Chilli Thrips A Possible New Invasive Pest
For The Region

From Louisiana Cotton Bulletin

April 30, 2008 - At least two entomologists, Gene Burris and Dale Pollet, will be on alert in 2008 for the presence of a new invasive pest on cotton.

An early alert has been sounded by Entomologist in Florida that chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, could be entering the State of Louisiana. Selected monitoring will be conducted in cotton and ornamentals by the LSU AgCenter entomologists.

Dr. Amand Hodges of the University of Florida reports that invasive thrips, chilli thrips, is now a focal point for several university specialists that seek funding to establish monitoring support among extension specialists, regulatory officials, and industry regarding the movement of new, invasive arthropod species through the ornamentals trade.

The micro-arthropod pests are problematic invaders that can be accidentally shipped from state to state undetected.

The chilli thrips is of particular concern to the southeastern U.S., as it has established throughout Florida and isolated interceptions have occurred in other states. The chilli thrips has the potential to establish as a problematic pest for numerous crops including the following- ornamentals, cotton, and various vegetables.

A new emerging pest, such as chilli thrips, has the potential to completely disrupt current IPM strategies used for management.

Early detection and knowledge of the pest’s movement and damage potential is essential to prevention or crop loss, or unnecessary preventative treatments that might occur in relation to concerns of this pest, in the absence of monitoring strategies.