FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.org
Created in
Nepal
,
September
2012
Chilli Thrips
Recognize the problem
Thrips are a major insect pest of chilli. Thrips are too small to be seen by the
naked eye. They are sucking insects that damage the new leaves, stems and
fruit. They can fly from one plant to another. Attacked plants are stunted, do
not flower or fruit and their leaves curl. Thrips can cause losses of 70 -80%.
Background
The direct damage from the thrips is severe but they can also transmit viruses
from one plant to another. Both dry and wet weather can be favourable for the
spread of thrips. Thrips attack tender and new leaves first.
Management
•
To avoid thrips attack, do not cultivate similar crops like tomato, brinjal,
potato and okra in the surrounding area
•
Monitor the crop to identify the thrips problem when the first attack
•
Urgently consult with the subject matter specialist (SMS)
Local practice:
•
Spray cow urine and neem plant extract with the help of broom or
sprayer to repel the thrips
Chemical:
•
Use dimethoate at the rate of 2 ml/ litre of water
•
Keep up the spray regime
Scientific name(s)
>
Scirtothrips dorsalis
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to
:
Nepal
Authors
:
Ramesh Chandra Subedi
DADO
Edited by
Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
NP021En
Lose Less, Feed More
Adult thrips
(Photo by L. Osborne,
University of Florida)
Damage Symptoms of Thrips
(Photo by Florida Division of Plant
Industry Archive, Florida
Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services, CC BY)
When using a pesticide, always wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the product label, such
as dosage, timing of application, and pre-harvest interval.
