Update on the situation of Scirtothrips dorsalis and S. aurantii in Portugal
In Portugal Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A2 List) was first detected in 2024 in Algarve (EPPO RS 2024/237) and Scirtothrips aurantii (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A1 List) was first reported in the mainland in 2022 in Algarve and Alentejo regions as well as in Madeira in 2024 (EPPO RS 2023/036, RS 2024/010, RS 2024/099). Official measures are applied.
During the official survey program conducted in 2025 in Algarve, the host plant species found infested by S. aurantii were as follows: Citrus x limon, Citrus reticulata, Citrus x aurantium var. sinensis, Citrus sp., Citrus x aurantiifolia, Citrus x nobilis, Diospyros kaki, Ficus carica, Malus domestica, Myoporum sp., Myrtus communis, Persea americana, Prunus persica, Punica granatum, Rosa sp., Rubus idaeus, Rubus sp., Vitis vinifera. Additionally, several host species were recorded as infested for the first time: Arbutus unedo, Cydonia oblonga, Fragaria sp., Lycianthes rantonnetii, Ricinus communis and Rubus ulmifolius.
During the same program S. dorsalis was detected on Myoporum sp. and Citrus x limon, and for the first time on the weed Ricinus communis along a roadside in Algarve.
As of March 2026, there are 106 demarcated areas established for S. aurantii, five for S. dorsalis, and two where both species are present (all in Algarve region). New demarcated areas have been established in Monchique and in Faro, and official phytosanitary measures are being implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/2031.
The pest status of Scirtothrips dorsalis in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
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 (2026-02, 2026-03).