Early research and extension efforts following the first detection of Thrips parvispinus in Florida pepper fields

Agriculture in Florida is continuously threatened by newly introduced invasive pests. In 2020, Thrips parvispinus, an invasive polyphagous thrips, was first detected in the continental U.S. on Hoya and Anthurium plants in a greenhouse in Orange County, Florida. In early 2022, the insect was observed on Gardenia plants in Miami-Dade County, and later on in Palm Beach County. A few months later, T. parvispinus was reported causing significant damage similar to heavy broad mite injury on a commercial pepper farm in Palm Beach County. This was the first record of an established population in a vegetable field. Due to the severity of the T. pavispinus infestation, pepper growers suffered substantial loss in the region. In the fall of 2023, research and extension efforts were initiated in collaboration with pepper growers. Two commercial pepper fields where T. parvispinus caused significant damage during the previous growing season were selected to monitor thrips populations. Weekly plant (leaves and flowers) samplings and pan trap (yellow and blue) samplings were conducted. In addition, insecticide efficacy trials were conducted on pepper and cucumber farms to provide control options to the growers. Findings were communicated via the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline Newsletter which has been an essential tool to our Extension program to communicate the spread and population dynamics of important pests. Constant communication, field visits, and on-farm trials with growers and crop consultants have been a pillar of the response for the management of T. parvispinus.