Up to a third of pepper crops in Almeria, Spain could be affected by Tobacco thrips (Thrips parvispinus), according to a local association.
First detected in the country on ornamental crops in 2020, the Asociación De Jóvenes Agricultores (ASAJA) Almería reports a major increase in the pest on pepper crops this season. “There’s been a notable increase in the incidence of this pest this season, affecting approximately 30 per cent of the area devoted to pepper in the province,” a spokesperson told Hortidaily. “This increase is forcing farmers to make adjustments in their cultivation practices, such as advancing pepper up-rootings 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 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.”
Growers report that most of the damage in pepper crops includes bud and flower abortion, deformation of apical shoots, and a decrease in vegetative growth. Although Tobacco thrips don’t transmit tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), the symptoms it causes are similar to those generated by other pests such as white spider mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus).
As well as good hygiene, including solarisation of the soil, some control is provided by the use of Orius laevigatus, although (ASAJA) Almería warns there are a “lack of sufficient tools to effectively combat this pest increases concern among farmers.” It called for more support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food and the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Agriculture, as well as the use of suitable insurance.
