Impact of different pest management modules against the major sucking pests complex of chilli (Capsicum annuum)

Abstract

Three different pest management modules were tested against major sucking pests complex of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) (thrips, yellow mites) and occurrence of Pepper leaf curl virus transmitted by whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gem.)] and compared with the untreated control. Two promising varieties (Kashi Anmol and Kashi Gaurav) were sown at experimental plots of IIVR and three pest management modules, viz. biointensive module (M1), integrated module (M2) and chemical module (M3) were examined for two consecutive years (2011-12 and 2012-13). All the tested modules were found significantly applicable over the control in terms of pest and disease management. Among these, integrated module (M2) comprising seedling dip with Imidacloprid 17.8% SL@ 1 ml/ l of water, spraying of Buprofezin 25%SC @ 1 ml/l at 25 DAT, Fipronil 5% SC@ 2 ml/l at 35 DAT, Lecanicillium (=Verticillium) lecanii @ 5 g/l at 45 DAT, Chlorfenapyr 10% SC@ 1.5 ml/l at 55 DAT, neem oil 1% at 65 DAT and their need based rotation was most effective in reducing the thrips and mite population in chilli and significantly enhancing the yield over control. Reduced yellow mite population was observed in both the varieties, i.e. Kashi Anmol (79.16%) and Kashi Gaurav (73.59%). Likewise, reduction in thrips population was also recorded in Kashi Anmol (58.09%) and in Kashi Gaurav (48.16%) varieties. However, occurrence of Pepper leaf curl virus was lowest in chemical module (M3), viz. 7.04% and 11.18% lower leaf curl infestation was observed, respectively in Kashi Anmol and Kashi Gaurav varieties followed by integrated module (M2) with 8.36% and 12.64% less leaf curl infestation. In terms of cost benefit ratio, integrated module (M2) was found applicable for both the varieties, i.e. 1:2.26 and 1:6.66 cost benefit ratios were recorded respectively in Kashi Anmol and Kashi Gaurav. Thus, integrated module (M2) may be adopted to get rid of these sucking pests menace.