Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) suppression on jalapeño pepper using non-host insect repellent plants

Pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano is the most harmful insect pest of pepper, Capsicum annum L., an important crop in Florida and several other states southern region United States. All commercially cultivated peppers, including jalapeño are susceptible to pepper weevil. The use broad-spectrum insecticides primary management tool for controlling Their continuous has led development resistance elimination natural enemies. Therefore, alternative approaches needed effective control. Studies were conducted evaluate effectiveness intercropping non-host repellent plants (Ocimum basilicum L. (basil), Tagetes patula (marigold), Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Coriandrum sativum (cilantro)) with on weevil population suppression. Each four consisted individual treatments compared a only (untreated control), or standard insecticide regimen thiamethoxam (positive control). Parameters evaluated include number adults plants, infested fallen fruit, marketable yield. Infested fruit collected from each treatment plot dissected (adult, pupae, larvae) density. plant reduced found weevils but not yield when control treatment. This information step forward into finding sustainable approach