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
