Ecofriendly pest management practices for leaf curl complex of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important profitable cash crop. However, the productivity of the crop is decreasing sharply day by day mainly due to leaf curl complex. Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and yellow mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks) are the two major pests responsible for this devastating problem. Seven IPM modules including a non-IPM module were evaluated for sustainable management of these pests. Experimental findings revealed that all the IPM-modules proved superior to non IPM-module. The module T4 having one spray of Boom Tet followed by Abamectin and again Boom Tet at 21 days interval proved most effective in reducing pests population as well as in terms of benefit-cost ratio followed by module T5 (Redux + Garlic extract + Diafenthiuron) and T6 (NSKE + Redux + Boom Tet) when sprayed successively at same interval. It can be concluded that module T4, T5 and T6 may be considered for sustainable production of chilli. © JBiopest.