443 Resistance in Impatiens wallerana to Western Flower Thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)] Feeding Damage

Abstract

Western flower thrips are an ever-increasing problem in greenhouse floriculture crops. Thrips resistance to pesticides as well as tighter regulations on pesticide use are making thrips management in the greenhouse more difficult. To improve host plant resistance, a study was conducted to determine if impatiens cultivars varied in their susceptibility to western flower thrips feeding damage. In a replicated study, nine impatiens cultivars were inoculated with about 30 thrips. Thrips were allowed to feed on individual plants during an 8-week period of growth. During plant growth, visual evaluations to estimate thrips feeding damage were conducted every 2 weeks. At the conclusion of the experiment, a final visual evaluation was made and thrips numbers were determined. Cultivars varied in estimates of thrips feeding damage. Several cultivars exhibited significantly reduced levels of thrips feeding damage. Of these cultivars, some had high thrips population levels, indicating tolerance, while other cultivars had low thrips population levels, an indication of antibiosis. One cultivar was determined to be highly susceptible to thrips feeding damage. This cultivar was so damaged by the end of the study, remaining plant material was unable to support thrips populations. Variability was found in the levels of thrips feeding damage and thrips population levels indicating the presence of tolerance and/or antibiosis. Because of detected variability, the potential for improving impatiens resistance to thrips feeding damages exists.