The use of floral homeotic mutants as a novel way to obtain durable resistance to insect pests.

We have developed a novel strategy for the introduction of durable insect resistance in crops. This strategy was based on intervention in the natural relationship between plants and insects. For many insects, including pests such as thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), the flower is an important factor in their life cycle, serving either as a food source or as a place for mating.