In light of the review of the neonicotinoid insecticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is worthwhile to review insecticidal options if the EPA follows through with its interim recommendations for the neonicotinoid insecticides thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and dinetofuran.

The proposed recommendation is that these materials may not be used on fruiting vegetables after 5 days post transplanting until the end of blooming.  If this recommendation is finalized then the use of Actara, Admire Pro, and Scorpion will not be allowed during crucial growth stages for protecting against, or, suppressing pepper weevil populations.

In recent years, insecticide trials conducted in Florida and California have shown that the products Harvanta, Rimon, Torac, and Vydate L provide the best management of pepper weevil aside from the neonicotinoids.  Generally, pyrethroids ((Warrior, Tombstone, etc.) IRAC # 3A) are not recommended unless they are used in rotation with other IRAC group insecticides.  It should be noted that under heavy pressure no insecticide will be effective in reducing the weevil population.

Especially for those pepper fields in high-risk areas near processing plants or landfills that accept vegetable waste, an insecticide should be applied to transplants as soon as they begin to bloom and set fruit.

The following is a partial list of registered materials in New Jersey labeled for pepper weevil:

Active ingredient            IRAC #                   Product

oxamyl                              1A                           Vydate L

acetamiprid                      4A                           Assail

novaluron                         15                           Rimon

tolfenpyrad                       21A                        Torac

cyantraniliprole                28                           Exirel

cyclaniliprole                    28                           Harvanta

For a complete list of insecticides that are registered for managing pepper weevil in New Jersey go to http://www.kellysolutions.com/NJ/pesticideindex.asp

The EPA has an open comment period for neonicotinoid insecticides for proposed interim decisions until April 3, 2020, for five neonicotinoid insecticides: acetamiprid (ex. Assail); clothianidin (ex. Poncho); thiamethoxam (ex. Actara), imidacloprid (ex. Admire Pro); dinetofuran (ex.Venom).  The primary reason for these proposed changes is for the protection of pollinators.  Human health, non-target organisms, and environmental factors were also considered.

Detailed information regarding the proposed changes can be found at https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/proposed-interim-registration-review-decision-neonicotinoids

The original posting, including how to respond during the comment period, can be found on the Federal Register at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-02-03/pdf/2020-01995.pdf

For vegetables the proposed crop stage restrictions include:

Acetamiprid  – no significant change in use on fruiting vegetables or cucurbits.

Clothianidin –

Cucurbits – not to be used in either foliar or soil applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after first true leaf after the cotyledon stage.

Thiamethoxam –

Cucurbits – not to be used in foliar applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after the first true leaf after the cotyledon stage

Fruiting Vegetables – restriction for both foliar and soil labels, to not apply after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.

Imidacloprid –

Cucurbits-  prohibit the use of foliar and soil applications from vining to harvest or after the emergence of the first true (non-cotyledon) leaf.

Fruiting vegetables  – prohibit the application of both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. For tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only: Do not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.

Dinotefuran –

Fruiting vegetables – prohibit both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.