Screening of polyhouse grown rose varieties for resistance to thrips, scirtothrips dorsalis Hood

Seven polyhouse grown varieties of rose were evaluated for resistance to thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis. None of the varieties tested were found to be free from the infestation. However, varieties Versilia was found to be relatively resistant while First Red and Grand Gala were more susceptible. All other varieties exhibited moderate response. Young leaves were more preferred to mature leaves and other floral parts by the thrips. Relatively more number of thrips settled on red coloured flowers when compared to orange and yellow.