5 thoughts on “Thrips parvispinus (Karny): A thrips”

1. Four comments were received for the Thrips parvispinus pest rating proposal. These comments noted the uncertainty regarding the presence of this thrips in California and the interceptions in retail environments in the state. There is a possibility, as acknowledged in the proposal, that this species is present in California, and it is reasonable to consider this possibility to be substantial. However, in general, pests are not considered to be established in California unless there is confirmation of an official sample collected from the environment in the state. Interception data, whether associated with incoming shipments or finds in nurseries, have not been considered appropriate to substantiate establishment of a pest in California. Doing so would not be accurate and would set a precedent that could threaten California’s agricultural economy.

   In addition, a “Q” rating does not, in fact, differ in regulatory implications from an “A” rating.

   Therefore, I recommend that the rating be finalized as “A.” If Thrips parvispinus is found in the environment in California and an official sample is confirmed, the rating can be revisited. Submission of samples to the county agricultural commissioner would be helpful in this regard.

   Thank you,

   Kyle Beucke
   Primary State Entomologist

2. October 11, 2025

   Permits and Regulations Branch
   California Department of Food and Agriculture
   1220 N Street
   Sacramento, CA 95814

   Submitted via email: permits@cdfa.ca.gov

   Re: Comments on Proposed Pest Rating for Thrips parvispinus (Karny)

   Dear Mr. Beucke,

   Plant California Alliance (PCA) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) proposal to change the pest rating for Thrips parvispinus from a “Q” rating to an “A” rating.

   PCA represents retail and production nurseries across the state of California that will be affected by regulatory actions under this proposal. Our members share CDFA’s concern about safeguarding California agriculture from invasive pests. However, we respectfully urge CDFA to maintain the current “Q” rating until an official statewide survey is conducted and the data is fully understood.

   Establishment Uncertainty and Field Observations
   The pest rating proposal itself acknowledges that there is significant uncertainty regarding the absence of this pest from California, as it is intercepted on plant material and has been found on plants in retail stores in the state. Recent data further substantiates this uncertainty.

   A survey conducted between November 6, 2024, and December 12, 2024, documented the presence of T. parvispinus in box stores in San Diego County, with damaged and infested plants being purchased by consumers. The pest has also been detected in Orange County, and additional reports have surfaced in Ventura County. Based on this distribution, it is plausible that T. parvispinus may already be present in multiple contiguous areas with suitable hosts and climate conditions, indicating potential establishment.

   Regulatory Implementation Practicality
   Maintaining a “Q” rating while a comprehensive statewide survey is conducted will ensure that regulatory decisions are science-based, proportionate, and informed by empirical data. Once survey results are available, CDFA can then reassess whether an “A” or “B” rating is warranted based on verified establishment and risk levels.

   Assigning an “A” rating under these circumstances would be premature. An “A” rating requires immediate eradication and quarantine actions for each detection, even when we have insufficient information. This would place an undue regulatory burden on growers and nurseries, even as we have incomplete science about the presence of this pest.

   Recommendation
   Plant California Alliance respectfully requests that CDFA maintain the current “Q” rating for Thrips parvispinus until a statewide survey and risk evaluation are completed. Additionally, we request CDFA engage County Agricultural Commissioners in designing and implementing this survey to ensure accurate and representative sampling.

   California’s horticultural businesses depend on a pest rating system that is both scientifically rigorous and operationally feasible. Deferring a final rating decision until survey data confirm the pest’s distribution is the most prudent and science-based course of action.

   We appreciate CDFA’s ongoing collaboration with the agricultural community and thank you for your consideration of these comments. Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at Emily@agcouncil.org.

   Sincerely,

   Emily Rooney
   Executive Director

3. California Department of Food and Agriculture October 8, 2025
   RE: Pest Rating Proposal

   I am a farmer based in Oceanside, California, growing strawberries and a variety of vegetables including peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and eggplant.
   It has come to my attention that the CDFA is considering a change to the current pest rating of Thrips parvispinus (short-spined thrips). I respectfully request a delay in reclassifying this pest from its current status of “Q” under CCR § 3162 to a new rating that may designate it as a quarantine pest.
   According to Penn State Extension, the known host species list for Thrips parvispinus includes gardenia, hibiscus, pinwheel jasmine, mandevilla, anthurium, hoya, dahlia, chrysanthemum (mums), ruellia, schefflera, citrus, strawberry, poinsettia, eggplant, peppers, cucumber, beans, zucchini, and more.
   This pest has already become established in several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. While Thrips parvispinus is considered an established pest in Florida, this has not prevented the shipment of plants and produce from Florida to California.
   There is emerging evidence that the pest may also be established in coastal areas of California. A survey conducted between November 6 and December 12, 2024, found Thrips parvispinus in 22 out of 27 box stores in San Diego County, with visibly damaged plants being purchased by consumers. The pest has also been detected in Orange County.
   Before assigning a new rating, I believe it would be most beneficial to California agriculture to conduct a thorough survey of the areas associated with these retail findings. This would help determine whether the pest is truly established in the region. A comprehensive investigation would provide a clearer understanding of the pest’s distribution and impact, allowing for a more informed decision regarding its classification.
   Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued efforts to protect California’s agricultural industry.

   Sincerely,
   Neil Nagata

4. Thrips parvispinus

   I believe that the current Q rating should be maintained while additional data is collected. The pest rating proposal acknowledges that “there is significant uncertainty regarding the absence of this pest in California, as it is intercepted on plant material and has been found in retail stores in the state.” In fact, a survey conducted between November 6 and December 12, 2024, found Thrips parvispinus in 22 of 27 box stores in San Diego County, with damaged plants observed being purchased by consumers. The pest has also been detected in Orange County. This survey substantiates the uncertainty noted in the proposal.

   An official statewide survey is essential in order to determine whether T. parvispinus has become established in California or to what extent it may have spread. Given the widespread presence of infested plants in retail locations, it is very likely that the pest is established in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous areas with suitable hosts and climate.

   For these reasons, it is requested that a Q rating be maintained until an official survey is conducted. Once survey data is available, we can make a more informed determination as to whether an A rating or B rating is appropriate—which would allow affected counties to take appropriate enforcement actions—is warranted. While I certainly understand that a Q rating is intended to be temporary, the current uncertainty really calls for the completion of the survey before a final determination as the most scientifically sound approach.

5. Thrips parvispinus
   The pest rating proposal acknowledges that “there is significant uncertainty regarding the absence of this pest in California, as it is intercepted on plant material and has been found in retail stores in the state.” In fact, a survey conducted between November 6 and December 12, 2024, found Thrips parvispinus in 22 of 27 box stores in San Diego County, with damaged plants observed being purchased by consumers. The pest has also been detected in Orange County. This survey substantiates the uncertainty noted in the proposal.
   Without an official statewide survey, it is impossible to determine whether T. parvispinus has become established in California or to what extent it may have spread. Given the widespread presence of infested plants in retail locations, it is plausible that the pest is established in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous areas with suitable hosts and climate.
   For these reasons, it is requested that a Q rating be maintained until an official survey is conducted. Once survey data are available, a more informed determination can be made as to whether an A rating or B rating—which would allow affected counties to take appropriate enforcement actions—is warranted. While it is understood that a Q rating is intended to be temporary, given the current uncertainty, it remains the most scientifically sound approach at this time.

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