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Quantifying pepper maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) oviposition and infestation over time
T Jude Boucher1, Richard Ashley, Roger Adams
1Cooperative Extension System, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-4036, USA.
Journal of Economic Entomology
|May 14, 2005
Summary
Row covers protected pepper plants from pepper maggot flies (Zonosemata electa). Delayed insecticide application up to a week after oviposition starts may minimize fruit damage.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Pepper maggot fly (Zonosemata electa) is a significant pest of pepper crops.
- Effective pest management strategies are crucial for minimizing crop losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the timing of pepper maggot fly oviposition and larval infestation in pepper plants.
- To evaluate the efficacy of delayed insecticide applications for managing this pest.
Main Methods:
- Exclusion of pepper maggot flies using row covers for varying durations (0-6 weeks) after initial oviposition detection.
- Monitoring weekly oviposition attempts (scars), larval infestation, and cumulative damage.
- Comparing fly populations caught on traps with fruit scarring and infestation levels.
Main Results:
- Environmental factors influenced oviposition timing, with lower fly activity and fruit scarring in 1998 compared to 1999.
- Fruit scarring and infestation remained below 8% within the first 7 days of pest detection.
- Oviposition peaks varied by year, occurring 8-14 days post-detection in 1998 and 21-28 days in 1999.
- No correlation was found between trap captures and fruit infestation levels.
Conclusions:
- Delayed initial insecticide application for up to one week after oviposition begins could be a viable strategy.
- Integrated pest management approaches, potentially including delayed chemical interventions, can effectively manage pepper maggot fly damage.