A new pest of berry crops threatens the harvest in Australia
In April, Australia officially identified the flower thrips *Frankliniella intonsa* for the first time, which is an international pest in the horticultural sector. Due to the invasion of this insect, strawberry producers have faced severe losses. Glass House Mountains farmer Brendon Hoyle noted that the situation is devastating, as farm efficiency relies on high yield and rapid harvesting and packaging, while the new pest disrupts this economics.
Beneficial insect producer Paul Jones explains that other species of thrips previously inhabiting strawberries were beneficial plant pollinators and did not cause problems. To combat the new pest, strawberry farms are cooperating with insect breeding specialists, using predatory mites and pirate bugs. However, in the current season, the population of invasive flower thrips turned out to be too high by the time the beneficial insects were released, and the predators failed to reduce their numbers. According to the expert, the solution to the problem lies in the application of beneficial insects, but the key factor here is proper timing.
Greenlife Industry Australia CEO Sean Cole pointed out the importance of rotating three to four different pesticides to reduce the risk of chemical resistance developing in the pest, which damages nurseries and garden plants worldwide. He also noted the problem of insufficiently high inspection levels for passenger and cargo transport upon entry into the country. Previously, *Frankliniella intonsa* had been recorded in New Zealand, Europe, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Canada, and the USA.
Biosecurity Queensland reported that the agency has already conducted diagnostics, technical assessments, and surveillance activities regarding this pest. State and industry representatives continue to work together to study the distribution, consequences, and methods for further management of the insect population. Meanwhile, producers warn of a possible significant increase in berry prices in the coming weeks.