The dreaded black thrips infestation has surfaced in the chilli crop once again around Ballari, a key growing region for the spices crop in Karnataka, and parts of Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh.
- Also, the pest has reportedly surfaced in Haryana this year, where chilli is grown under protected cultivation.
- Black thrips (Thrips parvispinus) is an invasive sucking pest that feeds on tender flowers, shedding of flowers and also causes fruit drop in chillies leading to yield loss.
- Black thrips have been a concern for the chilli growers and the trade since the outbreak during the 2021-22 cropping season as the spread of infestation had caused widespread crop losses.
