Insect hits 9L acres of chilli crop in south India; experts point to use of pesticide

What is the news?

A new species of insect named “Thrips Parvispinus” is damaging the chilli crop in several states in south India. 

What is Thrips Parvispinus?

Thrips Parvispinus is an invasive insect species from Indonesia. It was first discovered in India in 2015.

The insect species is affecting the plants at the flowering stage and stunting the growth of fruits.

Each female Thrips lays eggs through Parthenogenesis (without requiring the male) and sucks the sap of leaf, flower and also the fruit, causing extensive damage to the crop within no time

What is the reason for the spread of this invasive insect species?

The indiscriminate use of pesticides by farmers, knowingly or unknowingly, has been the main reason for this insect developing resistance to pesticides and their ‘natural enemies’ in the field being terminated.

What is the solution to this problem?

Scientists are advising farmers to implement integrated pest management practices like spraying neem oil and using bio-pesticides as an immediate remedy.

Farmers are being advised not to use synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates and other growth-enhancing fertilisers, which would only aggravate the situation further

Source: This post is based on the article “Insect hits 9L acres of chilli crop in south India; experts point to use of pesticide” published in Indian Express on 13^th Dec 2021.