News » 05.11.2025 - Netherlands sees thrip outbreak in ornamental plant greenhouse
In October 2025, the Netherlands confirmed a second official finding of Scirtothrips dorsalis, a harmful insect pest, on ornamental plants for planting. The pest was discovered in a greenhouse in the province of Noord-Brabant on ten plants of Baccharis genistelloides. Laboratory confirmation of the pest's identity was completed on 14 October 2025.
The detection occurred during an export inspection of plants linked to a shipment previously intercepted in another European Union Member State (reference iRASFF PH25.8098). Following this discovery, additional samples were collected from other ornamental plants in the same greenhouse and from a nearby greenhouse operated by the same company. On 17 October, several life stages of Scirtothrips dorsalis were confirmed on fourteen samples representing different plant species. During the same inspections, one larva of Scirtothrips aurantii was found on a plant of Olea europaea. Plants of Pieris japonica from the same operator were also found to be infested. The National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the Netherlands has announced that eradication measures will be carried out to prevent further spread.
The outbreak was found in two connected greenhouses in Noord-Brabant, one covering two hectares and the other 0.7 hectares. The first infestation was detected on Baccharis genistelloides, but subsequent inspections confirmed that other plants were also infested. These included Pieris japonica, Pittosporum tenuifolium, Magnolia grandiflora, Fatsia japonica, Euonymus japonicus, Viburnum tinus, Skimmia japonica, Caryopteris clandonensis, and Azalea japonica. Although several yellow-coloured thrips were observed on the plants, no visible symptoms or damage were reported. The source of the outbreak appears to be linked to plants supplied by the same operator located in another Member State.
All plants in the affected greenhouses were placed under official control on 10 October 2025, meaning they cannot be moved until eradication is complete. Yellow sticky traps have been installed throughout both greenhouses, including in uncovered sections, to monitor the pest population. Sampling and laboratory analysis are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the infestation. Forward tracing is being conducted to identify any plants that may have been distributed during the previous month and that could potentially be infested.
The NPPO of the Netherlands currently classifies Scirtothrips dorsalis as transient and under eradication, meaning it is present only temporarily and is being actively controlled. Scirtothrips aurantii, which had previously been declared eradicated in the Netherlands, is now also being treated as a new finding and is subject to eradication measures.
Source: www.floradlaily,com
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