Management of chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

On farm trials in ten locations were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of management strategies against chilli thrips [Scirtothrips dorsalis] with emphasis on cultural practices, timely observation of the pest incidence, use of granular insecticides to avoid effect on natural enemy fauna in the crop ecosystem and proper use of different groups of insecticides so that even with repeated use of insecticides having different mode of action, the pest may not develop resistance against particular group of insecticides besides achieving proper management and to create awareness among the farming community during rabi, 2014-15 to 2016-17 in the farmer’s fields in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. In chillies, thrips cause upward leaf curling typically called ‘murda disease” and cause severe losses. By adoption of IPM practices in all the three years, thrips damage was reduced on an average by 9.5 per cent compared to 16.0 per cent in farmers practice. This has resulted in reduction in the average cost of cultivation by Rs. 18225.67 per hectare and the average net income was improved by Rs. 59503 per hectare compared to the farmers practice. The average yield levels in the demonstration (140.68 qt/ha) improved by 14.92 per cent compared to farmers practice (123.04 qt/ha) giving a clear message that adoption of IPM practices with emphasis on cultural practices and use of different insecticides helped in reducing the pest levels, damage, improving yield and net income levels to the resource poor farmers.