Varietal resistance of rose to thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Studies were conducted on varietal resistance of rose varieties to thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) at Bangalore. None of the varieties were totally free from thrips damage. However, Bianca, Talea, Chandrama and White Master Piece scored less number of thrips (<9 per flower) bearing white ccoloured flowers. Diamond Jubilee and Paddy Stephen supported <14 thrips per flower were of yellow colour. Mmelod Mauve and Navile Gibson harboured >17 thrips per flower were of orange. Bordeaux, Gladiator, Black Lady, Grand Gala, Grand Prix, First Red which scored >20–25 thrips per flower were red and pink colours. Varieties with red and pink colour flowers were more susceptible and white flower bearing varieties were found promising. Rose varieties Bianca, Talea, Australian Gold, Chandrama, Cascade red and White Master Piece were found promising. Flowers with light petals were less attracted to thrips. Red, pink and orange flowers were found most susceptible.