Screening of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) clonal selections for resistance to thrips, Scirtothrips sp. and rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead)

Thirteen clonal selections of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) were screened for their relative susceptibility/resistance to citrus thrips, Sdrtothrips sp. and rust mite, Phyllocoptruta olievora (Ashmead) under field conditions at Citrus Research Station, Petlur, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh during 2006–07. A significant variation was observed among the genotypes in their response to the infestation of both the pests. Selections 21, 1 and Vikram were found to be resistant against thrips while Selections 1, 7, 25, and PKM 1 were least susceptible to mites. Our study revealed that ‘Selection 1’ showed combined resistance against thrips and mites. Highly susceptible group included Selection 11 against thrips and Selection 17 and 9 against mites. These are the preliminary findings based on which morphological and biochemical basis of resistance will be worked out.