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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Survey to assess the status of black thrips incidence across major chilli growing areas of Karnataka
Authors
Shraddha Keshetti, Gangadhar Narabenchi, Padmanabha K, Anil Kumar S
Abstract
A roving survey was conducted from January to March 2024 across eight
major chilli growing districts of Karnataka that are Mysuru, Kolar, Raichur,
Bellary, Dharwad, Haveri, Belagavi and Bagalkot to assess Thrips parvispinus
infestation and percentage leaf curl index (PLI) in 64 fields from 32 villages
across 16 taluks. In each field, thrips populations were recorded from 50
randomly selected plants by tapping growing tips and flowers onto a white paper
board, while leaf curl symptoms were assessed using a 0-4 visual rating scale.
The average thrips population was 11.11 per plant, with a mean PLI of 64.91 per
cent, indicating significant crop impact. The highest infestation was recorded
in Raichur (14.73 thrips per plant, PLI 77.62%), Haveri (14.72 thrips per
plant, PLI 80.17%) and Bellary (12.58 thrips per plant, PLI 81.71%), showing
severe susceptibility. Moderate infestation was observed in Belagavi (12.89
thrips per plant, PLI 71.22%), Dharwad (12.35 thrips per plant, PLI 69.57%) and
Bagalkot (12.17 thrips per plant, PLI 68.93%). Mysuru (2.83 thrips per plant,
PLI 37.53%) and Kolar (3.94 thrips per plant, PLI 30.47%) had lower
infestation, possibly due to environmental or pest management factors.
Infestation peaked during flowering (11.96 thrips per plant, PLI 65.73%)
followed by fruit initiation (10.81 thrips per plant, PLI 68.51%) and
harvesting (8.81 thrips per plant, PLI 55.94%). Symptoms included leaf curling,
stunted growth, malformed growing points and defoliation. These findings
highlight the need for effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies,
particularly during early growth stages, to mitigate thrips damage and improve
chilli yield.
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Pages:134-141
How to cite this article:
Shraddha Keshetti, Gangadhar Narabenchi, Padmanabha K, Anil Kumar S "Survey to assess the status of black thrips incidence across major chilli growing areas of Karnataka". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 134-141
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