Mite responses in relation to trichomes of Lycopersicon esculentum x L. hirsutum F₂ hybrids

Leaflets from 11 L. esculentum x L. hirsutum F₂ individuals were bioassayed with spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). Densities of Type I, Type III, Type IV, Type V, and Type VI trichomes and the intensity of red fluorescence of the Type VI trichome tip varied widely among the 11 F₂ hybrids. Mite responses were analyzed in relation to these trichome characters and leaflet surface. Variation in Type IV density accounted for most of the variation in mite responses. Densities of Type I, V and VI trichomes also contributed to mite responses but their effects were obscured by high Type IV densities. Type VI tip fluorescence was not associated with responses of mites in bioassays of these hybrids.