A formidable adversary known as the black thrip has wreaked havoc on chilli crops, leaving farmers in dire straits for the past three to four years. The World Vegetable Centre, a Taiwanese organization with its roots in Hyderabad, India, now emerges as the knight in shining armour, presenting chilli varieties designed to stand tall against the notorious black thrip onslaught.
WorldVeg’s Chilli Arsenal Disclosed
With black thrip infestation resembling a wildfire, causing widespread damage to chilli crops globally, the World Vegetable Centre steps up with a robust response. Armed with nine resilient lines of chilli varieties, this agricultural superhero aims to curb the extensive losses that farmers have endured due to the relentless black thrip assault.
In a strategic move, WorldVeg recently showcased the resilient chilli lines to a gathering of seed producers in Khammam, a prominent chilli-producing region. Over 50 private seed companies affiliated with the Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) witnessed the demonstration, marking a collective effort to combat the chili crisis.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in Distress
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, responsible for a third of India’s annual two million-ton chilli production, have borne the brunt of black thrip devastation. The pest, known locally as Nalla Tamara Purugu in Telugu, first surfaced in India in 2015. Over the past few years, it has launched relentless attacks on chilli crops across multiple states.
The black thrip, similar to a marauder in the chilli fields, has left a trail of destruction in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Unleashing its havoc, it has become a formidable foe for chilli farmers, causing significant agricultural setbacks.
APSA and WorldVeg Join Forces Against Black Thrips
In a collaborative effort, the Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) and WorldVeg Breeding Consortium have initiated a special project named ‘Developing Host Resistance to Thrips in Chilli.’ This ambitious project seeks to equip chilli cultivars with resistance to thrips, thereby minimizing losses for smallholder farmers globally.
Derek W. Barchenger, a Scientist at World Vegetable Centre, expresses confidence in the identified chilli lines, stating that they offer a strong foundation for recurrent selection breeding programs. These programs aim to develop highly resistant chilli cultivars, unravel genetic foundations for resistance, and pave the way for efficient breeding through molecular markers.
In chilli farming, the battle against black thrips is a complex yet essential endeavour. As WorldVeg and its partners chart a course to equip chilli crops with resilience, it’s a promising step towards securing the future of chilli farming. With scientific ingenuity and collaborative efforts, the chilli fields might soon witness a triumphant comeback against the black thrip invasion.