16 October 2025
by krushikar0 comments

Thrips Attack in Chilli Crop: Identification, Damage & Effective Control

Chilli (Capsicum annuum) is one of the most important spice crops in India, but it often faces severe pest attacks — the most common being Thrips, locally known as Threeps. These tiny sucking insects can drastically reduce both yield and quality if not managed properly. In recent years, thrips infestation has increased due to changing climate and excessive use of certain insecticides.

🐛 What Are Thrips?

Thrips are tiny, slender insects (1–2 mm long) that feed by sucking sap from tender leaves, buds, and flowers. The most common species affecting chilli crops are:

  • Scirtothrips dorsalis
  • Thrips tabaci

They multiply rapidly under warm, dry conditions and are very difficult to detect in the early stages.

⚠️ Symptoms of Thrips Damage

Identifying thrips early is key to controlling them. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Curling and Distorted Leaves – Young leaves curl upward and appear twisted.
  2. Silvery Patches – Tiny silvery or bronze streaks appear on the leaves.
  3. Reduced Growth – Plants become stunted and weak.
  4. Flower & Fruit Drop – Thrips feeding damages buds and flowers, leading to flower drop.
  5. Deformed Fruits – Fruits develop uneven surfaces and scars, reducing market value.
  6. Virus Transmission – Thrips transmit Leaf Curl Virus, one of the most destructive chilli diseases.

🧬 Thrips Life Cycle

Thrips complete their life cycle in about 10–15 days, depending on temperature.

  • Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves.
  • Nymphs feed on tender tissues.
  • Pupae fall into the soil before emerging as adults.
    Because of this quick cycle, population buildup happens very fast in warm climates.

🌾 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Thrips in Chilli

1. Cultural Practices

  • Avoid continuous chilli cropping in the same field.
  • Remove and destroy infested plant debris after harvest.
  • Maintain proper plant spacing to allow air circulation.
  • Use yellow or blue sticky traps (10–15 per acre) to monitor and trap adults.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer (which promotes tender growth thrips love).

2. Biological Control

  • Release predatory mites (Amblyseius cucumeris) or lacewings that feed on thrips.
  • Spray Neem-based formulations (Azadirachtin 1500–3000 ppm) at 7–10 day intervals.

3. Chemical Control

If infestation is severe, use one of the following insecticides (rotate to avoid resistance):

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