Updated situation of Thrips setosus in the Netherlands
The presence of Thrips setosus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO Alert List) was reported for the first time in the Netherlands in October 2014 (see EPPO RS 2014/181). This was also the first record of T. setosus in Europe. Following this initial record in 1 production site of Hydrangea plants, a specific survey was completed at 9 other growers of Hydrangea. As a result, T. setosus was detected in 4 municipalities (Aalsmeer, Uithoorn, Alphen ann den Rijn, Bodegraven-Reeuwijk), on the premises of 4 growers (including outdoor areas). The pest was found on Hydrangea plants and weeds such as Lamium purpureum, Heracleum sphondylium and Urtica dioica. A preliminary risk analysis has been completed and indicated that the pest can survive outdoor conditions in the Netherlands. Considering the large numbers of infested plants observed at the 4 production sites, it is presumed that T. setosus was introduced several years ago into the Netherlands, probably via imports of infested plants for planting from Japan. As earlier sales of affected plants to the final consumers have taken place and as some stages of the pest are soil borne, it is also assumed that T. setosus is established in the Netherlands. No further official phytosanitary measures are taken against T. setosus in the Netherlands.
The pest status of Thrips setosus in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Present, in several parts of the area where host plants are grown.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2015-05).
NVWA website. Pest reports Insects: https://www.nvwa.nl/onderwerpen/kennis-en-advies-plantgezondheid/dossier/pest-reporting/pest-reports