Abstract:
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is a significant cash crop in Sri Lanka, however, Chilli
Leaf Curl Virus Disease (CLCVD) limits its output and productivity. Against chilli
leaf curl virus vectors, several insecticides are offered for the management of CLCVD.
The indiscriminate use of insecticides causes dangers to human health. Current
advances in plant pathology attempt to boost the host's immune in order to increase its
resistance to infection. This study was conducted to determine the effect of salicylic
acid on the treatment of CLCVD. The chilli variety PC-1 was selected for this
experiment with five treatments which were arranged in RBCD. The experiment was
conducted at the crop farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Palachcholai, Eastern University,
Sri Lanka. The data on growth parameters and CLCVD severity were analyzed using
ANOVA in Minitab 19, and Tukey's test was used to identify the best treatment
combination at P<0.05. The results showed that the spraying salicylic acid in addition
to the recommended rate of application of imidacloprid insecticide significantly
lowered the CLCVD severity and also enhanced the plant height and number of leaves.
Therefore, salicylic acid application along with recommended insecticide
(Imidacloprid) is a better option for the effective management of CLCVD.
