Insect Note #37 (Revised)

Prepared by:
Kenneth A. Sorensen, Extension Entomologist

Dated 6/93
Placed on the Web 4/95 by the Department of Entomology, NCSU
Revised: 03/05

Pepper Insects and Their Control

Over 35 species of insects and mites are pests of pepper. However, only 123 species occur in North Carolina, and only 7 species may be considered of economic importance. These are the European corn borer, corn earworm, beet armyworm, fall armyworm, pepper maggot, green peach aphid and the tobacco hornworm. Flea beetles, cutworms, plant bugs and pepper weevils are minor pests of pepper in NC.

Insects damage peppers by feeding on the foliage, the fruit, or by spreading virus diseases. Obviously, those feeding within the fruit are of most importance and concern to the processor.

Three critical periods exist when insect damage is paramount. By mid-June, aphids have established colonies in pepper fields. By early July, adults of second generation borers and earworms and pepper maggots are building. By early August, the most critical period, adults of third generation borers, armyworms and earworms have reached devastating levels.

One can prepare for potential insect destructiveness by making periodic assessments. Black light trap collections indicate initial, peak and high periods of adult activity. These traps are most effective in the detection of night-flying moths, i.e., European corn borer, corn earworm, cutworms and armyworms. In the case of pepper maggot flies, the use of yellow sticky traps provides information on the emergency period. Yellow pan traps are attractive to winged aphids and give one some lead time before significant colonization. Sex pheromone traps can be used for European corn borer, corn earworm, fall armyworm, beet armyworm, cabbage looper, and pepper weevil. All of these trapping devices are tools which should be followed with systematic field sampling.

Pepper insect pests can be effectively managed. To help ensure success in pest management, one must incorporate the following practices: proper field selection, growing insect-free transplants, planting early, controlling weeds and diseases, operating insect traps, examining fields periodically, timing and applying insecticides properly and immediate destruction of crop on completion of harvest.

Insecticides can control pepper insect pests when used as partners in crop management. One may choose to follow a preventative program using foliar sprays every 7 days. Or one may choose to follow a foliar insecticide application program based on need, sprays based on significant moth flights and a schedule of every 3, 5, 7 and 10 days. In any event, one should consider all possible factors in pest management and integrate as many as possible into one's overall production system.

For specific chemical control recommendations see the most recent N. C. Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Revised: 3/05