Florida Entomologist (2019) 102, 501-508

Pengxiang Wu, Muhammad Haseeb, Worrel Diedrick, Haoyong Ouyang, Runzhi Zhang, Lambert H.B. Kanga and Jesusa C. Legaspi (2019)
Influence of plant direction, layer, and spacing on the infestation levels of Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in open jalapeño pepper fields in North Florida
Florida Entomologist 102 (3), 501-508
Abstract: Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a most serious pest of peppers in North Florida. To analyze A. eugenii infestation levels on jalapeño peppers as a reference for effectively controlling pepper weevil, we investigated infestation and population dynamics of A. eugenii, and influence of plant direction, layer, and spacing in open fields in North Florida. The results showed that adult pepper weevil infestation started in late Apr when plants started to produce buds and flowers. Three infestation peaks were recorded on 9 Jun, 24 Jul, and 11 Sep. The second peak showed the highest infestation level (14.6 ± 2.7 infested fruits per plant). The density curve of A. eugenii larvae within fruits lagged about 2 to 4 wk behind the curve of infestation level in the field. Three peaks occurred on 10 Jul, 21 Aug, and 25 Sep. Fruits on the eastern part and top third of pepper plants had the lowest infestation levels, as did plants spaced 40 cm apart. This study, focusing on the preferred locations of A. eugenii, will help improve sampling technique and pest management applications, and thus enhance the effectiveness of pesticide application, and ultimately reduce ecological damage.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Muhammad Haseeb, Runzhi Zhang, Lambert H.B. Kanga, Jesusa Crisostomo Legaspi

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Anthonomus eugenii	Green pepper/chilli (Capsicum)	U.S.A. (SE)