Metabolomic profiling of susceptible and resistant genotypes of Gerbera jamesonii Bolus to western flower thrip

An infestation of Frankliniella occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Flower Thrip (WFT), affects the aesthetic value of Gerbera jamesonii Bolus flowers. Hence, developing WFT-resistant strains is an effective means of controlling pests, and it is essential to comprehend the resistance mechanism. Here, we investigated the both biochemical and metabolite-level resistance of latara genotype Gerbera to WFT. Initially, we assessed the rates of WFT mortality on the floral buds of two genotypes of Gerberas, 'latara' and 'faith,' and observed that the former exhibited strong resistance to the WFT soon after infestation. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to examine the metabolomic response to WFT infestation. The profiles revealed three key characteristics such as higher antioxidant enzyme activities and concentrations of several secondary metabolites, like flavonoids and alkaloids in latara upon WFT infestation. This work presents the metabolomic profiles of WFT resistant genotype of gerbera will aid in the biochemical and molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying Gerbera resistance against WFT.An infestation of Frankliniella occidentalis, commonly known as the Western Flower Thrip (WFT), affects the aesthetic value of Gerbera jamesonii Bolus flowers. Hence, developing WFT-resistant strains is an effective means of controlling pests, and it is essential to comprehend the resistance mechanism. Here, we investigated the both biochemical and metabolite-level resistance of latara genotype Gerbera to WFT. Initially, we assessed the rates of WFT mortality on the floral buds of two genotypes of Gerberas, 'latara' and 'faith,' and observed that the former exhibited strong resistance to the WFT soon after infestation. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to examine the metabolomic response to WFT infestation. The profiles revealed three key characteristics such as higher antioxidant enzyme activities and concentrations of several secondary metabolites, like flavonoids and alkaloids in latara upon WFT infestation. This work presents the metabolomic profiles of WFT resistant genotype of gerbera will aid in the biochemical and molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying Gerbera resistance against WFT.