First report of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory.
Following trace forward investigations from an outbreak of S. dorsalis on Podocarpus macrophyllus bonsais in the Netherlands, the Bavarian Plant Protection Service was informed in September 2025 that a lot of 20 bonsai plants of various species that were suspected of being infested by S. dorsalis had been delivered to the greenhouse of a bonsai trader in Bavaria in May 2025. 15 plants from the consignment had already been sold. In October 2025, the five remaining plants in the greenhouse were inspected for the presence of S. dorsalis and no infestation was found. In late October 2025, sticky traps were placed in the greenhouse. In November 2025, several S. dorsalis specimens were trapped and the identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular tests. The greenhouse (0.13 ha) contains approximately 200 bonsai plants of various species and an additional 200 plants for overwintering. All plants in the greenhouse have been declared to be probably infested. No signs of the pest have been reported and no S. dorsalis have been found on any plants. Phytosanitary measures have been implemented with the aim of eradication, including a ban on the movement of plants out of the greenhouse, insecticide treatment and additional trap setting and inspections. The NPPO of Germany considers that the source of the infestation is the delivery of infested plants.
The pest status of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Germany is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2025-12).