Influence of plant extract-based vermiwash on plant growth parameters and biocontrol of Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) in Capsicum annum

In this present study, an attempt is made to know the effect of plant-based extract of some selected species which acts as a base for vermiwash extraction. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates), Aloe vera leaves, Nerium oleander leaves, Tridax procumbens, and Chrysanthemum indicum flowers aqueous extract is prepared and made to pass through vermicompost bed. Further collected vermiwash is tested on Capsicum annum (bell pepper) for plant growth parameters and plant resistance to Thrips. Vermiwash treatment VW2 when compared with the control showed a 78.3% increase in the rate of flowering for the 14th week. For the same 14th week VW2 also showed a significant decrease in the leaf damage scale of 1.53 compared to the control of 4.41 which could be possible due to the composite effect of the nutrients present in the vermiwash and also due to aid provided by antimicrobial agents in the VW2. Comparing VW1 and VW2 cow urine has a notable effect on the dissemination of nutrients and aid in the protection of plants. Various parameters such as shoot length, number of leaves, and leaf damage scale showed enhanced results in combination with cow urine and plant extract. Thus this study gives an evidential and possible alternative to chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers concerning Capsicum annum. Further standardization and testing may be needed to apply the same to various vegetable and fruit crops.