Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) suppression on jalapeño pepper using non-host insect repellent plants

Authors: ADELEYE, VICTORIA - University Of Florida; SEAL, DAKSHINA - University Of Florida; LIBURD, OSCAR - University Of Florida; MCAUSLANE, HEATHER - University Of Florida; Alborn, Hans

Submitted to: Crop Protection
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/19/2022
Publication Date: 12/23/2022
Citation: Adeleye, V.O., Seal, D.R., Liburd, O.E., Mcauslane, H., Alborn, H.T. 2022. Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) suppression on jalapeño pepper using non-host insect repellent plants. Crop Protection. 154:105893. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2021.105893.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2021.105893

Interpretive Summary: Pepper weevil is the most harmful insect pest of commercially cultivated peppers in the southern region of the United States. Use of broad-spectrum insecticides has led to pesticide resistance and elimination of natural enemies of the pest insect. A scientist at USDA ARS chemistry group in Gainesville Florida together with University of Florida scientists conducted field studies to evaluate if weevil populations could be suppressed by intercropping jalapeno pepper plants with four non-host plants known to repel insects: basil, tagetes, cabbage and cilantro. Untreated and pesticide treated Jalapeno pepper plants were used for controls. We found that intercropping reduced the number of weevils found on the jalapeno plants and also reduced the number of infected relative to un-infected peppers. However, the number of marketable peppers did not increase since intercropping also reduced the total number of peppers produced by the pepper plants. Despite that, this investigation is a step forward towards sustainable management of pepper weevils.

Technical 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.