Biopesticide for Cardamom Thrips:
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR), Kozhikode, has developed an eco-friendly biopesticide using the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae to effectively control cardamom thrips, a major pest affecting cardamom plantations. A granular biopesticide has been developed using Lecanicillium psalliotae, a naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus isolated from cardamom thrips (Sciothrips cardamomi). It infects pests by penetrating their outer layer and feeding internally, effectively targeting larvae, pupae, and adults. It acts on contact and belongs to the same group as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, widely used in biological pest control. The biopesticide is mixed with farmyard manure (FYM) and applied 3–4 times to plant basins. It is cost-effective, reduces chemical pesticide dependence, and promotes root growth and soil nutrient availability.
