Thrips and mites in peppers: challenges and resistance strategies
摘要
Hot and sweet pepper cultivation is significantly hindered by pests such as thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Thrips palmi, Thrips parvispinus) and mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Tetranychus spp.), causing significant yield losses. Besides leaf and fruit damage through feeding and desapping, thrips also act as vectors for viral diseases. Despite numerous integrated pest management strategies, including cultural methods, agrochemical use, and biological control agents, challenges persist, such as cryptic behavior, resistance to chemical insecticides, high reproductive rates, and pesticide-induced resurgence. Hence, screening, identifying, and incorporating resistant accessions in resistance breeding is crucial. Host plant resistance (HPR) offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical control. This review aims to consolidate information on thrips and mites attacking peppers, screening techniques, genetic resources, and molecular markers to support future breeding programs for developing resistant/tolerant pepper varieties/hybrids.