Pepper weevils are beginning to be reported widely across the area particularly in older plantings and specialty peppers, although they have also been noted in some young fields as well. Damage has been low in most instances. Traps have indicated an increase in overall populations. Leaf miners are widely present throughout the area. Populations appear to be stable or decreasing from most reports.
Most respondents indicate leaf miners are currently under control.
There have been reports of an increase in root-knot nematode problems, even where methyl bromide has been used. Problems seem to be associated with fields having a history of long and continued cultivation of the same crop. In these cases, nematode populations become so high that there are sufficient numbers at depths below the reach of the fumigant. Growers should practice crop rotation and consider the use non-susceptible cover crops during the off season. Addition of organic matter may help to provide a healthy environment for plant growth and improve the efficiency of drip irrigation and injected nematode suppressants like Vydate.