D3399: Control of pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidaejono) using biological, cultural, and chemical practices

Potential of Catolaccus hunter , a biocontrol agent, was evaluated in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions for controlling pepper weevil. Various pepper cultivars depending on the hot units (minimum to maximum) were evaluated to determine pepper weevil’s preference and population increase. Both in the field and greenhouse studies, mean number of pepper weevil infested fruits was higher in `Jalapeno’ pepper having high heat unit than other four cultivars. Effect of diversified ecological conditions due to the associated planting of pepper with other crops were tested by collecting infested fruits from various association of pepper and other crops. Finally, use of various biological, biorational and conventional insecticides were tested in field studies to evaluate their efficacy for controlling pepper weevil, This information will help growers, researchers and pepper industry related personnel to manage pepper weevil.