Insecticide resistance in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) collected from horticulture and cotton in Turkey

The sensitivity of three reference strains of the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis from Australia, Israel and Turkey was evaluated and their response did not differ significantly and so they are considered typical of susceptible F. occidentalis. Field strains of F. occidentalis from Antalya, Turkey were tested for resistance against five classes of insecticide during the years 2001-2003. Difference in the field strains response to abamectin, endosulfan, malathion and methomyl was low (< 3.0-fold) and in many cases not significant. However, all strains were likely resistant to cypermethrin (1.6- to 12.2-fold at LC(50) (lethal concentration)). The established agricultural practices and ecosystem patterns in the Antalya province are assumed to contribute to delay in insecticide resistance in F. occidentalis.