Abstract
A negative binomial distribution best predicted pepper weevil spatial dispersion on pepper plants. Sequential sampling plans for economic threshold (ET) levels of 0.1 and 0.5 adult weevils per plant were developed and tested against a weekly schedule of sprayed and unsprayed check treatments in mini-plots. Weekly sprayed and 0.1 ET mini-plots had similar yield, but higher than 0.5 ET or mini-plots never sprayed. Direct cost to farmers was the same either with 0.1 ET or weekly sprays. However, insecticide applications were reduced by one-third with 0.1 ET. Fruit abortion constituted the main yield-loss component in the pepper weevil-pepper system. An empirical yield-loss vs. adult weevil population density relationship was estimated. This estimate agreed with a theoretical economic injury level of 0.01 adult per plant. Recommendations on the use of prophylactic and responsive control strategies for the pepper weevil are given.