Aphids in Chilli Crop: Identification, Symptoms, and Effective Control Methods

Aphids in Chilli Crop: Identification, Symptoms, and Effective Control Methods

Telugu name: Penu banka 

Scientific name: Aphis gossypii

Identification of pest:

  • Nymphs initially are greenish, but soon turn yellowish.
  • Adults – yellowish green in colour


Life Cycle:

  • Nymph Stage: Nymphs grow by molting four times over 5–10 days.
  • Adult Stage: Adults start reproducing quickly, and some develop wings to spread to other plants.

SYMPTOMS 

  • Both nymphs and adults suck sap from the leaves.
  • Also excrete honeydew on which black sooty mould develops affecting photosynthetic activity.
  • Thus it causing Reduction in growth and fruiting capacity of the plant.

FAVORABLE CONDITIONS 

  • Warm and dry conditions favor aphid multiplication.
  • Excess nitrogen application make the plant highly susceptible to aphids.

Economic Threshold Level (ETL)

  • Aphid management should be initiated when populations exceed 20 aphids per leaf


MANAGEMENT

  • Cultural Control
  • Avoid continuous chilli cultivation in the same field.
  • Intercropping with onion or garlic which repel aphids.
  • Biological Control
  • Introduce beneficial insects like ladybird beetles, green lacewings ,and parasitic wasps.
  • Use entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana.
  • Chemical Control
  • Treat seeds with Imidacloprid 70%WS @12g/kg of seed.
  • Apply phorate 10 % G @ 10 kg/ha
  • For effective control of Aphids bio pesticide like Dr.Eliminator250 ml/acre can be used.

FAQ’S

1. What signs show that aphids have impacted groundnut crops?
Aphids are tiny insects that feed on plant sap, harming plants and reducing yields.As a result, the plant weakens and produces less fruit, twisted stems, and fading leaves. They can also carry diseases that affect plants.

2.How can we identify if chili plants have aphids?
Look for little, pear-shaped insects on the leaves or stems. There could be apparent black mold or honeydew, a sticky substance. Any curling or yellowing of the leaves will most likely be caused by aphids.

 

3.What are the chemical ways to manage Aphids in chill?

To effectively handle Aphids, consider using biopesticide such as Dr.Eliminator 250ml/acre.

 

4.How could groundnut aphid infestations be decreased through intercropping? Groundnuts can be planted near crops like sorghum or maize to discourage aphids and stop their spread.

5.What natural methods can control aphids in groundnuts?

Release ladybugs or lacewings, spray neem oil, or use soap water to kill aphids. Using natural predators also helps to reduce aphids.

 

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