D3112: Evaluation of monitoring and management strategies for pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii) in North Florida and South Georgia

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

SN

Stanley Brendon Northe, Jr.

Graduate Student
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida

Co-Author(s)

Muhammad Haseeb

Associate Professor and IPM Coordinator
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
CO

Chinemenma Okoroji

Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
LK

Lambert Kanga

Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida

Pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) poses a significant threat to pepper cultivation in Florida and surrounding regions due to its economic impact and widespread distribution. This study aimed to develop and assess effective monitoring and management strategies for the pepper weevil, focusing on selected commercial pepper cultivars in North Florida and South Georgia. Cultivation experiments conducted in May 2023 culminated with the collection of mature fruit between August and October; and involved four popular pepper cultivars: Jalapeno, Habanero, Cayenne, and Bell Peppers, at the FAMU Research and Extension Centre. Various monitoring techniques, including yellow sticky traps, delta traps, and digital traps with aggregation pheromone, were employed to assess pepper weevil activity in different growing conditions. Preliminary results revealed significant fruit damage, with Habanero peppers being most severely affected, highlighting the urgent need for improved pest management practices in pepper production.