Populations of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), developing on normal-leaf and okra-leaf upland cotton strains and cultivars were studied in the field in 2003 and 2004. Five normal-leaf and three okra-leaf strains and cultivars were included in the 2003 studies, and four normal-leaf and four okra-leaf strains and cultivars were studied in 2004. Populations of F. occidentalis on okra-leaf strains and cultivars were significantly greater compared with normal-leaf strains and cultivars during both years of the study. Okra-leaf shape and normal-leaf shape sticky card trap studies were conducted in the field to determine if these features contributed to F. occidentalis’ preference for okra-leaf cultivars. Significantly more F. occidentalis were caught on the trap edges compared with the interiors of sticky card trap of either shape. Okra-leaf shape sticky card traps with larger perimeters caught more F. occidentalis than normal-leaf shape sticky card traps with smaller perimeters. When okra-leaf cotton strains and cultivars are selected for resistance to Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) or other pests, the preference of F. occidentalis for okra-leaf strains and cultivars should be considered for it’s negative impact.