Rose Variety Testing for Chilli Thrips and Developing a Sample Plan for Container Roses

摘要

The chilli thrips, a recent invasive insect in Florida, has emerged as a major pest of Knock Out~R rose (Rosa x 'RADrazz') the most widely sold shrub rose series in North America. We evaluated 11 other rose varieties for possible tolerance against this pest. Our results indicated that several Modern (e.g. Caldwell Pink, Red Cascade and Sir Thomas Lipton) and Old Garden Rose varieties (e.g. Mrs. B.R. Cant and Spice) are significantly less susceptible to this pest, and maintained good growth in containers over 15 months without the use of insecticides. The relative flushing cycle of different varieties influences the buildup of chilli thrips and resulting aesthetic damage. Other varieties, such as Sir Thomas Lipton and Blush Noisette were susceptibleto other pests and diseases in our study. We determined a rapid sampling plan for monitoring chilli thrips in container grown Knock Outs~R, based on the distribution of the insect. Sampling the third leaf of an actively growing foliar terminal was the most efficient method to assess insect density and damage symptoms. This strategy could help scouts monitoring for chilli thrips in nurseries.