Ceratothripoides brunneus and C. claratris were identified during the EPPO Study on pests risks associated with the import of tomato fruit

Overall assessment of risk: C. claratris is widely prevalent in Asia and is also present in East Africa. It is a major pest of tomato in Thailand and a vector of tospoviruses. C. brunneus is a widespread pest of solanaceous crops including tomato in Africa, and has been introduced to Asia and the Caribbean. 

Likelihood of entry was considered moderate to high for both species on plants for planting, as well as for fruits of Solanaceae and others, and cut plant parts (flowers, leafy vegetables, herbs). For the latter pathways, the likelihood of entry was rated slightly lower for C. claratris than for C. brunneus. The probability of establishment differs (C. claratis is unlikely to establish outdoor in the PRA area), but they may cause outbreaks and transient populations under protected conditions in the EPPO region (where they may cause damage even in cases when they do not establish permanently, as for T. palmi). Both species are expected to have a moderate impact overall. They may both cause economic impact on Solanaceae, especially tomato, capsicum and eggplant, as well as cucurbits, and to a lesser extent on some fabaceous crops. 

C. claratis is vector of two tospoviruses (CaCV and TNRV). Spread will mainly be with traded commodities rather than natural spread. 

Phytosanitary Measures to reduce the probability of entry: Risk management options were determined for plants for planting, fruit and cut parts of plant.