Mite Responses and Trichome Characters in a Full-Sib F2 Family of Lycopersicon esculentum × L. hirsutum

Abstract A full-sib family of F 2 individuals from a cross between mite-susceptible Lycopersicon esculentum Mill and mite-resistant Lycopersicon hirsutum Humb and Bonpl. was assayed for trichome characters and resistance to spider mites ( Tetranychus urticae Koch). Mite responses primarily were associated with density of the Type IV trichome and, to a much less degree, with the leaflet surface bioassayed and phenol content of the Type VI trichome tip. Mite survival on F 2 hybrids with at least 5.6 Type IV trichomes per mm 2 was comparable to that on L. hirsutum .