First report of invasive thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) from Gujarat, India

The current investigation focused on assessing the prevalence of thrips infestation on vegetables in the southern region of Gujarat. The study recorded the presence of Thrips parvispinus (Karny) specifically in brinjal fields during the survey conducted in 2022–23. T. parvispinus infestation was observed on both flowers and fruits of the brinjal plants. The impact of this infestation was evident as infested flowers were observed to drop prematurely, and lesions were observed on the rinds of the fruits. This discovery of T. parvispinus (Karny) infesting brinjal marks the first documented occurrence of this novel invasive thrips species affecting brinjal cultivation in Gujarat, India. This finding highlights the need for further research and management strategies to address the threat posed by this invasive pest to brinjal crops.