Identification of morphological traits associated with chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) resistance in bird’s eye chilli (Capsicum frutescens)

VARUN  S S; SUNITHA  T R; PRAMOD G; GEETHA  GOVIND; ASHOK PRIYADARSHAN  A M; GAURAV VINOD RAO  SADAFALE

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i7.174917

Authors

VARUN S S College of Agriculture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka), Karekere, Hassan, Karnataka 573 225, India
SUNITHA T R College of Agriculture, Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka 573 225, India
PRAMOD G Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Magadi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
GEETHA GOVIND College of Agriculture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka), Karekere, Hassan, Karnataka 573 225, India
ASHOK PRIYADARSHAN A M College of Agriculture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka), Karekere, Hassan, Karnataka 573 225, India
GAURAV VINOD RAO SADAFALE Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i7.174917

Keywords:

Antixenosis resistance, Epicuticular wax, Host plant resistance, Trichome density

Abstract

Chilli thrips [Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood)], is a major constraint to bird’s eye chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) production, causing severe leaf curl and yield losses under tropical conditions. The present study was carried out to identify leaf morphological traits associated with resistance to chilli thrips in bird’s eye chilli under field conditions during winter (rabi) season of 2024–25 and summer 2025 at College of Agriculture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka), Karekere, Hassan, Karnataka. Twenty-one entries, comprising 18 indigenous landraces and three check varieties, were evaluated, using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with two replications under natural infestation. Thrips population density and leaf curl index were recorded at pre-flowering, flowering, and post-flowering stages. Significant variability in thrips incidence and damage was observed among the landraces across both seasons. Landraces UASBCF-27, UASBCF-29, and UASBCF-30 consistently exhibited moderate resistance, recording lower thrips populations and reduced leaf curl symptoms, whereas UASBCF-6 and susceptible checks showed maximum infestation. Comparative morphological analysis revealed that resistant landraces possessed significantly higher trichome density, longer trichomes, and greater epicuticular wax deposition than susceptible entries. Thrips incidence exhibited strong negative associations with these traits, suggesting their role in antixenosis-mediated resistance. The study highlights the significance of leaf morphological traits in imparting resistance to chilli thrips and identifies promising donor landraces for breeding thrips-resistant cultivars toward sustainable chilli production.

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