Poinsettia thrips are an emerging pest of greenhouse nursery plants in eastern USA and in some parts of Asia.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is looking into the discovery of a small number of thrips on contained nursery plants, including kiwifruit plants, in New Zealand. A fact sheet that has been developed with KVH is available here.

If the pests were to establish in New Zealand they won’t survive outside of greenhouses but will cause significant challenges to the glasshouse industry.

Growers, nursery and greenhouse staff in particular are asked to familiarise themselves with the fact sheet and immediately report any signs of the pest to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.