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30 September 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
Pengxiang Wu, Muhammad Haseeb, Worrel Diedrick, Haoyong Ouyang, Runzhi Zhang, Lambert H. B. Kanga, Jesusa C. Legaspi
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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.

Pengxiang Wu, Muhammad Haseeb, Worrel Diedrick, Haoyong Ouyang, Runzhi Zhang, Lambert H. B. Kanga, and Jesusa C. Legaspi "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, (30 September 2019). https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0319
Published: 30 September 2019
KEYWORDS
pepper weevil
pest Management
population dynamics
preference
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