Evaluation of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) accessions for infestation by pests

Vinelina Yankova, Velichka Todorova and Dima Markova Todorova

Abstract: The pepper is attacked by various types of pests during the vegetation. In recent years, changes in population density and species composition are observed and it was established that green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulz.), thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Perg., Thrips tabaci Lindeman) and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubn) are economically important pests. The infestation by these pests leads to a deterioration in the production quality and a reduction of the yields. Aphids and thrips are vectors of virus diseases. Chemical treatments are not always effective enough. The studies are aimed at developing species and varieties with increased resistance to pests, as an element of integrated plant protection systems. In this regard, tets to determine the response of 79 pepper accessions to infestation by these pests conducted on a natural background of infestation and under controlled conditions were conducted during the period 2018-2019 in the “Maritsa” Vegetable Crops Research Institute – Plovdiv. Three of them, CAPS-110A, CAPS-138 and CAPS-174, combined a relatively weak infestation by the three pests. A comparative characteristic of the infestation by the studied pests was made depending on the variety type, as well as on the presence of hotness in the fruits.

Keywords: Capsicum annuum; Frankliniella occidentalis; Helicoverpa armigera; Myzus persicae; resistance; Thrips tabaci

Date published: 2021-04-16