Status of the outbreak of Thrips parvispinus (Karny) on chilli in Karnataka

Abstract

Surveys were conducted in major chilli growing regions (nine districts) of Karnataka, India to assess the outbreak of thrips during November – December, 2021. The predominant thrips species identified in the surveyed fields was Thrips parvispinus, mainly observed on flowers, flower buds and leaves. In the surveyed areas, more than 75% of the chilli was infested by T. parvispinus that resulted in loss of more than 85% of the crop yield. Despite repeated applications of the insecticides, control failures were noticed. Hence there is an urgent need to bring management strategies to save the crop from T. parvispinus menace in future.