Effective Control of Mites and Thrips in Chilli/Pepper Crops

Mites are a type of pest that can cause significant damage to chili crops. They are part of the Tarsonemidae family of phytophagous mites and can feed on many plants. These pests are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and are particularly active in chili fields during the dry and humid months of October and November. Given their ability to cause extensive damage to chili crops, farmers need to be aware of the risks posed by mites and take steps to control their population.

Effective Control of Mites and Thrips in Chilli/Pepper Crops

The Life Cycle of Mites

The life cycle of mites in chili begins with the deposition of their eggs, which are laid singly on the underside of chili leaves. The incubation period for these eggs lasts 1-3 days, after which the first instar nymph or larva emerges. This nymph or larval period can last anywhere from 12 hours to 1.5 days, followed by the second nymph or larval stage, which lasts around 12 hours.

The entire nymph or larvae period lasts 1-2 days, after which the mites enter the pupal stage, lasting approximately a day. Once the pupa stage is complete, the adult mites emerge, with longevity ranging from 3-5 days.

Damage Symptoms of Mites in Chilli Field

Mites can cause a range of damage symptoms in chili crops. One common symptom is downward curling and crinkling of the leaves, which can give the leaves an inverted boat-shaped appearance. Another symptom is the petiole’s elongation, commonly referred to as the “rat tail” symptom. Stunted growth is another indication of mite damage in chili plants.

Mites can also cause scarring on the fruit, a common infestation symptom. A reduction in fruit size can accompany this scarring. Overall, mites can cause significant damage to chili crops, impacting both the quality and yield of the harvest.

Management of Mites in Chilli Crop

Biological control: Conservation of potential predator Amblyseius ovalis in the chili ecosystem can be useful for controlling mites.
Chemical management: Several chemical management options are available for managing mites in chili crops. These include spraying with Fenazaquin 10 EC @ 2 ml/lit, Vertimec 1.9 EC @ 0.2 ml/lit, dicofol 18.5 EC @ 2.5 ml/lit, or Wettable sulfur @ three g/lit. It is important to avoid using monocrotophos as it can harm the environment.
Spice board: To manage mites in chili crops, spray dicofol 18.5 EC @ 2.5 ml/ lit or wettable sulfur 50WP @ 5 g m / lit of water and avoid the application of monocrotophos. Repeat the spray with a 4-6 day interval in severe conditions. Alternatively, spray phasalone 3ml/litre (in severe conditions), wettable sulphur 3g/litre of water, or dicofal 5ml/lit of water.

Introduction to Thrips in Chilli Crop

Thrips are small, slender insects that can cause significant damage to a chili crop. They belong to the order Thysanoptera and are considered one of the most important pests of chili worldwide. Thrips feed on chili plants by sucking the sap out of the leaves and other plant parts, causing discoloration, distortion, and stunted growth.

The Life Cycle of Thrips

Thrips have a complex life cycle that includes six stages: egg, first and second instars (larvae or nymphs), prepupa (or propupa), pupa, and adult. The life cycle of thrips can vary in duration, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Here is the breakdown of the different stages in the life cycle of thrips:

Egg: Adult females lay their eggs inside plant tissue, commonly in buds and the underside of leaves. Each female can lay between 60 to 200 eggs during her lifetime. The eggs hatch in 6 to 8 days.
Larval stages: The larvae or nymphs emerge from the eggs and go through two stages that last about 6 to 10 days. They actively feed on the host plant during this time, as do the adults.
Prepupa: Mature larvae develop into prepupae for about one day. They do not feed during this stage.
Pupa: The prepupa then develops into a pupa lasting 2 to 3 days. The pupal stage is a resting stage during which no feeding occurs.
Adult: The pupa then emerges as an adult thrips. Adults are mature and can mate and reproduce. The adults are small and slender and have wings fringed with hair. They continue to feed on the host plant and can live for several weeks.

In case you missed it: How to Start Chili Pepper Farming in Florida: A Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Damage Symptoms of Thrips in Chilli Field

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause significant damage to a chili crop. Here are the damage symptoms of thrips in a chili field:

Infested leaves develop crinkles and curl upwards: Thrips feed on the surface of the leaves, causing them to develop crinkles and curl upwards. The leaves may also turn yellow or brown and eventually die.
Elongated petiole: Thrips feed on the petioles, causing them to elongate and become distorted. This can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.
Buds become brittle and drop down: Thrips can also feed on the buds, causing them to become brittle and drop-down prematurely. This can reduce the number of flowers and fruits produced by the plant.
Early-stage infestation leads to stunted growth and flower production, and fruit sets are arrested: In the early stages of infestation, thrips can significantly reduce the growth and development of the plant. This can result in stunted growth, reduced flower production, and an arrested fruit set.

Management of Thrips in Chilli Crop

Inter-cropping with agathi (Sesbania grandiflora): Inter-cropping with agathi provides shade, which can regulate the thrips population.
Crop rotation: Avoid growing chili after sorghum, and do not follow chili and onion mixed crop, as these crops can increase the thrips population.
Sprinkle water over the seedlings: Sprinkle water over the seedlings can help check the multiplication of thrips.
Seed treatment: Treat seeds with imidacloprid 70% WS @ 12 g/kg of seed to protect seedlings from thrips.
Insecticide application: Apply carbofuran 3% G @ 33 kg/ha or phorate 10% G @ 10 kg/ha, or spray any one of the following insecticides – acephate 75 SP @ 800 g/ha, dimethoate 30 EC @ 0.2%, or spinosad 45% SC @ 40 ml/ha. These insecticides can be applied as a foliar spray or through the drip irrigation system.
Cultural control: Regularly monitor the chili crop for thrips infestation and remove any infested plant parts. Proper sanitation and management practices, such as removing weeds, debris, and alternate host plants, can help control thrips populations.

In case you missed it: Chili Production Guide: A Step-By-Step Cultivation Practices

Conclusion

You can have a pest-free chili crop with proper planning and a little hard work.

Effective Control of Mites and Thrips in Chilli/Pepper Crops