The Detection of Echinothrips americanus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

For the first time in the Republic of Moldova, adults of the phytophagous thrips identified as Echinothrips americanus Morgan were caught in a greenhouse in 2013. Some systematic morphological particularities of the structure of adults of this invasive species originating from the subtropics of the southeastern part of the American continent are given. The probability of adaptation of E. americanus to the open ground in the Republic of Moldova is discussed. The conclusion is made that the risks of accumulation and spreading of the E. americanus increase in the process of conjoint cultivation of ornamental plants and seedlings of vegetable crops in commercial greenhouses and hothouses. It is proposed to include this pest in the list of quarantine alien insects of the Republic of Moldova. The necessity of the monitoring species of Thysanoptera in the commercial hothouses and greenhouses is justified.