Else Beekman
The Valencian Department of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to fight a harmful insect that has spread across 32 towns in Alicante. The pest, known as Scirtothrips dorsalis or ‘chilli thrips,’ has led the regional government to enforce strict measures to stop its spread.
First spotted in Spain in 2016, this pest has now reached dangerous levels. It attacks many crops, including citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, grapes, onions, pumpkins, and strawberries. The outbreak comes as farmers are already dealing with another pest, the Scirtothrips aurantii (orchid thrips), adding to their challenges. These pests threaten both farm production and food supplies.
Farmers ask for financial help
The Valencian Farmers’ Association (AVA-Asaja) has called on the government to provide emergency financial support. Many farmers are struggling as different types of thrips, such as Pezothrips kellyanus (crown thrips) and Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (orchid thrips), continue to spread across Alicante’s farmland.
Classified as a high-risk pest
The European Union has classified Scirtothrips dorsalis as a quarantine pest, meaning strict controls are required. It mainly damages young leaves, flowers, and growing fruit, with infestations peaking during key growth stages. To contain the outbreak, the Valencian government has divided affected areas into two zones: ‘infested zones’ and ‘buffer zones.’
Measures in infested zones
In areas with a high infestation, farmers must:
- Apply pest control treatments to all affected crops.
- Set up sticky traps to monitor pest movements and control progress.
- Clean and disinfect machinery, tools, and vehicles to avoid spreading the pest to other areas.
Controls in warehouses and nurseries
Storage facilities, distribution centres, and plant nurseries must also take strict action. Any contaminated branches or flowers must be treated with pesticides or, if necessary, destroyed to prevent further spread. Inspections are required to ensure that only pest-free plants leave these facilities.
Protection in buffer zones
Authorities are increasing pest monitoring in nearby areas to catch early signs of spread. Extra traps are being placed, and vehicles, tools, and machinery are checked to reduce the risk of carrying the pest into unaffected regions. These measures act as a protective shield to keep the infestation from expanding further.
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