Thrips parvispinus is putting Almeria's pepper crops at risk. Faced with this growing threat, the Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Técnicos Agrícolas (Official College of Agricultural Technical Engineers of Almeria - COITAAL) has developed a guide to identify, prevent, and control this pest that is affecting Almeria, a region that produced almost seven out of every ten peppers that Spain exported during the first five months of 2023.

Native to Southeast Asia, Thrips parvispinus is characterized by its larger size and darker color than Thrips Frankliniella occidentalis, reaching absolute black in some cases. Its damage is devastating. It stops the plants' growth, causing the abortion of buds and flowers, and deforming apical shoots. Identifying this pest early is crucial to implementing effective measures.

COITAAL's identification, prevention, and control measures
To address this threat, COITAAL has developed a guide covering the identification, prevention, and control of Thrips parvispinus. These measures range from solarization of the soil when changing the crop cycle to covering the soil with plastic or cloth to avoid the pupation of thrips. The guide also highlights the importance of keeping fields free of weeds that can serve as a refuge for this pest.

Effective control plays a crucial role in this fight. The guide recommends closely monitoring the pest population and marking the identified foci. Maintaining an open plant structure through leaf stripping and considering chemical control with authorized substances and appropriate dosages are critical. The guide places emphasis on avoiding the use of plant protection products with a toxicological profile incompatible with effective biological control.

The Importance of Agricultural Technical Engineers
The Official College of Agricultural Technical Engineers of Almeria emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from licensed agricultural technical engineers. These professionals have recognized and clearly defined powers and are endorsed by the General Council of Official Associations of Agricultural Technical Engineers of Spain, which guarantees they will provide expert advice adapted to the individual needs of each farm.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com