Thrips Susceptibility

Thrips susceptibility refers to a plant's relative vulnerability to infestation by thrips species, particularly common pests like Western flower thrips and onion thrips. This trait is influenced by leaf surface morphology, epicuticular wax composition, and plant volatile profiles—factors breeders assess when selecting for pest resilience. Cannabis cultivars show varying degrees of susceptibility based on genetic background and environmental conditions. Understanding thrips vulnerability is relevant for indoor and outdoor cultivation programs seeking to reduce pest pressure without chemical intervention. Breeders working in this category often cross lines with known thrips resistance markers to develop more durable cultivars for commercial production.

Breeders incorporate thrips-resistance screening into selection protocols by evaluating leaf texture, wax layer density, and volatile emissions. Lines showing lower pest colonization rates under controlled infestation conditions are prioritized for crossing into commercial cultivars.