Effect of barrier crops on yield, incidence of leaf curl complex and population of predators in Byadgi chilli (Capsicum annuum L.,)

Studies on the effect of barrier (different course grains) cropping on the performance chilli and incidence of leaf curl revealed that dry chilli yield increased to the extent of 150 and 120 percent in the leeward and windward sides of the barrier, respectively over the crop without barriers. The yield attributes also increased under barrier cropping compared to no barrier. The leaf curl index (LCI) was lower in the chilli crop under barriers compared to no barrier (control plot) due to increased population of predators. Coccinellids and Chrysopids were more under maize barriers and spiders under sorghum barrier.