Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The environment of thrips. 3. Infestation diversity and tissue responses to thrips feeding. 4. Biochemical profiles of host plants in relation to infestation. 5. Chemical ecology of anthophilous thrips. 6. Resistance mechanisms in thrips-host plant interactions. 7. Biochemical profiles in thrips galls. 8. Techniques in the study of chemical ecology of thrips. Bibliography. Subject index. Species index.

"The present volume aims at identifying the biochemical parameters in thrips-host plant interactions. With increased inputs in our understanding of chemical ecology, this volume paves the way for an integrated approach to the study of thrips-host plant interactions, including host preferences and trophic diversity in terms of infestation mechanics and host plant tissue responses to thrips feeding injury. Emphasis has been laid on the elucidation of the action of secondary compounds in attraction or deterrence of thrips as well as the diversity of resistance mechanisms in the host plants to counteract attacks by thrips. The role of flavonoids in pollination, as well as nutritional rewards to the pollinator in the form of nectar and pollen have also been discussed. Changes in the biochemical profiles of galls induced by thrips have been related to the population density of the gall makers and the diversity in the expression of the activity of salivary enzymes of thrips. A brief outline of some of the techniques that can be employed in investigations of the kind discussed, is also presented." (jacket)

[T.N. Ananthakrishnan is Director of the Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Madras.]