First finding of Scirtothrips aurantii and new finding of Scirtothrips dorsalis in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of a recent finding of Scirtothrips aurantii (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A1 List) and Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory, in the municipality of Altena (province of Noord-Brabant). This was the first report of S. aurantii in the Netherlands.
S. dorsalis had been previously found in 2019 and 2022 in relation with imported plants and eradicated (EPPO RS 2019/182, 2022/204, 2023/010).
Adults and second stage larvae of S. dorsalis were detected as part of a post-import monitoring inspection on Jasminum multipartitum plants at the end of October 2024. Further inspections in early November detected additional S. dorsalis as well as adults of S. aurantii on ornamental plants for planting of J. multipartitum, Loropetalum sp., Melaleuca citrina (syn. Callistemon citrinus), Ilex crenata and Podocarpus sp. in two compartments of a greenhouse (0.9 ha) of a retail nursery. S. aurantii was also found on weeds (species not specified), in the same greenhouse. Symptoms were only observed on J. multipartitum.
The identity of the pests was confirmed by morphological and molecular tests.
The origin of the finding is not known, because the greenhouse contained plants imported from China and from another EU Member State. Trace forward information showed that all plants recently moved out of the greenhouses had been exported to a Third Country. Official phytosanitary measures were taken on October 30, 2024. All plants in the two compartments of the greenhouse have been put on hold. Official phytosanitary measures are taken and include the incineration of the infested plants, hygiene measures to prevent spread of both pest species with clothing and equipment, and further monitoring.
The pest status for Scirtothrips dorsalis and Scirtothrips dorsalis in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2024-12). |