Evaluation of Various Pesticides for the Control of Aphids, Mites and Nematodes in Peppers

Abstract

The effeciveness of several insecticides and nematicide-insecticides in the control of aphids, mites and nematodes in pepper cultivars Cubanelle and Blanco del País was determined in four field experiments in 1979, 1980 and 1981 at lsabela, Puerto Rico. In the first test, a significant control of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae was obtained, 48 h and 1 month after application. In the second test, the oxamyl L-treated plots were the least affected by pepper mite. In these plots some reduction in nematode population levels, especially in Rotylenchulus reniformis, was obtained. Highest yield increases of pepper cv. Cubanelle were obtained with 1.12 kg/ha of oxamyl L (46%), 1.68 kg/ha of aldicarb (41%), and 0.56 kg/ha of oxamyl (40%). In the third test, Blanco del País plants treated with oxamyl showed no mite damage, a normal stand, and the highest yields, as well as good nematode control. Plant stand from methamidophos-treated plots was similar to that of control plants although yields were somewhat lower. Production from acephate-treated plants was significantly lower than that from control plants. In the fourth test, no mite infestation was observed on oxamyl-treated cv. Cubanelle plants, where highest yields and a good nematode control were obtained. Similar yield increases were obtained with both dosages of aldicarb. In general, results indicate that the pepper mite causes considerable yield losses and that cultivar Blanco de País is more tolerant to mite damage than cv. Cubanelle.