First record of Ponticulothrips diospyrosi in Italy and Switzerland
The Japanese gall-forming thrips (Ponticulothrips diospyrosi, Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is a pest of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) native to Asia, with no prior records outside of Japan or the Republic of Korea.
In summer 2023, P. diospyrosi was first observed on persimmon trees showing margin-roll galls in a private garden in Fino Mornasco municipality (Como Province, Lombardia region) in Italy. During field investigations in June 2024 in Lombardia region, it was also found in two sites in Como province and Varese province. Separately, an entomologist in Switzerland reported its presence on a persimmon tree in his garden in the municipality of Vernate (Lugano district, Ticino canton) from May 2022. Damage to the fruit was only cosmetic, and the growth of infested trees was not affected. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular testing. This is the first record of P. diospyrosi in Italy and Switzerland and the first record in the EPPO region. Further studies are needed to determine the biology and ecology of P. diospyrosi in Europe.
Preliminary assessments by both the Plant Protection Services of Lombardia and Switzerland concluded that P. diospyrosi does not qualify for listing as a quarantine pest. because the species is strictly monophagous on D. kaki, and this crop is only grown in small areas.
The situation of P. diospyrosi in Italy can be described as: Present, restricted distribution.
The situation of P. diospyrosi in Switzerland can be described as: Present, restricted distribution.
Sources
Zugno M, Tapparo A, Giordano L, Cavagna B, Masumoto M, Okajima S, Marazzi C, Apothéloz‐Perret‐Gentil L, Linder C (2026) First records of Japanese gall‐forming thrips Ponticulothrips diospyrosi Haga & Okajima, 1983 (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in Europe. EPPO Bulletin 56(1), 146-154