In September 2023, an Asian species known as the Oriental Lily Thrips was found in ornamental plants in the southern region of Brazil (RS and SC). The insects were collected from commonly used plants by gardeners and landscapers, such as African iris (white and yellow) (Dietes spp.) and black mondo grass (Ophiogon spp.).

Why is this concerning?

Taeniothrips eucharii is a pest of numerous ornamental plants, particularly those from the lily family (Liliaceae) and amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). When these insects feed on the sap of leaves and plant stems, they leave scars and spots that diminish the value of these plants in the market. In Japan, this pest has caused significant losses in lily crops of the genus Eucharis.

Additional risks

In addition to physical damage caused by their piercing-sucking mouthparts, this insect is a vector of a virus that can cause even more significant damage to plants. Currently, this virus is only registered in China, but with the expansion of this species' distribution, it could be silently transported to other countries.

First record in South America!

This is the first record of this insect in South America, and it is crucial that gardeners, landscapers, and phytosanitary authorities remain vigilant against this new threat.

More information

For further details on this new challenge for our ornamental plants, check the article below:

Adriano CAVALLERI, Élison Fabrício Bezerra LIMAFirst record of Taeniothrips eucharii in South America, a vector of the Hippeastrum chlorotic ringspot viruspages 109-112 Bulletin of Insectology 77 (1) 2024.