Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Daravath Veeranna, Ravula Uma Reddy, Madhu Moguloju and Govinda Padmaja

Abstract:
Chilli, Capsicum annum L. is an important cash crop cultivated over large area in southern states of India. During Kharif 2021, chilli growing farmers witnessed heavy infestation and damage by thrips pest. To study the status of pest infestation, to identify the thrips species and to suggest suitable control tactics, we conducted surveys in major chilli growing areas of Warangal and Mulugu districts of Telangana. Taxonomic identification revealed it as newly invaded exotic thrips species, Thrips parvispinus (Karny). We reported heavy infestation of invasive thrips causing heavy flower drop and upward leaf curling. In Darmapuram and Parakal blocks of Mulugu districts of Telangana, 100% crop loss was noticed due to feeding and flower drop caused by this pest. We recorded the infestation to the tune of 10-13 male and 18-25 female thrips flower^-1; with 30-100% flower drop. T. parvispinus was first reported in India in 2015 from Karnataka on papaya plants. Our study reported the heavy infestation and severe damage to chilli crop by this exotic pest since its invasion in India. Very little is known about its biology, host range, damage mechanism, population dynamics and distribution of this thrips species in India. Hence, there is an urgent need to initiate research programs to recommend the timely monitoring, alert message and suitable control tactics to restrict the spread of this pest to other Chilli growing areas in the country.