Possible mechanisms of resistance to the bean flower thrips (BFT)M. sjostedti(Trybom) in cowpea(Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp. genotype TVx 3236 were studied in field and screenhouse experiments. Nonpreference was evaluated through measuring differences in populations and damage of BFT on TVx 3236 compared with susceptible genotypes. TVx 3236 consistently had lower thrips populations in field experiments, and was observed to sustain less damage in screenhouse choicefeeding. Antibiosis was evaluated through rearing thrips on flower buds of TVx 3236 and a susceptible standard (VITA7), and antibiosis was manifested by extended immature developmental period and decreased survival of adults. Nonpreference and antibiosis are discussed as modalities underlying the resistance of TVx 3236.