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Since Thrips palmi became a regulated pest for most European countries, inspections at points of entry into Europe and monitoring in Europe have intensified not only for T. palmi but also for thrips as a whole. Morphological identification of thrips is performed on adults and to a lesser extent on second-stage larvae only, because no adequate identification keys for the separation of species based on the characteristics of eggs, first-stage larvae, pre-pupae or pupae are available . We have developed a real-time PCR assay based on TaqMan. A T. palmi -specific set of primers and probe were selected within the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. The specificity of the assay was assessed using 15 specimens of Thrips palmi and 61 specimens of 23 other thrips species commonly occuring in Europe. All T. palmi specimens were detected, and no cross reactions with other thrips were observed. The method was tested on single larvae and adults and proved to be applicable for both those stages of T. palmi .

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An analysis was made of 406 detections of Thrips palmi in imported consignments at points of entry in Europe and in the USA. This thrips pest commonly occurred in products for final consumption, but was rarely found in plants for planting. Most detections related to ornamentals (79% in Europe and 85% in USA), and especially orchid cut flowers imported from Thailand. Aubergine (Solanum melongena) and balsam pear (Momordica charantia) were the vegetables most often found to be infested. From experience in The Netherlands, introductions of T. palmi and subsequent outbreaks are assumed to result from the import of infested plants for planting, and from exchange of plant material between growers. There is no indication that products for final consumption have a role in the entry of T. palmi.