Thrips parvispinus continues to be a major challenge for pepper producers in the province of Almeria, Spain. "Originating in Southeast Asia, this species was first detected in Spain in 2020, in ornamental plants. Currently, it represents a danger due to the serious damage it causes," Asaja Almeria explains.
"The damage that it causes the fruits is mainly aesthetic, affecting their appearance and reducing their commercial value. However, it does not compromise their quality or food safety. Despite that, the economic consequences are significant, as consumers often reject products with visible imperfections."
"There's been a notable increase in the incidence of this pest this season, affecting approximately 30% of the area devoted to pepper in the province. This increase is forcing farmers to make adjustments in their cultivation practices, such as advancing pepper uprootings to make way for watermelon, courgette, and cucumber transplants. These changes could lead to imbalances in the market for these vegetables in the coming season."
"The main damage observed includes bud and flower abortion, deformation of apical shoots, and a decrease in vegetative growth. This pest does not transmit the spotted wilt virus, but the symptoms it causes are similar to those generated by other pests such as Polyphagotarsonemus latus (white spider mite)."
"Management of Thrips parvispinus in pepper crops requires comprehensive strategies. Prevention measures include the maintenance of adequate greenhouse enclosures, the use of chromatic plates, and constant monitoring to locate outbreaks. Key actions in cultural practices include solarizing the soil, covering it with plastic or cloth, and removing weeds. However, there is growing concern due to the lack of tools to combat this pest. Current solutions are not sufficient to stop the spread of parvispinus, nor to fully mitigate its effects."
"Introducing auxiliary fauna such as Orius laevigatus and reinforcing it in strategic areas with authorized phytosanitary treatments that are compatible with biological control can be an effective way to control this pest if carried out correctly. These actions are essential to protect crops."
ASAJA AlmerÃa highlighted that the "lack of sufficient tools to effectively combat this pest increases concern among farmers." It also reminded farmers of the importance of agricultural insurance, particularly line 306, as a tool to protect themselves against adversities such as those caused by parvispinus.
The agricultural organization urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food "to provide active ingredients to combat this pest and protect the agricultural sector. We also ask the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Agriculture, through its plant health department, to take measures to control the spread of parvispinus in the province."
For more information:
Asaja Almeria
Email: [email protected]
https://asajaalmeria.org/