Echinothrips americanus found in Emilia-Romagna (IT)
During spring 1999, high infestations of Echinothrips americanus were observed on Impatiens plants grown in glasshouses near Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. These plants had been imported from the Caribbean region. Infestations have also been observed on Senecio cruentus and beet grown under glasshouses. The authors expressed concerns about the possible spread of E. americanus in Italy particularly for glasshouse crops and noted that studies will be carried out on biological control using predator thrips (Franklinothrips spp.) and predator mites. This is the first report of E. americanus in Emilia-Romagna.
Sources
Marullo, R.; Pollini, A. (1999) Echinothrips americanus, a new pest of the Italian greenhouses.
Informatore fitopatologico, no. 6, 61-64.