Spain: a growing challenge for pepper crops in Almería

The detection of Thrips parvispinus seven years ago in ornamental plants and its spread to horticultural crops, especially pepper, has generated significant challenges in biological control strategies in Almería and Murcia. The implications of this pest, combined with the effects of climate change, have forced farmers to rethink their integrated pest management tactics. The impact of Thrips parvispinus Since its appearance in Almería and Murcia, T. parvispinus has had devastating effects. The damage has been especially severe in pepper crops, with losses of over 70% in some areas during the 2022-2023 campaign. This insect has colonised both crops and spontaneous plants such as Chenopodium, Amaranthus and Convolvulus, which grow nearby or inside greenhouses. During the 2022-2023 campaign, pepper greenhouses in Almería recorded the first major outbreaks of the pest, with severe damage that continued at the start of the current campaign. Farmers have been forced to adjust their ...