Thrips in Groundnut: Identification, Symptoms, Lifecycle, and Effective Management (Telugu: Thamara Purugulu)

Thrips in Groundnut: Identification, Symptoms, Lifecycle, and Effective Management (Telugu: Thamara Purugulu)

Telugu name: Thamara purugulu

Scientific name: Scirtothrips dorsalis

Identification of pest:

Nymph (young stage):

  • Very small and thin.
  • Body is delicate and can break easily.
  • Light yellow in color.

Adult (grown stage):

  • Wings have a fringed or hairy edge, like tiny feathers.

Life cycle

Nymphs and adults dark coloured with fringed wings. Female thrips lay 40-50 eggs inside the tissues of leaves and shoot. Egg period 5 days, nymphal period 7-10 days and adult period is 25-30 days. There are several overlapping generations. 

Symptoms:

  • Nymphs and adults suck sap from the surface of the leaflets.
  • This results in white patches on the upper and necrotic patches on the lower surface of the leaves. 
  • It consists of distortions of the young leaf lets and patchy areas of necrotic tissue that puncture and split as the leaflets grow.
  • Injury is normally seen in seedlings.

FAVORABLE CONDITIONS

  • Warm and dry weather.
  • Overcrowded and poorly maintained fields.

Economic Threshold Level (ETL)

Control measures should be initiated if:

  • 5-10 thrips per leaf or visible silver streaking on leaves.

MANAGEMENT

Cultural Practices:

  • Use thrips-resistant varieties (e.g., ICGV 91114, ICGV 00350).
  • Intercrop cowpea with groundnut 1:4 ratio.


Biological Control:

  • Encourage natural enemies like ladybird beetles, lacewings, and predatory mites.

Chemical Control:

  • Spray methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml or dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ ha.
  • For effective control of thrips we can use bio pesticides like Dr.Eliminator 250 ml/ acre.
  • To target active thrips, apply insecticides in the early morning or late at night.

 FAQ’s 


1.What are the early signs of thrips in groundnut plants?
A: Silver streaks, curling, or crinkling of leaves. Thrips often hide on the underside of leaves, so inspect closely. Early detection is key to managing them effectively.   

2.How can I control thrips without using chemicals?
A: Follow neem oil sprays, sticky traps, and planting resistant varieties can reduce thrip populations naturally. 

3.When should I start checking for thrips in my groundnut field?
A: Begin scouting early in the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather, which thrips thrive in. Weekly checks are ideal.

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