Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp5 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Screening of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) germplasm for resistance to broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) under field conditions

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14579
Submitted
17 March 2026
Published
05-08-2026

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important spice and vegetable crop cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. However, its productivity is severely constrained by several insect and mite pests, among which the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), is a major pest causing leaf curling, stunted growth, flower drop and substantial yield losses. Developing resistant cultivars offers an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for broad mite management. Therefore, field investigations were conducted during kharif 2023 and 2024 to evaluate sixteen chilli genotypes, including the susceptible check Byadgi Dabbi, for resistance against broad mite infestation. The study aimed to assess genotypic variability and identify resistant sources for future breeding programmes. During 2023, mean mite infestation was 2.96 mites per leaf, ranging from 2.30–4.02 mites per leaf. Higher populations were recorded on Sadabahar, Rasgulla and Byadgi Kaddi, whereas Phule Jyoti and Phule Mukta exhibited lower infestation levels. Mite incidence commenced at 45 days after transplanting (DAT), reached its peak at 120 DAT and declined thereafter. In 2024, infestation ranged from 1.98–3.78 mites per leaf, with maximum incidence observed at 90 DAT. Sadabahar remained highly susceptible, while Phule Jyoti, RHRCH 8-2 and Phule Mukta consistently recorded lower mite populations. The pooled mean infestation was 2.79 mites per leaf (2.14–3.90). Based on resistance categorisation, 2 genotypes were identified as resistant, 8 as moderately resistant, 3 as moderately susceptible and 3 as susceptible, indicating substantial genetic variability and providing valuable sources for resistance breeding and integrated pest management programmes in chilli.

References

  1. 1. Palma-Orozco G, Orozco-Álvarez C, Chávez-Villeda AA, Mixtega Martínez A, Castro-Muñoz R. Capsaicin content in red Habanero chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) and its preservation after drying process. Future Foods. 2021;4:100070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2021.100070
  2. 2. Alonso-Villegas R, González-Amaro RM, Figueroa-Hernández CY, Rodríguez-Buenfil IM. The genus Capsicum: A review of bioactive properties of its polyphenolic and capsaicinoid composition. Molecules. 2023;28(10):4239. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104239
  3. 3. Spices Board of India. 3rd advance estimates 2023–24. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; 2024.
  4. 4. Chilli Outlook. Agricultural Market Intelligence Centre, PJTSAU; 2025.
  5. 5. Statista. Chili production in India by state. 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/870940/chili-production-by-state-
  6. 6. Monika. Evaluation of chilli hybrids for resistance against mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) [MSc thesis]. Hisar (IN): CCS Haryana Agricultural University; 2014.
  7. 7. Srinivasan MR, Natrajan N, Planiswamy S. Evaluation of buprofezin 25% SC and fenpyroximate 5% SC against chilli mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus). Indian J Plant Prot. 2003;31(2):116–7.
  8. 8. Sadafale GVR, Lingaraj V, Rangaswamy RH, Navi S, Gopalanayaka S, Chikkarugi NM, et al. Investigation on host plant resistance mechanisms in chilli against invasive black thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny). Int J Trop Insect Sci. 2025;45(6):2791–811. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-025-01624-2
  9. 9. Sadafale GVR, Nazrin MRR, Bhoyar AP, Kachi SB, Lavanya N, Rajesh KM. From fields to fame: A curious case of GI tags in chilli varieties of India. Plant Arch. 2025;25(2):1285–98. https://doi.org/10.51470/PLANTARCHIVES.2025.v25.no.2.185
  10. 10. Sadafale GVR, Vijaykumar L, Kiran Kumar N, Somu G, Navi S. Spatio-temporal patterns of black thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) in chilli cultivation: Linking climatic variability to pest outbreaks. J Entomol Res. 2025;49(3):595–600. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-4576.2025.00103.4
  11. 11. Borah DC. Bio-ecology of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) and Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) infesting chilli and their natural enemies [PhD thesis]. Dharwad (IN): University of Agricultural Sciences; 1987.
  12. 12. de Coss-Romero M, Peña JE. Relationship of broad mite (Acari: Tarsonemidae) to host phenology and injury levels in Capsicum annuum. Florida Entomol. 1998;81:515–26. https://doi.org/10.2307/3495950
  13. 13. Rodríguez-Cruz FA. Biological control of broad mites in chilli pepper and physic nut [Thesis]. Viçosa (BR): Federal University of Viçosa; 2014.
  14. 14. Kurbett A, Gopali J, Allolli T, Patil S, Kumar V, Kurbett K. Evaluation of different IPM modules against pest complex of chilli (cv. Byadgi Dabbi). J Entomol Zool Stud. 2018;6:1991–6.
  15. 15. Jangra M, Gulati R, Khatak S, Poonia A. Phytochemical analysis of chilli leaves in response to chilli mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) infestation. Int J Food Nutr Sci. 2022;12(7).
  16. 16. Girish R, Srinivasa N, Basanth YS, Shruthi HR. Response of chilli genotypes to yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) population and biochemical basis of resistance. J Entomol Zool Stud. 2019;7(1):250–5.
  17. 17. Latha S, Hanumanthraya L. Screening of chilli genotypes against chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and yellow mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks). J Entomol Zool Stud. 2018;6(2):2739–44.
  18. 18. Hoshmand RA. Statistical methods for agricultural sciences. Portland (OR): Timber Press; 1988. p. 405.
  19. 19. Tukey JW. The technical tools of statistics. Am Stat. 1965;19:23–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/00031305.1965.10479711
  20. 20. Kulkarni SK, Gasti VD, Mulge R, Madalageri MB, Kulkarni MS, Shirol AM. Reaction of chilli genotypes against mites, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) and thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) under natural conditions. Karnataka J Agric Sci. 2011;24(2):258–9.
  21. 21. Rameash K, Pandravada SR, Babu BS, Chakrabarty SK. Screening of chilli genotypes for resistance against Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks and evaluation of morphological and biochemical traits. Indian J Entomol. 2017;79(1):104–10. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-8172.2017.00022.0
  22. 22. Sadafale GVR, Shashikala B, Madarakhandi V, Munj SS, Benakashree C, Niharika G, et al. Semiochemical-mediated management of thrips: Current advances and future prospects. Int J Bio-Resour Stress Manag. 2026;17(1):1–16. https://doi.org/10.23910/1.2026.6752
  23. 23. Sadafale GVR, Vijaykumar L, Kiran Kumar N, Somu G, Navi S, Chikkarugi NM. Morphological basis of resistance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) hybrids against black thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny). Int J Adv Biochem Res. 2025;9(7):751–8. https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2025.v9.i7j.4832
  24. 24. Sadafale GVR, Vijaykumar L, Raveendra HR, Kiran Kumar N, Navi S, Somu G, et al. Evaluation of chilli hybrids for resistance to invasive black thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny). Indian J Entomol. 2025;88(3):849–54. https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2025.3199
  25. 25. Sadafale GVR, Vishnupandi M, Sami A, Sudalaiyandi Y, Subal BK, Kamal PA, et al. Global decline of pollinators: Drivers, consequences and mitigation strategies. J Biol Nat. 2025;17(2):356–79. https://doi.org/10.56557/joban/2025/v17i29697
  26. 26. Sajjan G, Shashi Kumar C, Pravalika KM, Hemanth D, Sadafale GVR. Influence of conventional and nano fertilizers on growth, yield, quality traits and economics of Bt cotton. Agric Assoc Text Chem Crit Rev J. 2025;13(4):186–95. https://doi.org/10.21276/AATCCReview.2025.13.04.186
  27. 27. Shashikala B, Divya DM, Benakashree C, Sadafale GVR, Shukla A, Kondaguri SR, et al. Plant defense mechanisms against insect herbivores: Integrating biochemical, molecular and ecological perspectives. J Adv Biol Biotechnol. 2025;28(9):730–42. https://doi.org/10.9734/jabb/2025/v28i92921
  28. 28. Tejaswini N, Navi S, Kumar VL, Kumar SC, Inamdar SR, Sadafale GVR. Impact of high-density planting on seasonal incidence of sucking pests and pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella in cotton. J Adv Biol Biotechnol. 2025;28(11):936–56. https://doi.org/10.9734/jabb/2025/v28i113289
  29. 29. Bala SC, Karmakar K, Ghosh DK. Field evaluation of chilli germplasms against yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) and its management under Gangetic basin of West Bengal [GS2.1]. Environ Ecol. 2016;34(1):17–21.
  30. 30. Sadafale GVR, Swathi Y, Aridasa R, Vodnala R, Thatikonda P, Sravanthi D. Tracking the invasion: Spreading pattern and pest status of Southeast Asian thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) in India. Trans Am Entomol Soc. 2026;152(2):223–50. https://doi.org/10.3157/061.152.0203
  31. 31. Keerthana B, Sumathi E, Murugan M, Devi HU, Devi MD, Senthil A. Biophysical and biochemical mechanism of plant resistance in chilli against broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks). Int J Trop Insect Sci. 2025;45(2):563–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-025-01446-2
  32. 32. Jangra M, Gulati R, Khatak S, Poonia A, Batra VK. Evaluation of chilli germplasm against yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae). J Appl Entomol. 2022;2(1):6–9.
  33. 33. Bhowmik S, Yadav SK, Karmakar K. Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) infesting mungbean: Population fluctuation, yield loss and acaricidal management. Int J Trop Insect Sci. 2026;1:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-026-01893-5
  34. 34. Thakur J, Bhullar MB, Jindal SK, Kaur P. Screening chilli genotypes for yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) and thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood): Towards pest-resilient varieties. Int J Trop Insect Sci. 2024;44(6):2711–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-024-01371-w
  35. 35. Kumar L, Singh D, Chandra A. Screening of chilli germplasm/varieties against yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks). Indian J Entomol. 2021;83:266–8. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-8172.2021.00050.X
  36. 36. Rai AB, Satpathy S, Gracy RG, Swamy TM. Some approaches in management of sucking pests on chilli with special reference to tarsonemid mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus Bank. Veg Sci. 2009;36(3 Suppl):297–303.
  37. 37. Nasrin M, Amin MR, Miah MR, Akanda AM, Miah MG. Differences in morphological traits, yield performance and abundance of mite on chili. Bangladesh J Ecol. 2020;2:25–9.
  38. 38. Barik S, Mahankuda B, Sahu N, Mohapatra S, Sridhar V, Narigapalli P, et al. Thrips and mites in peppers: Challenges and resistance strategies. Euphytica. 2025;221(6):82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-025-03515-6
  39. 39. Kurbett AK. Studies on elite genotypes of chilli (cv. Byadgi Dabbi) against pest complex and their management [MSc thesis]. Bagalkot (IN): University of Horticultural Sciences; 2015.
  40. 40. Kousik CS, Shepard BM, Hassell R, Levi A, Simmons AM. Potential sources of resistance to broad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) in watermelon germplasm. HortScience. 2007;42(7):1539–44. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.42.7.1539
  41. 41. Singh AP, Singh RS, Singh SR, Pal M, Singh R, Kumari R. Screening of genotypes against major biotic stresses in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Pharm Innov J. 2021;10(2):502–5.
  42. 42. Sultana S, Swapon MA, Hossain MS, Khan HI, Haque MM, Mia MB. Incidence of chilli mite on chilli varieties under field conditions. J Asiatic Soc Bangladesh Sci. 2022;48(1-2):123–36. https://doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v48i1-2.64519
  43. 43. Swaroop KO, Nalla MK, Hsu JC, Lin TH, Wang YW, Lin SW, et al. Diverse sources of resistance to Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in chili (Capsicum annuum and C. chinense). J Econ Entomol. 2025;118(4):1942–9. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaf168
  44. 44. Gowda CC, Jagadish K. Varietal response and spatial distribution of thrips and yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) on mulberry. Mysore J Agric Sci. 2025;59(1):87–96.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.