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Abstract
The availability of pollen has been found to positively influence the host selection and fecundity of thrips species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Studies suggest that pine pollen which is deposited on plants each spring could increase the settling and reproduction potential of thrips on host plants of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus potentially increasing its role as a vector of this virus. Effect of pine pollen (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) on the settling behavior and oviposition of Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips) and Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips) was studied. Thrips settling behavior was increased by seven-fold with F. occidentalis and one-fold with F. fusca with the addition of pine pollen over both tomato and peanut. Oviposition was increased by three-fold with F. occidentalis and one-fold with F. fusca with pollen.