Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) suppression on jalapeño pepper using non-host insect repellent plants. (April 2022) - Adeleye, Victoria O.
Abstract: Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano is the most harmful insect pest of pepper, Capsicum annum L., an important crop in Florida and several other states in the southern region of the United States. All commercially cultivated peppers, including jalapeño peppers, are susceptible to pepper weevil. The use of broad-spectrum insecticides is the primary management tool for controlling pepper weevil. Their continuous use has led to the development of resistance and elimination of natural enemies. Therefore, alternative approaches are needed for effective control. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of intercropping non-host insect repellent plants ( Ocimum basilicum L. (basil), Tagetes patula L. (marigold), Brassica oleracea L. (cabbage), and Coriandrum sativum L. (cilantro)) with jalapeño pepper on pepper weevil population suppression. Each of the four non-host plants consisted of individual treatments and were compared to a jalapeño pepper only (untreated control), or a jalapeño pepper with a standard insecticide regimen of thiamethoxam (positive control). Parameters evaluated include the number of pepper weevil adults on plants, number of infested fallen fruit, and marketable yield. Infested fruit collected from each treatment plot were dissected to evaluate pepper weevil (adult, pupae, and larvae) density. The non-host plant treatments reduced the number of pepper weevil adults found on jalapeño plants, infested fruit, and pepper weevils in infested fruit but not marketable yield when compared with the control treatment. This information is a step forward into finding a sustainable approach for the management of pepper weevil. Highlights: Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important pest of peppers in regions where they are grown. Non-host plants could contribute to reducing the number of pepper weevil offspring and adults on host pepper plants. Non-host plants did not increase marketable yield relative to the untreated control. Cabbage and cilantro could interfere with the growth of pepper plants.This should be considered when implementing push strategies. Planting distance can be increased to reduce competition for space, nutrients, and sunlight. The use of non-host plant cultivars that are resistant to pathogens could increase the efficiency of pepper weevil suppression.