 2025. During these inspections, the presence of S. dorsalis was confirmed in the open air at the production site. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular testing. Official phytosanitary measures have been implemented to avoid any further spread of the pest, including a trade ban on the operator. The origin and extent of the outbreak are under investigation.
The pest status of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Belgium is officially declared as: Transient, 1 outbreak in a specific area, limited to a production site, actionable, under eradication.
* Not previously listed as a host
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2025-12).