In October, during an export inspection at a company in the Netherlands, Scirtothrips dorsalis was found on a batch of Baccharis genistelloides. Further investigation at the cultivation site led to multiple findings, including the first discovery in open cultivation in the Netherlands. Scirtothrips dorsalis has an EU quarantine status and the Netherlands is obliged to eradicate the organism. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has therefore imposed measures.
Scirtothrips dorsalis
In recent years, the NVWA has regularly reported findings of S. dorsalis. The organism originally comes from Asia but is now found worldwide. Due to its wide range of host plants, S. dorsalis can enter the Netherlands via many plant species. To date, all infestations of S. dorsalis have been successfully eliminated from greenhouses in the Netherlands. Scirtothrips dorsalis had not previously been detected outside greenhouses in the Netherlands, and it is uncertain whether the thrips can overwinter outdoors. Scirtothrips dorsalis is not harmful to humans or animals.
Measures for open cultivation
In case of an infestation of S. dorsalis in open cultivation during the period from October to March, all plants in the affected parts of the company must in principle be treated and destroyed. Due to low temperatures, monitoring can only take place and the location can only be released after spring once an infestation has been confirmed.
The exact measures depend on the company situation and are always accompanied by necessary hygiene measures. Parallel to the imposed measures, a tracing investigation is carried out. Currently, tracing of the infected and possibly infected plant material is in full progress to prevent further spread within the Netherlands and to other EU countries.
Responsibility of entrepreneurs
The NVWA calls on the sector to be alert when trading plants from countries where S. dorsalis and S. aurantii occur.
If you suspect these insects are present, you are required to report this to the NVWA based on EU regulations. See more information and how to recognize different thrips quarantine species.
More information
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