Identification of morphological traits associated with resistance to chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood.) in bird’s eye chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.)
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Authors
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Varun S S
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
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Sunitha, T. R.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
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Pramod, G
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
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Geetha Govind
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
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Ashok Priyadarshan, A. M
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
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Gaurav Vinod Rao Sadafale
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
Keywords:
Antixenosis, Capsicum frutescens, chilli thrips,epicuticular wax, host plant resistance, trichome density.Abstract
The present study was conducted to identify morphological traits associated with resistance to chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood), in bird’s eye chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) under field conditions. Twenty-one entries comprising eighteen indigenous landraces and three check varieties were evaluated during Rabi 2024–25 and Summer 2025 at Hassan, Karnataka, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. Thrips population density and leaf curl index were recorded at pre-flowering, flowering, and post-flowering stages. Based on field response, selected contrasting landraces were further assessed for key leaf morphological traits. Significant variation was observed among landraces for thrips incidence and damage across both seasons. Landraces UASBCF-27, UASBCF-29, and UASBCF-30 consistently showed moderate resistance, recording lower thrips populations and reduced leaf curl symptoms, while UASBCF-6 and susceptible checks exhibited the highest infestation levels. Moderately resistant landraces were characterized by higher trichome density, longer trichomes, and greater epicuticular wax deposition on leaves compared to susceptible entries. Thrips incidence showed a strong negative association with trichome density, trichome length, and epicuticular wax content. The study clearly demonstrates that leaf morphological traits play a crucial role in imparting antixenosis-based resistance to chilli thrips. These resistant landraces and associated traits can be effectively exploited in chilli breeding programmes aimed at developing thrips-resistant cultivars for sustainable pest management.
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References
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