Evaluation of Citrus germplasms for resistance to Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood and Rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm.)

Thirty two germplasms of Citrus sp. were screened for their relative susceptibility/resistance to thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis and rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora under field conditions. A significant variation was observed among the citrus germplasms in their response to infestation of thrips and rust mite. Of the germplasms, Sun-chu-sha mandarin, Trifoliate hybrid (exotic) and Cleopatra mandarin (Tirupati), Cleopatra mandarin (Gonicoppal) and Dr. Knoor showed combined resistance to thrips and rust mite. The identified resistance germplasms form for further studies on morphological and biochemical basis of resistance to understand the host plant resistance mechanism to thrips and rust mite.