Synergistic Strategies for the Management of Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis in Pomegranate Ecosystem

Abstract

Thrips management in pomegranate cultivation is critical due to the significant damage these pests can inflict on fruit yield and quality. The study was carried out in farmers field at Managuli, Vijayapura, College of Agriculture, Vijayapura, Karnataka during 2020-2021. The integrated management of thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis in pomegranate revealed that the in-situ vermiculture technique along with chemicals (86.93 per cent) and botanicals (59.40 %) found to be more effective in controlling thrips than in-situ vermiculture technique alone (39.22 %). It also revealed that in-situ vermiculture technique influencing only 2-5 % pest reduction along with chemical insecticides. Whereas, in-situ vermiculture technique along with botanical influencing 15-20 % pest reduction and it mainly due to compatibility and positive effect of botanicals on earthworms than chemicals. However, all the treatments recorded higher yield and found significantly superior over untreated control (5.34 t/ha). By integrating these methods, pomegranate growers can achieve effective thrips control, leading to healthier crops, improved yields while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and minimizing environmental impact.