Project
IPM Systems Development of Hot Pepper, Capsicum chinense
Details
Project Code:
Not Available
Start Date:
1993
End Date:
1998
CRSP Phase:
Phase 1
Budget:
Not Available
Countries:
Jamaica
Participants
Lead University:
Not Available
Other Partners:
USDA-ARS, Ohio State University, Virgnia Tech (US); Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (Jamaica); UWI (Trinidad)
Principal Investigator(s):
None
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
AL Myers, R. Martin, J. Reid ( Jamaica), S. McDonald, B. Nault, S. Tolin, R. Fery, J Thie, F.W. Ravlins (US)
Overview
Hot pepper farms in the parishes of St Mary, St Catherine and St Elizabeth were surveyed over four periods between February 1997 and March 1998 to determine the incidence of pests as well as production practices. Laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies were conducted to address pest problems associated with the production of peppers in the Caribbean and the United States.
Objectives
To determine the incidence of pests impacting hot pepper farms as well as production practices.
Outcomes
- Virus symptoms were observed on 99% of farms with plants over two months old. Tobacco etch virus was the most frequently detected virus, being present on 72% of farms. Aphid vectors such as Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae were the most prevalent arthropod pests and were present on 74% of farms. - The temporal and spatial pattern of virus spread was monitored in South St Catherine. Tobacco etch virus (TEV) was the only virus detected. The rate at which plants became infected with TEV over the study period followed a logistic pattern indicating that the virus is spread mainly by intrafield means (secondary infection). - An experiment assessing the impact of viruses on the yield of Scotch Bonnet and West Indian Red found the yield of virus infected Scotch Bonnet plots to be 50% lower than that of uninfected plots. The yield of virus infected West Indian Red plots was 15% lower than that of uninfected plots. - Four manuscripts reporting research conducted, in part, with IPM-CRSP funds were published in refereed journals. - Four training sessions were held in the district. Topics such as "IPM", "Common pests of hot peppers and their control", and "Common question which arise at the start of hot pepper production" were covered
