At a farm in the Netherlands, the two thrips species Scirtothrips aurantii and Scirtothrips dorsalis were found on different crops in early November. Scirtothrips dorsalis have been found in the Netherlands before (Find Scirtothrips dorsalis 2022), but for Scirtothrips aurantii it is the first time on Dutch soil. Both species are insects with quarantine status in the EU. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has imposed measures.
The thrips were found during a post-import inspection of a batch of Jasminum multiflorum in a greenhouse. Further investigation led to findings in several crops.
Scirtothrips aurantii and Scirtothrips dorsalis
Scirtothrips aurantii and Scirtothrips dorsalis are EU quarantine organisms. This means that EU member states are obliged to prevent the introduction and spread of the organisms. Both organisms are insects with a very wide host plant range.
Scirtothrips dorsalis is believed to have originated in Asia and is now present in almost all continents. Scirtothrips aurantii is believed to originate from Africa and is less widespread worldwide. However, within the EU, theY have been found in Spain and Portugal. In the Netherlands, both organisms are likely to establish only in greenhouses. Previous infections of Scirtothrips dorsalis have so far been successfully eliminated from greenhouses in the Netherlands. Scirtothrips aurantii and Scirtothrips dorsalis are not harmful to humans or animals.
Measures
When Scirtothrips aurantii and/or Scirtothrips dorsalis are found, all plants on the farm are recorded. The control measures imposed can range from an intensive crop treatment schedule to the destruction of all plant material at the infected cultivation site. These measures depend on the farm situation and are accompanied by the necessary hygiene measures at all times. When there are separate compartments, the measures can be reduced to one compartment. Sticky traps are then used to monitor whether elimination has been successful. In the case of crop treatment of plants, this means that no plants can be supplied or removed for at least 7-8 weeks. To prevent the spread, a tracing study is always carried out. In this case, the follow-up investigation has ruled out further spread of the infected material within the Netherlands.
Responsibility of entrepreneurs
NVWA calls on the industry to be alert when trading in host plants from countries where Scirtothrips aurantii or Scirtothrips dorsalis occur. If an entrepreneur suspects the presence of these insects, in case of a Q organism the entrepreneur is obliged to report this to the NVWA based on EU regulations.
In the attached link, you can download a pdf that explains in detail the information on how to recognize different thrips quarantine species (in Dutch).
Source: Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)