Management Of Mites In Chilli

Chilli, scientifically known as Capsicum annuum is one of the most important spice crops in India. It is commonly known as ‘Mirchi’ in India. It is widely cultivated for its pungent and non-pungent fruits in almost all parts of the country. Sweet pepper, bell pepper and green pepper are also grown in our country. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of chilli in the world. Andhra Pradesh was the largest producer of chilli in the year 2022 with an estimated production volume of about 7 lakh metric tons. It is followed by Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Chilli crop attacked by yellow mite causes heavy yield loss. Mites are considered as the most destructive and serious pests in chilli. Its infestation can lead to about 20–80% yield loss in chilli. Among different species of mites, yellow mite/broad mite is found to cause severe destruction in chilli crop. 

Scientific name of yellow mite: Polyphagotarsonemus latus  

Symptoms of mites in Chilli:

• Downward curling and crinkling appearance of affected chilli leaves
• Leaves become brittle and blister patches appears on the under surface of the leaves
• Affected leaves shows inverted boat shaped appearance
• In few cases, petiole of the infested leaves become elongated and this is often referred to as “rat tail” symptom
• Cluttering of younger leaves at the tip of the branch
• In certain cases, affected leaves shows dark green appearance
• Drying of growth tips, shedding of buds and defoliation of leaves occurs in case of severe infestation
• Leads to stunted growth and death of the plant

Damage stage of insect: Nymph and adult 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to fruiting stage 

Preventive Measures for mite infestation:

• Grow mite tolerant varieties
• Chilli crop can be bordered by 3 – 4 rows of maize
• Maintain field sanitation by removing and destroying crop residues and weeds
• Avoid water stress and water logging conditions
• Timely pruning of infested leaves or removal of plants with symptoms
• Adopt overhead irrigation with sprinklers
• Reduce excessive use of chemicals
• Adopt crop rotation with non-host crops like legumes and cucurbits
• Regular monitoring of the crop to detect the infestation early
• Spray neem seed kernel extract or neem oil at 10 days interval
• Use natural predator like predatory mite, Amblyseius ovalis

ETL: 5-10 mites/leaf 

Management of Mites in Chilli: