Comparative evaluation of pest management modules against the insect pest complex of chilli ( Capsicum annuum L.)

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important spice and vegetable crop constrained by insect pests and mites, necessitating sustainable pest management strategies. This study compared the efficacy, economics, natural enemy conservation, and pesticide residues of organic, integrated pest management (IPM) and chemical pest management modules. Field experiments were conducted during the kharif seasons of 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 in Maharashtra, India, using a randomized block design with four treatments and five replications. The modules were evaluated against major chilli pests, including thrips, broad mite, aphid, whitefly and fruit borer. The chemical module recorded the lowest sucking pest population (1.54 No./leaf) and fruit damage (2.31%). However, fruit yield under the IPM and chemical modules was statistically comparable and significantly higher than that under the organic module. The organic module supported the highest abundance of natural enemies, while the IPM module achieved the highest incremental cost–benefit ratio (8.30). Pesticide residues remained within maximum residue limits, and IPM provided pest efficacy and economic returns comparable to the chemical module with greater natural enemy conservation.