Peru places Frankliniella australis under official national control

Peru’s National Agrarian Health Service of Peru (SENASA) has declared the pest Frankliniella australis under official control nationwide. The decision sets out mandatory phytosanitary measures to stop further spread and limit damage.

Reporting and checks

Anyone who suspects the presence of thrips must report it immediately to SENASA. Insect samples must be taken to the nearest SENASA office or sent to its official plant health laboratory for confirmation. SENASA will verify cases through its regional offices and inspection teams.

Rules in affected areas

-Once the pest is confirmed, integrated control becomes compulsory.

-Producers must allow SENASA staff access for monitoring and treatment.

-Affected plots must be clearly marked, with restricted access and official warning signs.

-Movement of seedlings and cut flowers from host plants is strictly banned.

-SENASA will set up official control and inspection points to enforce the rules.

Who must comply and potential risks

The measures apply first to confirmed areas, but they are binding for everyone involved in producing, trading, transporting, or handling seedlings and cut flowers, including businesses and individuals.

SENASA reports that Frankliniella australis is highly polyphagous and already present in Puno, with early detections in parts of Cusco, Tacna, Arequipa, and Moquegua. The pest has affected potato, quinoa, and fava bean crops.

If not contained, it could put more than 455,000 hectares at risk, with an estimated production value of around PEN 9.6 billion (approx. USD 2.5-2.6 billion), impacting close to one million producers nationwide. Authorities stress that the main spread routes are the transport of seedlings, cut flowers, and soil or substrate from infested areas - making strict movement controls essential.

source and photo: gob.pe