Safflower plants are particularly susceptible to damage due to flower thrips feeding, according to investigations started in 1961. Observations of plants and fields indicated that many young buds of safflower planted from early to mid season were turning bronze in color and were showing blast damage. This damage to the developing buds had previously been attributed entirely to lygus bugs, but much of this injury occurred early in May and prior to the onset of high lygus populations in the Davis area.

Based on research conducted under Project Number 1565. John Campbell, Davis nurseryman assisted with the study. Cooperation was also received from the Agronomy Department, U. C., Davis; oil processing companies, pest control operators, and chemical companies.