A quarantine pest, the Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), has been detected in a greenhouse in Chelyabinsk, Russia that cultivates ornamental plants, according to the press service of the Ural Interregional Directorate of Rosselkhoznadzor.
"The quarantine pest was found within the boundaries of a single greenhouse in Chelyabinsk. The affected area is 0.46 hectares. The buffer zone covers 44.7 hectares," the agency reported.
The pest was identified during routine monitoring of the soil's phytosanitary condition. During the quarantine period, the sale and transportation of plants and soil from the site are only allowed if laboratory tests confirm the absence of the pest.
The greenhouse owner is required to implement phytosanitary measures to eliminate the infestation. Rosselkhoznadzor noted that eradication efforts will need to be sustained and systematic. Quarantine restrictions will be lifted only after two complete plant production cycles without detection of live pests.
Western flower thrips are small insects, up to two millimeters in size, that typically inhabit flower buds. Infested plants may exhibit stunted growth, leaf and flower drop, and fruit deformation. The pest can spread through the import of infected flower and vegetable seedlings, as well as through planting materials, cuttings, and potted plants.
Source: ura.news