Thrips (Thysanoptera) associated with two genetically modified types of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine thrips abundance, species composition and seasonal dynamics on two genetically modified types of linseed, i.e., overproducing flavonoids, overproducing glycoside derivatives of phenylpropanoids and the respective non-modified, control plants with concentrations of phenylpropanoids typical for this variety. The experiment was conducted near Wrocław, Poland, in 2011–2013. For the determination of thrips species composition, 10 plants were collected from plots when linseed plants were at the full blooming stage. A sweep net was also used to study thrips on flax. In the three years of the study, 33 species and 2 genera of Thysanoptera were identified on oil flax plants. Irrespective of the type of linseed used, Thrips angusticeps was the dominant species. In the three years of the study, the lower numbers of thrips occurred on the genetically modified types of flax, i.e., the ones overproducing flavonoids or overproducing glycoside derivatives of phenylpropanoids than on the non-transformed plants. Fewer species of Thysanoptera were identified on oil flax overproducing flavonoids in comparison with the control plants.