Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part J (2025)

Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.), commonly known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is a high-value vegetable crop increasingly cultivated under protected structures due to its demand and profitability. However, its productivity is often constrained by insect pests, particularly thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood), which cause direct feeding damage and transmit viral diseases. The present study was conducted at the Research and Demonstration Centre, AICRP-PEASAM, DBSKKV, Dapoli, during the Rabi season of 2024-25 to evaluate the bio-efficacy of selected insecticides against thrips infesting capsicum. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications, using the variety Indra. Two foliar sprays were applied, and thrips populations were recorded at regular intervals post-treatment counts. Results revealed that all insecticidal treatments significantly reduced thrips populations compared to the untreated control. Among them, Spinosad 45% SC @ 0.3 ml/lit was the most effective, achieving the lowest cumulative mean thrips population (1.99 per three leaves per plant) with 86.90% reduction over control. This was followed by Fipronil 5% SC @ 2 ml/lit (80.91% reduction), Diafenthiuron 50% WP @ 0.8 ml/lit (80.12% reduction), and Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 2 ml/lit (78.21% reduction). The findings demonstrate that Spinosad is highly effective in managing thrips under protected cultivation, offering a sustainable option for enhancing capsicum productivity. Integration of such effective insecticides with other IPM components can ensure long-term pest suppression and profitability for growers.