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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Host plant resistance in onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes against onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) in relation to morphological traits and bulb yield performance

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14622
Submitted
20 March 2026
Published
20-06-2026

Abstract

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) is a major pest of onion, capable of causing substantial yield losses (up to 90 %) through foliar damage and transmission of Iris yellow spot virus, while also predisposing plants to secondary infections such as purple blotch. Host plant resistance, mediated through antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance mechanisms, represents a durable and sustainable management approach. A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2021–22 to screen 70 onion genotypes against T. tabaci using a randomised block design (RBD) at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Among the 70 genotypes evaluated, 13, 25, 22 and 10 genotypes were classified as highly resistant, resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible, respectively. Genotypes DOGR-1796, DOGR-1814 and DOGR-1771 recorded the lowest onion thrips population (6.11 to 10.65 thrips plant-1), indicating strong resistance. Thrips population was related to morphological traits, genotypes such as DOGR-1796, DOGR-1814 and    DOGR-1771, characterised by balanced vegetative growth and moderate leaf number, supported lower infestation. The highest bulb yields were recorded in genotypes such as DOGR-1771, Bhima Kiran, Bhima Shakti, Bhima Safed, Bhima Subhra, Bhima Sweta, Bhima Super, Bhima Dark Red and Bhima Light Red, indicating their superior productivity.

 

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