Soybean thrips pest recorded for first time in Acre

A study conducted by Embrapa Acre and the Federal University of Acre has recorded the first occurrence of the pest species Caliothrips phaseoli, commonly known as the soybean thrips, in soybean crops in Acre, Brazil.

The pest was identified in an agricultural area in Rio Branco during the 2024/2025 harvest season, in a field adjacent to an Amazon forest remnant. While this species has previously been found in peanut, mint, and sunflower in the region, its presence in soybean crops is unprecedented for the state.

Caliothrips phaseoli poses a significant economic threat by scraping leaf surfaces and sucking cellular content. Research in South America indicates that severe infestations can reduce photosynthesis and lead to productivity losses of up to 17%, depending on infestation intensity and cultivation conditions. The discovery highlights the urgent need for increased phytosanitary monitoring in the region, especially as soybean production accounts for nearly 30% of Acre's exports.