Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)

This species, together with Thrips tabaci, is the most common thrips species encountered in the international cut flower trade. In the 1980’s it spread rapidly around the world from Western North America. It was transported not only in cut flowers but also in propagation material, especially of Chrysanthemum of which consignments commonly comprise more than a million cuttings. It is one of the major invasive pests in the worldwide greenhouse culture, transmitting harmful tospoviruses in many kinds of major crops. The first interception record from Ethiopia was: Venlo, 19.xii.2004, Rosa –cut flower, 1 female, 1 male (H. Lemmen).