Invasive thrips destroy half of Queensland strawberry crops
A destructive flower thrips species detected in Australia for the first time is destroying at least 50 per cent of strawberry crops across south-east Queensland.
An invasive flower thrips called Frankliniella intonsa slipped past Australian biosecurity and was first officially detected in April. The tiny insect, measuring just 1.2 to 1.8 millimetres long, attacks strawberries, raspberries and blackberries across the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions.
Growers say insecticides cannot control it and crop losses are running at at least 50 per cent on average farms. The pest feeds inside fruit blossoms and young fruit, causing scars that make the fruit split or rot if it rains.
Although the fruit is safe to eat, the damage makes it unmarketable. Growers are discarding tonnes of produce at peak season.
The pest also affects green beans, zucchinis, cucumbers, melons and other overseas crops.
- at least 50 per cent
- Crop loss rate
- 1.2 to 1.8 millimetres long
- Insect size
- April
- Detection date
- Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast
- Affected regions
Why it mattersFood prices for berries are likely to rise in the next few weeks as Queensland farmers lose half their crops to an insect that has no current control method.
AustraliaAustralian strawberry prices will likely jump significantly within weeks, affecting shoppers across the country as Queensland growers battle an invasive pest that has completely spread through south-east Queensland's berry-growing regions.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 19 h ago
