Chilli is a high-value crop but highly susceptible to sucking pests, caterpillars, and fungal/bacterial diseases. Without proper protection, yield losses can reach 40–70%. A bio-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach ensures effective, residue-free, and sustainable control.

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🌿 Major Diseases in Chilli & Their Control

🍂 1. Wilt & Root Rot

Causes:

• Fusarium
• Pythium

Symptoms:

• Sudden wilting
• Root decay
• Plant collapse

✅ Control:

• Soil application:
  • Trichoderma asperellum
  • Pseudomonas fluorescens
• Ensure proper drainage

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🍃 2. Leaf Spot & Anthracnose

Causes:

• Colletotrichum
• Alternaria

Symptoms:

• Dark spots on leaves and fruits
• Fruit rot

✅ Control:

• Spray:
  • Bacillus subtilis
• Remove infected plant parts

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🌫️ 3. Powdery Mildew

Cause:

• Oidium

Symptoms:

• White powdery growth
• Leaf curling

✅ Control:

• Spray:
  • Ampelomyces quisqualis

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🦠 4. Bacterial Leaf Spot

Cause:

• Xanthomonas

Symptoms:

• Water-soaked spots
• Leaf drop

✅ Control:

• Spray:
  • Bacillus subtilis

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🐛 Major Pests in Chilli & Control

🥇 1. Thrips & Mites (Most Damaging)

Damage:

• Leaf curling
• Silvering
• Yield loss

✅ Control:

• Spray:
  • Verticillium lecanii (thrips)
  • Hirsutella thompsonii (mites)

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🥈 2. Aphids & Whiteflies

Damage:

• Sap sucking
• Virus transmission

✅ Control:

• Spray:
  • Beauveria bassiana
  • Verticillium lecanii

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🥉 3. Fruit Borer

Damage:

• Holes in fruits
• Direct yield loss

✅ Control:

• Spray:
  • Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki

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📅 Integrated Crop Protection Schedule (IPM)

🌱 Nursery Stage

• Seed treatment:
  • Trichoderma viride
• Protects from damping-off

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🌿 Transplanting Stage

• Root dipping:
  • Pseudomonas fluorescens
• Apply neem cake

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🌾 Vegetative Stage

• Spray every 10–15 days:
  • Bacillus subtilis (disease control)
  • Verticillium lecanii (sucking pests)

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🌸 Flowering Stage

• Spray:
  • BTK (fruit borer control)
  • Bacillus subtilis

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🍅 Fruiting Stage

• Continue:
  • Hirsutella (mites)
  • Beauveria (whiteflies/aphids)

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⚠️ Emergency Situation

• Combine bio-agents
• Use minimal chemical support only if necessary

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🌿 Cultural Practices (Must Follow)

• Use raised beds
• Maintain proper spacing
• Remove infected plants
• Avoid waterlogging
• Use drip irrigation

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🔄 Best Bio-Combinations for Chilli

👉 For best results:

• Trichoderma + Pseudomonas → Soil disease control
• Bacillus subtilis → Leaf diseases
• Verticillium lecanii → Thrips & sucking pests
• BTK → Caterpillars