Integrative taxonomy of thrips infesting chilli in India: Morphological and molecular insights

Abstract

Simultaneous infestation by multiple thrips species poses a major challenge in the cultivation of chillies (Capsicum annuum L.). Accurate identification of thrips species is essential for formulating effective management strategies. Identification of thrips is commonly done using the morphological characters, but adoption of molecular tools in tandem with morphological features will be an integrative approach for correct identification. Chillies are infested by an array of thrips species. In the current study, eight species of thrips infesting chillies across India were identified. Among them Thrips parvispinus Karny (48%) and Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (24%) Hood were most prevalent. Identification of thrips species was confirmed using morphological features and DNA barcoding, showing close matches with entries in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clades for each species. Thrips subnudula (Karny), a first record from our observation in India infesting C. annuum was genetically distinct. Barcode divergence analysis indicated moderate intraspecific variation in T. parvispinus, with high variation and haplotype richness in S. dorsalis, and low variation in T. subnudula, which showed genetic uniformity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 48.57% of genetic variation among populations and 51.43% within populations (Fst = 0.48569), indicating moderate genetic differentiation. These findings highlight the need for periodic surveillance of thrips species to monitor their distribution and genetic diversity that would enable in formulating effective management strategies for thrips infesting chillies. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.