EFFECT OF SALICYLIC ACID APPLICATION ON MANAGEMENT OF CHILLI LEAF CURL COMPLEX (Capsicum annuum L.)

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.