India-wise chili farmers are suffering damage from the new pest Black thrips (Thrips parvis pinus). Nuziveedu Seeds, a 50 years research company in seeds, identified a solution with a new chili hybrid NCH-6889, which will be available to Indian farmers soon. Black thrips is a widespread pest species of quarantine importance and is designated as one of the pest species of South East Asia. This new invasive thrips infestation causes significant damage to the chili crop by mainly colonizing flowers and the underside of leaves, while younger ones (Nymphs) restrict themselves to the undersurface of the leaves. Both adults and nymphs damage plants by rasping and sucking the plant sap. Heavy infestation affects the growth of the plant and flower drop and reduces fruit set and development, ultimately resulting in yield loss. During 2021, a heavy infestation of T. parvis pinus was observed due to heavy rainfall of North East monsoon in contrast to other thrips species in southern parts of the country in chili crops. Farmers could not control this new species despite the spray of several chemicals and ended with 60-70% crop loss.

Management of Black Thrips

Incorporation of Resistant or tolerant varieties is the first step to be followed to reduce the damage due to the pest and to further reduce pesticide sprays.

Nuziveedu Seeds has developed new chili Black thrips tolerant hybrid NCH-6889, which can tolerate Black thrips feeding on leaves and fruits. The hybrid has been tested for performance in the last two years of multi-location trials in AP and other chili-growing states like MP, Maharashtra, and eastern states of India. This proved to be an important tool for farmers looking to reduce the cost of cultivation and for better quality and yield.