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Managing the pepper maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) using perimeter trap cropping.
T Jude Boucher1, Richard Ashley, Robert Durgy
1Cooperative Extension System, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-4036, USA. Tboucher@canr.uconn.edu
Journal of Economic Entomology
|March 5, 2004
Summary
A perimeter trap crop barrier effectively protected bell peppers from pepper maggot infestation. This integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, combining hot cherry peppers and insecticides, significantly reduced pest damage and increased profitability.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Crop Protection Science
Background:
- The pepper maggot (Zonosemata electa) poses a significant threat to bell pepper crops, causing substantial yield and quality losses.
- Conventional pest control methods often rely on broad-spectrum insecticides, raising environmental and economic concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of perimeter trap cropping and insecticide applications in protecting bell peppers from pepper maggot.
- To assess the economic viability and farmer acceptance of these integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
Main Methods:
- Field trials were conducted using large plots with a central bell pepper crop surrounded by a perimeter trap crop barrier (hot cherry peppers).
- Management strategies included unsprayed trap crops, border-row insecticide applications, and a combination of both.
- The most effective strategy was implemented in commercial fields over two growing seasons.
Main Results:
- All evaluated barriers significantly protected the main bell pepper crop from oviposition and infestation.
- The combination of sprayed/trap crop barriers yielded over 98% pest-free fruit, with only 1.7% infestation compared to 15.4% in control plots.
- Commercial implementation demonstrated superior insect control, reduced insecticide use, and enhanced cost-effectiveness compared to conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- Perimeter trap cropping, especially when combined with targeted insecticide applications, is a highly effective IPM strategy for managing pepper maggots.
- This approach improves crop quality, farm profitability, worker safety, and environmental sustainability while reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides.