Young Fruit Research Articles

Ca2+ efflux is negatively correlated with apple firmness

Calcium plays an important role in the regulation of fruit firmness, but the mechanism behind this remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the firmness of the fruit pulp in the peduncle, calyx, and equatorial parts of Fuji apples. The pulp protoplasts of the three parts were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis. The patch clamp technique was used to measure the Ca2+ current on the protoplast membranes of the three parts. The firmness was significantly different among the three fruit parts. The equatorial part, which had the lowest firmness, had the highest Ca2+ efflux, while the lowest Ca2+ efflux was measured near the calyx, which had the highest firmness. Supplementation of potassium fertilizer to apple trees promoted fruit firmness and reduced Ca2+ efflux from pulp cells. Spraying 10 mg/L auxin directly onto young fruit increased the firmness and reduced cell Ca2+ efflux. These results indicated that Ca2+ efflux is correlated with fruit firmness. Because fruit softening is a natural phenomenon during fruit ripening, we conclude that the reduction in cellular Ca2+ efflux can maintain cell viability and increase the firmness of apple fruit pulp.

Environmental variables drive phenological events of anemocoric plants and enhance diaspore dispersal potential: A new wind-based approach

Phenological studies of Brazilian savanna vegetation have described a generalized phenological pattern for all species, mainly based on rainfall and temperature. Few studies have considered wind as an explanatory factor; abiotic factors may impact differently on phenophases, and one phenophase may influence the performance of another. Thus, we aim to describe the phenological patterns of five anemocoric plant species (Aspidosperma tomentosum, Dalbergia miscolobium, Kielmeyera coriacea, Peixotoa tomentosa and Qualea multiflora) in the face of different climatic conditions, mainly evaluating the effects of wind on the ripe diaspore. We addressed three main questions: (1) What is the phenological behavior of each of these five anemocoric species in a seasonal environment? (2) Which climatic variables best explain each phenophase? (3) Does the dispersal of ripe diaspores peak shortly after deciduousness? We found that (i) our focal species showed similar phenological patterns, except for the floral bud and flower phenophases of two species (A. tomentosum and P. tomentosa), and the young fruit phase; (ii) each abiotic variable has a specific level of influence for each phenophase, but the most important variables were rainfall and wind speed; and (iii) the dispersal peak of ripe diaspores occurred shortly after deciduousness, and when plants had fewer leaves. We conclude that the phenological patterns of these five anemocoric plants are similar, but that the patterns observed are not necessarily those described for Cerrado species. Additionally, we found that wind is an important factor in the expression of specific phenophases, and that the performance of some phenological events can be influenced by others, especially diaspore dispersal.

First report of powdery mildew of mango caused by Erysiphe quercicola in Japan

Powdery mildew disease was found on mango (Mangifera indica) in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, in April 2013. During and after flowering, infected panicles, leaves, and young fruits became coated with a whitish powdery fungus. Fungal growth was usually severe on panicles, then plants became brown and defoliated. The fungal sample collected from conidia on diseased panicles was identified as Erysiphe quercicola based on morphology and rDNA-ITS sequence analysis. Inoculation with the isolate reproduced the symptoms on mango leaves and the fungus was reisolated from the inoculated leaves. In addition, the fungus infected Japanese oak (Quercus crispula), konara oak (Q. serrata), and ubame oak (Q. phillyraeoides). This is the first report of powdery mildew (udonko-byo in Japanese) on mango caused by E. quercicola in Japan.

Polyphenol metabolic diversity of Chinese peach and nectarine at thinned and ripe stages by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis

Peach and nectarine fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, which differ with the varieties and maturity. This study profiled the polyphenol metabolites in 7 Chinese peach and nectarine varieties at thinned and ripe stages by HPLC and UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS. A total of 58 phenolic metabolites were identified in peach and nectarine. Neochlorogenic acid, catechin and chlorogenic acid were the dominant polyphenols in 7 varieties at both thinned and ripe stages. Regarding fruits at the thinned stage, phenolic acids were the major metabolic markers that distinguished 7 different peach and nectarine varieties, whereas flavonoids were the main metabolites differentiated the ripe fruit. Moreover, 3-p-coumaroyl quinic acid, 1-caffeoylquinic acid, myricetin, and kaempferol-3-o-rutinoside were the vital phenolic markers that differentiated thinned young fruit from the ripe one. There were significant differences in the polyphenol metabolic profile in different peach and nectarine varieties in different maturity stages. This work would provide a reference for further peach and nectarine phenolic metabolites investigation.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the BES1 gene family in apple (Malus domestica).

As the most important transcription factor in the brassinosteroid (BR) signal transduction pathway, BES1 not only affects growth and development of plants but also regulates stress resistance of crops. The physicochemical properties, gene structure, cis-acting elements and gene chip expression of apple BES1 transcription factors were analysed using bioinformatics, and expression of this gene family was analysed with qRT-PCR. There were 22 members of the apple BES1 transcription factors, distributed on eight chromosomes, divided into seven subtribes (I-VII), and the same subtribe contained the same basic motifs. Gene structure analysis showed that the number and position of exons differed, and there was no upstream and downstream structure. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that BES1 transcription factors contain response elements for hormones and abiotic stress, as well as organ-specific elements. Gene chip expression profile analysis revealed that expression patterns of BES1 transcription factors differed in different apple hybrids and different organs. In addition, expression of apple BES1 genes was higher in flowers, young fruits, mature fruits and leaves. qRT-PCR demonstrated that expression of MdBES1 genes was highest 12h after BR induction. At the same time, there were differences in expression in response to PEG, NaCl and MeJA. This paper provides a theoretical basis for analysis of the biological function and stress resistance mechanism of BES1 transcription factors in apple.

Methoprene‐induced matings of young Queensland fruit fly males are effective at inducing sexual inhibition in females

AbstractPre‐release dietary treatment with methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue, decreases the age at which male Queensland fruit flies mature and hence may decrease the post‐release delay until released sterile flies participate in sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes. However, if matings of young methoprene‐treated males are not effective at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates, then this treatment may not enhance SIT. The present study investigates efficacy of matings of methoprene‐treated males at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates. Methoprene incorporated into a diet of sugar and yeast hydrolysate (w/w 3:1) for 48 hr after emergence resulted in significantly increased male mating propensity when flies were <10 days of age, but not when older, and longer copulations. Copula latency did not vary with methoprene treatment but did decrease with age. The matings of young methoprene‐treated males were effective at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates, matching the efficacy of untreated mature males. Regardless of treatment, females had reduced tendency to remate if their first mate was 15 days of age than if their first mate was younger (6, 8 days) or older (20, 25, 30 days). Females mated by methoprene‐treated males that did remate tended to remate later in the day than females mated by untreated males. Also, second copula durations of females first mated by a 6‐ to 10‐day‐old male were shorter if the male was methoprene treated. These patterns in remating females may indicate greater efficacy of the initial mating of methoprene‐treated males. Overall, we find that the additional matings of young methoprene‐treated male Queensland fruit flies are effective at inducing sexual inhibition in their mates. This finding supports the incorporation of methoprene into pre‐release diet for SIT.

Strategies for timing nitrogen fertilization of pear trees based on the distribution, storage, and remobilization of 15N from seasonal application of (15NH4)2SO4

In order to improve the management of nitrogen (N) fertilization in pear orchards, we investigated the effects of application timing on the distribution, storage, and remobilization of N in mature pear trees in a field experiment at Jingtai County, Gansu Province, China. Nine trees were selected for the experiment and each received equal aliquots of 83.33 g N in the autumn, spring, and summer, with 15N-labeled (NH4)2SO4 used in one of the aliquots each season. Results showed that the (15N H4)2SO4 applied in the autumn remained in the soil during the winter. In the following spring this N was absorbed and rapidly remobilized into each organ, especially new organs (leaves, fruit and new shoots). The 15N supplied in spring was rapidly transported to developing fruit between the young fruit and fruit enlargement stages. 15N from the summer application of fertilizer was mainly stored in the coarse roots over the winter, then was mobilized to support growth of new organs in spring. In conclusion, for pear trees we recommend that the autumn application of N-fertilizer be soon after fruit harvest in order to increase N stores in fine roots. Spring application should be between full bloom and the young fruit stages to meet the high N demands of developing fruit. Summer application of fertilizer at the fruit enlargement stage does not contemporaneously affect the growth of pears, but increases the N stored in coarse roots, and in turn the amount available for remobilization in spring.

Persistent Calyxes in Postbloom Fruit Drop: A Microscopy and Microanalysis Perspective.

Citrus postbloom fruit drop, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is an important disease in the Americas. The pathogen infects citrus flowers, produces orange-brown lesions on petals, and may cause the abscission of young fruit. In diseased flowers, the calyxes remain attached to the peduncle after the young fruit drop. No anatomical and microanalysis studies have been conducted to determine whether calyx tissues can be infected by Colletotrichum spp. and why calyxes remain attached to the peduncle. Based on light microscopy, we demonstrate that the ovary abscission zone exhibits a separation region composed of layers of thickened lignified walled cells, indicating that abscission involves the disruption of cell walls. The first layers of the protective zone (PZ) are composed of densely packed cells with suberized walls produced by the wound meristem. Beneath the PZ, there is a compact mass of small cells that accumulate starch grains. X-ray fluorescence microanalysis (µ-XRF) confirmed the increased accumulation of calcium in the receptacle of the persistent calyxes compared to non-inoculated citrus flowers. Moreover, the peduncle pith and the receptacle exhibit hypertrophied cells with thick walls that may be related to calyx retention. Fungal structures are not observed inside the persistent calyx tissues.

Flavones Contents in Extracts from Oroxylum indicum Seeds and Plant Tissue Cultures.

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. ex Kurz or Pheka, is a plant in the Bignoniaceae family with various traditional uses. The mature fruits promote anti-helminthic and stomachic effects, while the seeds have been used as a purgative and for the relief of tonsil pain. The young fruits are popularly consumed as vegetables, while the seeds are one of the components in traditional drink formulations. To develop new plant raw material sources, a plant tissue culture technique was used to generate plant tissue cultured samples from the seeds of O. indicum. Plant tissue cultured samples were collected from three different growth stages; 4 days, then at 3 and 9 weeks, and prepared as crude extracts by maceration with ethanol, along with the seed raw material sample. A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was used for quantitative analysis of the contents of the three major flavones; baicalin, baicalein, and chrysin in the extracts from the seeds and plant tissue cultured samples of this plant. Baicalin was found in the highest amount among these three flavones in all extracts. The seed extract contained the highest baicalin content (24.24% w/w in the extract), followed by the shoot extract from tissue-cultured plant at week 3 (14.78% w/w of the extract). The amounts of chrysin in all O. indicum showed the same trend as the contents of baicalin, but the amounts were lower, while baicalein was accumulated at the lowest amount among three flavonoids and the amounts were quite stable in all O. indicum extracts. From the results, O. indicum seed and plant tissue cultured extracts have potential as sources of flavones, which could be further developed as health products in the future.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis provides insights into anthocyanin and procyanidin accumulation in pear

BackgroundPear is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Anthocyanins and procyanidins (PAs) are important secondary metabolites that affect the appearance and nutritive quality of pear. However, few studies have focused on the molecular mechanism underlying anthocyanin and PA accumulation in pear.ResultsWe conducted metabolome and transcriptome analyses to identify candidate genes involved in anthocyanin and PA accumulation in young fruits of the pear cultivar ‘Clapp Favorite’ (CF) and its red mutation cultivar ‘Red Clapp Favorite’ (RCF). Gene–metabolite correlation analyses revealed a ‘core set’ of 20 genes that were strongly correlated with 10 anthocyanin and seven PA metabolites. Of these, PcGSTF12 was confirmed to be involved in anthocyanin and PA accumulation by complementation of the tt19–7 Arabidopsis mutant. Interestingly, PcGSTF12 was found to be responsible for the accumulation of procyanidin A3, but not petunidin 3, 5-diglucoside, opposite to the function of AtGSTs in Arabidopsis. Transformation with PcGSTF12 greatly promoted or repressed genes involved in anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis, regulation, and transport. Electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase reporter assays confirmed positive regulation of PcGSTF12 by PcMYB114.ConclusionThese findings identify a core set of genes for anthocyanin and PA accumulation in pear. Of these, PcGSTF12, was confirmed to be involved in anthocyanin and PA accumulation. Our results also identified an important anthocyanin and PA regulation node comprising two core genes, PcGSTF12 and PcMYB114. These results provide novel insights into anthocyanin and PA accumulation in pear and represent a valuable data set to guide future functional studies and pear breeding.

Gene Expression Analysis of Fruit Bromelain in Ripening of <i>Ananas comosus</i> Cultivar MD 2

Fruit bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme harbouring cysteine catalytic residue found abundantly in pineapple fruit. The expression of cysteine proteases is usually regulated during fruit ripening. In the present study, we aimed to study the expression and proteolytic activity level of fruit bromelain during the ripening stage of A. comosus cultivar MD 2. The gene expression of fruit bromelain was investigated via relative gene expression analysis using qPCR while the proteolytic activity of fruit bromelain was analysed via enzymatic assay using casein as a substrate. The qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of fruit bromelain was down-regulated 10-fold in ripe pineapple fruits. Besides that, the unripe pineapple fruits [1.9101 ± 0.0831 U/mL] had a higher proteolytic activity than the ripe MD 2 pineapple fruits [1.1333 ± 0.0896 U/mL]. This result showed that the function of fruit bromelain may be related to the protection of young pineapple fruits during the fruit development stage.

Efficacy of agrochemicals against Phyllobius oblongus

The contact, residual, and ingestion efficacy of two conventional insecticides was compared with that of another five environmentally friendly agrochemicals in a laboratory for the control of the European snout beetle. Very good efficacy was observed for the conventional product Reldan 22<sup>®</sup> after all types of exposures. The conventional Mospilan<sup>®</sup> 20 SP showed good efficacy after ingestion. SpinTor<sup>®</sup> was very effective 72 h after ingestion and contact, and Siltac<sup>®</sup> EC showed comparable efficacy with conventional insecticides 72 h after ingestion and residual contact. SpinTor<sup>®</sup> and Siltac<sup>®</sup> conform to the principles of organic farming and integrated pest management (IPM) and are able to replace both the tested conventional products in young fruit plantations and nurseries. Pyrethrum PNC – 17, FerrumOil, and Boundary SW did not sufficiently control the beetle.

Didymella corylicola sp. nov., a new fungus associated with hazelnut fruit development in Italy

A new fungal species constantly associated with hazelnut (Corylus avellana) fructification starting from its primordia is described. The fungus is associated with hazelnut fruit during all their developmental stages, being consistently more present in spring (March–June). A 4-year survey has been conducted, from young fruit formation to full kernel maturity including also the post-harvest phase, to collect fungi associated with damaged/discoloured kernels. A collection of 60 isolates of a new species has been obtained in this study, which is here described as Didymella corylicola sp. nov. Multi-locus phylogenies based on four genomic loci (nuITS and LSU rDNA, RPB2 and TUB2) in combination with morphological data confirmed the fungus to represent a new species of Didymella (Didymellaceae). The occurrence of D. corylicola sp. nov. might have an impact on the quality of hazelnut production by contributing to kernel defects.

Expression of Hexokinase in Stomata of Citrus Fruit Reduces Fruit Transpiration and Affects Seed Development.

The temporal formation and spatial distribution of stomata on the surface of citrus floral organs and, specifically, on the ovule from which the fruit develops, were analyzed using citrus plants that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the guard cell-specific KST1 promoter. Stomata are found on the style, sepal, and anther of the closed flower and on ovules from the stage of anthesis. It has previously been shown that hexokinase (HXK) mediates sugar-sensing in leaf guard cells and stimulates stomatal closure. The activity and response of citrus fruit stomata to sugar-sensing by HXK was examined using plants that express HXK under the KST1 promoter. Those plants are referred to as GCHXK plants. The transpiration of young green GCHXK citrus fruits was significantly reduced, indicating that their stomata respond to sugar similar to leaf stomata. Toward fruit maturation, fruit stomata are plugged and stop functioning, which explains why WT and GCHXK mature yellow fruits exhibited similar water loss. Seeds of the GCHXK plants were smaller and germinated more slowly than the WT seeds. We suggest that the stomata of young green citrus fruits, but not mature yellow fruits, respond to sugar levels via HXK and that fruit stomata are important for proper seed development.

The utilization of local chili variety of Saha Isu as toiletries in West Nusa Tenggara

Chili is commonly used as spice, seasoning, and could help health promoting. Interestingly, a local variety (Saha Isu) from Bima District has been preferred for toiltetries material by indigenous people because of beneficial for headache therapy. The study aimed to know the use of a local chile variety of Saha Isu as toiletries by Bimanese. This study is a qualitative research technique which was done by interview on local people/community and observation of Saha Isu variety in Mpuri Village. These chili have been cultivated from generation to generation decades ago and not distributed yet to other places. In this village, chili was used as shampoo and body scrub material by smoothing and mixing it with grated coconut and a little water. The filtered liquid and remaining dregs were used as shampoo and body scrub, respectively. Total pieces of chili used usually in odd numbers depending on to spiciness level accepted and the availability. In addition to man health, this chili is good for pregnant women and after delivering baby to help control their blood pressure. Based on morphology, Saha Isu has strong spicy-aroma of fruit, dark green young fruit and turned to orange on mature fruit. This preliminary observation need further research on biochemical compound and molecular characterization to enrich the reference about Saha Isu information This traditional knowledge of Saha Isu is important for genetic resources preservation and conservation, and should be a part of activity and responded by institutional participation in Indonesia.

A Harmful Thrips Species on Lemon in The Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey: Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Some thrips species (Thysanoptera) are known as major pests because of causing the damage, especially to young citrus lemon fruits. Therefore, thrips surveys were carried out in from flowering period until the fruit reached a size of 4-5 cm in diameter in Adana and Mersin provinces, Turkey. In each orchard, 100 fruits were randomly collected and checked individually to determine thrips damage on young fruits. A total of 13 thysanopteran species were determined. Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) was the most common thrips species on different citrus varieties in Adana province, but Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) dominated thrips fauna in the citrus lemon groves in Mersin province. No thrips damage was recorded in the groves where F. occidentalis was commonly present. Thrips hawaiiensis appeared to be harmful on lemon flowers and fruits. Thrips caused silvery or bronzed stains on flowers and fruits. Thrips damage was observed in the mid-May when the flower density was low i.e. third or fourth weeks following petal fall. The staining rates on fruits due to T. hawaiiensis in the sampled lemon orchards ranged from 20 to 34%.

Refinement of Peach Cover Spray Programs for Management of Brown Rot at Harvest.

Peach cover spray applications of the protectant fungicide captan were previously shown to significantly reduce brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola during the preharvest fruit ripening periods in the 2012 through 2015 growing seasons. The protectants sulfur, ziram, and thiram failed to yield this benefit. Percentage disease control with captan ranged from 50 to 69%. Results of a bioassay indicated that the mechanism for this control was the creation of an effective, persistent fungicide residue on the fruit surface. Given these findings, the current 2017 to 2018 study was initiated to further refine the cover spray program. Cover spray applications of captan were made at lower rates and fewer timings with the goal of minimizing fungicide usage while maintaining control. High concentrations of the protectants sulfur and ziram were also examined in cover spray programs to determine whether greater concentrations could improve control. Results of the captan treatments from both years showed that the concentration could be reduced 17%, from 3.36 to 2.80 kg/ha active ingredient, without a significant increase in rot at harvest. Disease control at this medium rate was 69% in 2017 and 51% in 2018. The late season timing treatment, which consisted of the final two cover sprays at fifth and sixth cover, significantly reduced brown rot at harvest and provided control equivalent to the full cover spray program consisting of seven applications. Thus, a buildup of residue from many cover sprays is not needed to achieve control. As hypothesized, the midseason treatments, which consisted of two sprays at third and fourth cover, did not provide control of brown rot at harvest. The bioassay confirmed that insufficient residue remained on fruit for adequate control. However, the early season treatment, which consisted of sprays at shuck split, first cover, and second cover, provided 40% control, even though the bioassay showed that an effective residue was not present during the preharvest period. Brown rot management for this treatment was probably caused by inhibition of quiescent or latent infections on young green fruit. If confirmed, this novel finding indicates that high levels of latent infections are possible in eastern U.S. peach growing regions. Finally, higher rates of sulfur and ziram cover sprays were still ineffective for providing brown rot control at harvest. Comparison of half maximal effective concentration values calculated from the dose-response models confirmed that the sulfur and ziram intrinsic efficacies were too low for adequate control, even at the highest registered rates. These findings demonstrated that late season captan cover sprays can contribute significantly to control of brown rot at harvest, thereby augmenting the efficacy of preharvest fungicide programs. The year-to-year consistency of control should also be improved because heavy rainfall during the preharvest period did not reduce control by the captan residue. Furthermore, any reduction of the M. fructicola population by the captan cover sprays should reduce selection pressure against the site-specific fungicides commonly used during the preharvest period. The development of resistance to captan, a multisite protectant fungicide, is not likely, so this resistance management strategy should be sustainable.

Inhibitory substances contained in calcium carbonate wettable powder on the oviposition of the peach fruit moth, Carposina sasakii.

Spraying a calcium carbonate suspension “White Coat” on the fruit of apples significantly suppresses the oviposition of the peach fruit moth, Carposina sasakii. In gas chromatography (GC) with an electroantennographic detector analysis, adult female antennae showed responses to three compounds that were identified as 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB) and its two mono-hydrolyzed analogs, texanols (1- and 3-isobutyrates), all added as a plasticizer to the agents. An oviposition-choice test using adult moths revealed that TXIB has clear deterrent properties when applied to young apple fruits. Video recording analysis showed that female moths spent longer on self-grooming and searching around TXIB-treated fruits. In the same assay, pure calcium carbonate treatment prevented the moths from climbing up or landing on the fruits, while such was not the case with White Coat-treated fruits. TXIB, an adjuvant aimed to provide rain/wind resistance, weakened the slipperiness of the calcium carbonate coating but, coincidentally, maintained the oviposition inhibitory activity of the White Coat by its deterrent odorant.

PbGA20ox2 Regulates Fruit Set and Induces Parthenocarpy by Enhancing GA4 Content.

Fruit set and development occur following successful fertilization. Parthenocarpy, a valuable trait in some self-incompatible species, produces seedless fruit without fertilization. Gibberellin (GA) is a crucial hormone in fruit-set regulation and development. While investigating the development of parthenocarpy in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.), we determined that GA 20-oxidases (GA20ox) may play key roles in seedless pear fruit development. Sequence analysis revealed three PbGA20ox genes: PbGA20ox1, PbGA20ox2, and PbGA20ox3. We analyzed the expression patterns of candidate genes and found that PbGA20ox2 levels significantly changed in pollinated fruits. Tissue-specific expression assays revealed that PbGA20ox2 is highly expressed in young fruit and leaves. Subcellular localization assays showed it was located in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and plasma membrane. Overexpressed PbGA20ox2 tomato plants were taller and had longer hypocotyls and internodes, and the emasculated flowers produced parthenocarpic fruit. In pear, the transient overexpression of PbGA20ox2 promoted fruit development and delayed the drop of nonpollinated fruit. Furthermore, the fruit of PbGA20ox2-overexpressing tomato and transient PbGA20ox2-overexpressing pear had increased GA4 (but not GA3 and GA1) contents. This result provided evidence that PbGA20ox2 was necessary for GA4-dependent pear fruit development. Our study revealed that PbGA20ox2 altered the GA biosynthetic pathway and enhanced GA4 synthesis, thereby promoting fruit set and parthenocarpic fruit development.

Flower injection of imidacloprid and spirotetramat: a novel tool for the management of banana thrips Thrips hawaiiensis

The banana thrips (Thrips hawaiiensis), which is one of the most common flower-inhabiting thrips, currently causes serious damage to banana trees in China. As spray treatments have low efficacy to control this thrips pest, changing to new control measures are crucial. Among the available approaches, injection of a systemic insecticide is considered suitable. However, little is known about this approach up to now. Between 2014 and 2018, imidacloprid and spirotetramat were applied via flower injection and evaluated for their potential to control the thrips. In 2014, laboratory bioassays together with field experiments revealed that imidacloprid and spirotetramat injected at recommended dose appeared to be effective in controlling the thrips, supporting the idea of flower injection. Thereafter, a 2-year study (2015–2016) of spirotetramat showed that higher injection rates resulted in greater mortality and better field efficacy against the thrips when flower injection was utilized. Another 2-year (2017–2018) field trial indicated that either imidacloprid or spirotetramat injection exhibited significantly higher efficacy and had no negative effects on fruit yield when compared to spinetoram spray. Results also showed that the efficacy of the flower injection was not influenced by banana species and phenological conditions. Moreover, the fast uptake of imidacloprid and spirotetramat in flower samples could account for their lethal activity against the thrips in bioassays. Notably, these two products degraded quickly in the young fruit and no residue was detected within the ripe fruit, implying that the flower injection might not present a risk to contaminate fruit. Overall, these findings taken together represent for the first time that flower injection of imidacloprid and spirotetramat can be regarded as a new alternative to control the banana thrips effectively.