Identification, Symptoms, and Home Remedies for Thrips in Chilli Crop

Thrips infestation in chilli crops can put farmers in a very worrisome situation. Besides chilli, many other crops such as tomatoes, brinjals, onions, beans, cucumbers, okra, peas, capsicums, cotton, sugarcane, chickpeas, peanuts, grapes, papayas, mangoes, etc., are also severely affected by these pests. The infestation of these pests can lead to a reduction in crop yield by up to 30 to 50%. The population of this pest rapidly increases during dry and hot weather. The use of available chemical pesticides in the market can control this pest. However, continuous use of harmful chemicals in pesticides reduces the fertility of the soil and is also harmful to humans. To avoid these problems, some home remedies can be adopted.

How to Identify Thrips?

• Thrips insects are very small in size. The length of an adult insect is usually 1-2 mm.
• Most of these insects have black-colored bodies with two pairs of wings.
• Some adult thrips may also be yellow in color.
• Undeveloped thrips, or larvae, lack wings and are typically yellow.
• Female thrips often lay eggs around buds or on the undersides of leaves.

Damage Caused by Thrips Infestation in Chilli

• These pests suck the sap from leaves and flowers, causing damage to crops, resulting in leaves turning upwards.
• There is a reduced number of fruits on the plants.
• These pests also spread virus-related diseases from one plant to another.
• It hinders the growth of plants.

Home Remedies for Controlling Thrips Infestation in Chilli Crop

• The Use of Sticky Traps: Sticky traps prove beneficial for controlling flying pests such as whiteflies, thrips, etc., in the fields. Use 4-6 sticky traps per acre of land. Regularly inspect the traps placed in the field at intervals of a few days and replace them when necessary.
• Utilization of Pheromone Traps: Pheromone traps, also known as scent traps, can be used for controlling pests. Different types of lures are used to attract male insects. Male insects are attracted to the lure and get trapped, which helps in controlling the population of insects.
• Garlic Juice Spray: First, crush some cloves of garlic and mix them in 1 liter of water, letting it sit overnight. The next day, strain/filter this mixture and spray it on affected plants. You can repeat this spray 2 to 3 times at intervals of 15 days.
• Soap Solution Spray: When used correctly, soap can be an effective pesticide. For controlling thrips and aphids, mix one tablespoon of liquid soap in one liter of water. Spray this mixture on affected plants. If necessary, you can repeat the soap solution spray at intervals of 15 days.
• The Use of Brahmastra: Brahmastra is a type of organic pesticide easily prepared at home from natural elements. It is made by mixing cow urine with the leaves of any 5 plants: neem, white datura, custard apple, pongamia, guava, castor, and papaya. For controlling thrips and other sap-sucking insects, mix 2-3 liters of 'Brahmastra' in 100 liters of water and spray it on chilli plants.
• Uses of Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide/pesticide. For controlling thrips in chilli crops, mix one tablespoon of neem oil in a liter of water and spray. If needed, repeat the spray after 12-15 days.
• Apply Cover Crops: Surround chilli plants with marigold plants as cover crops on all sides. This is an effective method to deter thrips.

Other Methods of Controlling Thrips

• Choose resistant varieties of crops.
• Maintain control over weeds.
• Use plastic mulch or organic mulch in the field to prevent the occurrence or proliferation of thrips pests.
• Destroy the plants that are severely affected by this pest.
• Avoid excessive use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers in plants.

Do you prefer using organic or chemical methods for controlling thrips? Share your answers and experiences with us in the comments. For more such insights, follow the 'Desi Jugaad' channel now. If you found this information helpful, don't forget to like and share this post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does a thrips look like?

A: Thrips are very small in size and range from yellow to black in color. Some species are wingless, while others have two pairs of wings.

Q: How to prepare organic insecticides/pesticides at home?

A: Various types of organic insecticides/pesticides can be easily prepared at home using natural ingredients. These include sprays made from neem oil, garlic, and chilli. For repelling pests like ants, aphids, and caterpillars, you can mix 2 tablespoons of chilli powder with 1 liter of water and a few drops of liquid dish detergent and spray it. Additionally, control over mites, aphids, and whiteflies can also be achieved using a solution of soap and water.

Q: How long do thrips live?

A: Adult thrips can survive anywhere from a few weeks to approximately 30-45 days. However, this can vary depending on the species of the insect and environmental conditions. During their lifespan, female thrips can lay hundreds of eggs.

Q: Can dish soap help in getting rid of thrips?

A: Proper use of liquid soap can control some small and soft-bodied insects, including thrips, whiteflies, aphids, and others.