Biochemical traits contributing to thrips resistance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes

Thrips resistance in chilli

Authors

  • Ravigouda S Kallanagoudra College of Agriculture, Hassan, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
  • T R Sunitha College of Agriculture, Hassan, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
  • G Pramod College of Agriculture, Hassan, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
  • Geetha Govind College of Agriculture, Hassan, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
  • T R Kavitha AICRP on Nematodes, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
  • C Suneetha Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore
  • Suvarna Patil AICRP on Vegetable Crops, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25081/josac.2025.v34.i2.9942

Keywords:

Correlation, infestation, phenolic compounds, sugars, biochemical defence

Abstract

The study carried out during Rabi and Summer 2023-24 at the College of Agriculture, Hassan, assessed twelve chilli genotypes for resistance to thrips under field and pot conditions. Thrips presence and leaf curl index (LCI) were measured at three crop stages, while biochemical parameters (total phenols and soluble sugars) were analysed in both healthy and infested leaves. Results showed notable differences among genotypes. Resistant types (2019/CHIVAR 6 and 2021/CHIVAR 14) consistently displayed lower thrips incidence (20-25% LCIs) and higher phenol and sugar levels. In contrast, susceptible types (Byadgi Kaddi and 2021/CHIVAR 13) showed higher thrips incidence (>65% LCI) and lower phenolic content. These findings suggest that phenolic compounds were key to biochemical resistance, while sugars may support defense metabolism indirectly. The resistant genotypes identified could serve as donors in breeding programs for thrips-resistant chilli varieties.

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Published

08-04-2026

How to Cite

Kallanagoudra, R. S., Sunitha, T. R., Pramod, G., Govind, G., Kavitha, T. R., Suneetha, C., & Patil, S. (2026). Biochemical traits contributing to thrips resistance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes: Thrips resistance in chilli. Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops, 34(2), 196–204. https://doi.org/10.25081/josac.2025.v34.i2.9942