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NOTES: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 27 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.

The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.

The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.

The symbol OG   indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.

Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)

Green peach aphid overwinters in the egg stage on woody plants in the Prunus species (peach, wild cherry, etc.), where nymphs feed in spring. Field vegetable crops are colonized in June by winged females who produce live young (nymphs), resulting in multiple generations of wingless females. Generation time from birth to reproductive adult is 1-2 weeks depending on temperature; each female produces 30-80 live young. If food quality declines, winged females develop and leave in search of new plants. In fall, both male and female winged aphids develop and return to woody plants to mate and lay eggs.

Winged green peach aphids have a black head and thorax and yellow-green abdomen. Wingless adults and nymphs are usually pale yellow-green including the cornicles (a pair of tubes near the tip of the abdomen) but may be pink. Adults reach 2 mm long. Aphids feed on leaves and excrete a sugary, sticky substance called "honeydew" which coats fruit and fosters growth of black sooty mold fungus.

Numerous crop families (including solanaceous crops, cucurbits, brassicas, spinach and chard, and carrot families), as well as broadleaf weeds, support green peach aphid. Feeding on young tissue causes curling, wilting, reduced growth, and contamination of harvested crop by the aphids themselves. The major damage caused by this aphid is the transmission of many different plant viruses. It is also a pest in greenhouses; see Vegetable Transplant Production and Greenhouse Tomato for greenhouse management.

Aphids are usually controlled on peppers by natural predators and parasites, such as lady beetles, lacewings, spiders, syrphid fly larvae, wasps, and beneficial fungi, unless the populations of these beneficials are disrupted by chemical sprays. Preserve natural enemies by using selective/microbial pesticides for other pests whenever possible. Occasionally green peach aphid or, less commonly, melon aphid and potato aphid populations build up and require controls. Early-season, broad-spectrum sprays will kill beneficials and lead to aphid population buildup.

Begin to examine plants in early July for aphids and the presence of beneficial species. Spray only when aphids are increasing and building up to high numbers. Treat at 5- to 7-day intervals if aphid numbers exceed 10 per leaf before fruit set, and 5 per leaf after fruit set. Coverage of leaf underside is important. Add a spreader-sticker. Plant crops away from Prunus spp. Spray effectiveness may vary depending upon the species present. Reflective plastic mulch repels aphids as long as 50% of the surface area is reflective. Even black plastic mulch has been shown to reduce aphid numbers compared with bare-ground culture.

  • acephate (Orthene 97): 0.5 lb/A for non-bell types and 0.5 to 1 lb/A for bell types; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Green peach aphid only on bell types; all aphid species on non-bells. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2.5 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • afidopyropen (Sefina): 3 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. For best performance, use with an effective adjuvant. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection. Suppression only. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 0.5 to 0.66 pt/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 3.5 to 7 oz/100 gal; 7 to 14 oz/A; 0.16 to 0.32 oz/sq ft.; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For use on transplants only, while in greenhouse. Not for use on field or greenhouse grown crops.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Suppression only. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24, Bee: H, Group 3. Do not apply during bloom or if bees are actively foraging. May be combined with Belay (see label for rates and increased PHI). 
  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9C. Begin applications before populations begin to build and before damage is evident. Use higher rate for building populations or dense foliage.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3ASuppression only.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 14 oz/A soil, 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse; PHI 21d soil, 0d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Planthouse applications only provide short-term protection. An additional field application must be made within 2 weeks following transplanting to provide continuous protection.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May require repeated applications. For enhanced and residual control, apply with a companion labeled aphicide.
  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.25 to 1.5 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
  • methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Green peach aphid only.
  • oxamyl (Vydate* L): 2 to 4 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For foliar and drip chemigation or soil injection applications.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
  • pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Green peach and potato aphids only. Translaminar. Apply when aphids first appear, before populations build up.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils.
  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not apply between 3 days prior to bloom and until after petal fall. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops, including seedlings grown for transplant.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting operations. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.  Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A.

Black Cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)

Black cutworm is the most common of the many cutworm species that damage vegetables in New England. Adults are night-flying tan and black moths, while the caterpillars are dark-grey to black and up to 2 in. long. Moths from the South arrive between March and June. Eggs are laid mostly on grasses and winter annual weeds. Certain fields tend to have a history of repeated cutworm damage. The larvae feed after dark while hiding under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day. There are 2-3 generations per year but only the first generation, which produces larvae in May and June, damages seedling peppers. Leaf feeding by small larvae is common and generally unimportant, as plants compensate for leaf area lost as they grow. On rare occasions, sometimes after the soil is saturated, larger larvae switch from leaf feeding to cutting stems off near the soil line.

Ground beetles, parasitic flies and wasps and other general predators help reduce populations. When peppers follow sod/hay in rotation, fall-plowing may lower cutworm populations by reducing spring egg-laying sites. Plantings on plastic mulch experience less cutworm damage, while weedy or reduced-till fields tend to suffer greater damage. Hardening seedlings before transplanting toughens stems and reduces damage.

Adults can be monitored with a yellow and white Unitrap and pheromone lure from March through May. Trapping should begin with the earliest warm nights when daily average temperatures exceed 50ºF. A catch of over 40 moths before transplanting indicates that frequent June scouting is prudent. The first cutworm damage may be expected about 375 degree-days (base 50ºF) after the first early peak of moth activity. Insect development, based on temperatures near your farm, can be monitored online (www.newa.cornell.edu). Scout problem fields once or twice weekly, checking at least 100 plants for leaf feeding and cut stems, especially near field margins. Spot spray heavily damaged areas or edges of the field if 1-2% of the plants have been cut down. For best results, make application between midnight and dawn while cutworms are feeding aboveground.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee:H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • carbaryl (10% Sevin Granules): 20 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply evenly over soil surface.
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 0.77 to 1.28 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 0.96 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Bell peppers only.
  • spinosad (SeduceOG): 20 to 44 lb/A or 0.5 to1 lb/1000 sq ft.; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Spread bait on soil around plants.
  • tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 16 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Must be ingested. Use lower rate for early season applications to young, small plants. Begin applications when first signs of feeding damage appear. Use higher rate for later season applications and heavier infestations. Use of a spreader-binder adjuvant is recommended.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and Other Caterpillars

In northern New England, European corn borer (ECB) has a single flight in mid- to late summer and sprays should coincide with this flight. In southern and central New England, ECB has two generations and generally does not become a pest in peppers until the appearance of the second generation in late July or August. Apply insecticides when second generation moths become active. Check state sweet corn IPM reports for flight activity, or use pheromone traps for monitoring adult flight activity. Insect development, based on temperatures near your farm, can be monitored online (www.newa.cornell.edu). Make first application 1 week after moth count equals or exceeds 7 moths per week and fruit are present on the plants. Discontinue sprays 1 week after moth counts drop below 21 moths per week. The spray interval depends on the residual period of the insecticide used as well as weather conditions and pest pressure. Use shorter spray intervals during peak flights and while pheromone trap catches exceed 150 moths per trap. Choose selective/microbial products whenever possible to preserve beneficials and reduce the chance of aphid outbreaks. Pyrethroids may cause aphid outbreaks by eliminating their natural enemies. See Sweet Corn for more details on ECB life cycle.

Foliage-feeding caterpillars such as armyworms and hornworms rarely reach pest status on peppers in New England. Tomato hornworms (Manduca quinquemaculata) or tobacco hornworms (Manduca sexta) occasionally feed in pepper, causing leaf damage and leaving bare stalks in the canopy. Fall armyworms occasionally infest pepper foliage and fruit in August and September when preferred stages of sweet corn (whorl and pre-tassel) are no longer available and pheromone traps capture more than 90 or 100 moths per week.  Most products listed for European corn borer will also control these caterpillars. Orthene will not control fall armyworm. A few products are labeled for armyworms or hornworms only as noted below. 

  • acephate (Orthene 97): 0.5 to 1 lb/A for cabbage looper and hornworm, 3/4 to 1 lb/A for ECB; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Bell type only. Maintain a 7 to 14-day spray schedule during ECB flight. Will not control fall armyworm.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel).
  • Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DFOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A hornworm and other caterpillars, 1 to 2 lb/A armyworm; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XCOG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN.
  • chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. May be applied to soil at planting (not for ECB), through chemigation and as a foliar spray. For soil applications, must be applied uniformly in the root zone.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Group UN.
  • cryolite (Prokil Cryolite): 8 to 12 lb/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group UN. For armyworm, cabbage looper, hornworm.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 7 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 5 to 10 oz/A at planting and chemigation for other caterpillars; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection. Use high rate for ECB and only chemigation or soil injection for ECB. 
  • cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • diflubenzuron (Dimilin* 25W): 4 to 8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 15. Apply when larvae are small.
  • emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Apply when larvae are first observed. Not for ECB. 
  • esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For control of ECB and suppression of armyworms.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For control before larvae bore into the plant stalk or fruit. 
  • indoxacarb (Avaunt): 2.5 to 3.5 oz/A for hornworm, 3.5 oz/A for other caterpillars; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 22. Bell peppers only for ECB control.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 0.96 to 1.6 oz/A for hornworm an cabbage looper, 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A for ECB and other caterpillars; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For ECB, apply before larvae bore into plant stalk or fruit.
  • methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Use high rate for ECB. Short residual.
  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 16 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Use lower rate for early season applications to young, small plants. Begin applications when first signs of feeding damage appear. Use higher rate for later season applications and heavier infestations. For heavy infestations, maintain a 7-14 day schedule during moth flight to protect new growth. 
  • novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 16B. Most effective on 1st and 2nd instar larvae. 
  • permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 8 oz/A for ECB, 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A for cabbage looper and corn earworm; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Bell peppers only. 
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A. Maintain a 3 to 4 day spray schedule. Not for ECB.
  • spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A, 4 to 8 oz/A armyworms; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.
  • tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 16 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Must be ingested. Maintain a 10 to 14-day schedule during ECB flight. Use lower rate for early season applications to young, small plants. Begin applications when first signs of feeding damage appear. Use higher rate for later season applications and heavier infestations. Use of a spreader-binder adjuvant is recommended.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A for ECB and hornworm; 3.2 to 4 oz/A for fall armyworm; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Pepper Maggot (Zonosemata electa)

Pepper maggots are found throughout southern New England, including southern NH. Flies have three yellow stripes on back with banded wings. Eggs are laid within the flesh of the fruit, and maggots tunnel into the placenta (seed head) or sidewalls before exiting to drop to the soil to pupate. Exit holes, present in late August or early September, provide entry sites for soft rot bacteria. Monitor fruits of pepper plants adjacent to tree lines for oviposition (egg-laying) scars weekly during July. An oviposition scar appears as a pinpoint white scar in the middle of a shallow, indented area on the surface of the pepper fruit. Scars are particularly obvious on the high-gloss surface of cherry peppers, which can be used as indicator plants if located in outer rows along field margins. Yellow, sticky-traps baited with a vial of 28% ammonium hydroxide may be used to capture adult flies if hung in nearby trees. Traps are most reliable when hung about 20' high, within the canopy of maple trees bordering the field. Make 2-2 applications at 5- to 10-day intervals beginning 1 week after oviposition scars are detected or when the first fly is captured. Avoid sites with horse nettle, which serves as an alternate host. Perimeter trap cropping: spot sprays limited to cherry pepper plants in row(s) surrounding main pepper crop will control this pest and spare beneficials throughout most of the field. Note: Use of selective materials for managing ECB (IGRs, spinosad, or Bacillus thuringiensis) will not control pepper maggots. Use of Orthene at 8 to 10-day intervals for aphids or ECB during mid- to late July and early August will control pepper maggots. The solid spinosad bait, Seduce, has produced mixed results.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee:H, Group 3A. Adult control. 
  • dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 0.5 to 0.66 pt/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 2.5 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
  • spinosad (GF-120 NaturalyteOG): 10 to 20 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Begin applications as soon as monitoring indicates flies are present. Use large droplet size (4 to 6 mm) applied to lower leaf surfaces to optimize length of time bait is attractive. Use with perimeter trap cropping for best efficacy.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Adults only.

Stink Bugs

See Tomato section for information on stink bugs, including brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).

  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythoid* 2): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. 
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Foliar applications only. For brown, consperse, green, and Southern green stink bugs only. Coverage is essential for adequate control. 
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A for all stink bugs except Brown. 7 to 10.66 oz/A Danitol 2.4EC+ 3 to 4 oz/A Belay for all stink bugs including brown, but this combination should not be applied during bloom or if bees are actively foraging; PHI 3d Danitol alone, PHI 21d Danitol + Belay, REI 24, Bee: H, Group 3.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • methomyl (Lannate* LV): 2 to 3 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. 
  • novaluron (Rimon 0.83EC): 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 16B. Most effective on immature stages. 
  • oxamyl (Vydate L): 1.5 to 3 pints/A foliar; PHI 7d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Apply once when insect populations are at threshold and repeat at 5-7 day intervals as needed.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 3 to 5.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A for green stink bug, 3.2 to 4 oz/A for brown stink bug; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For green and brown stink bugs only. 

Thrips and Mites

Thrips and mites are most commonly pests of pepper in greenhouses and high tunnels. Refer to the Transplant Insect and Mite Management section for more information about greenhouse pests, including Table 19 for biological control guidelines and Table 21 about insecticides labeled for vegetable transplants in the greenhouse. Note that some of the products listed in these tables are only labeled for transplants, not crops to be sold such as greenhouse tomatoes.

  • abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Must be mixed with a non-ionic wetting, spreading and/or penetrating spray adjuvant. Ddo not use binder or sticker type adjuvant. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • acequinocyl (Kanemite 15SC): 31 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20B. Two-spotted spider mite and broad mite only. Do not use less than 100 gal water/A. Use of an adjuvant or surfactant is prohibited. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A. Thrips only. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression of thrips only.
  • beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.1 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Thrips only.
  • bifenazate (Acramite 50WS): 0.75 to 1 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Long residual. Not systemic, ensure complete coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces and fruit. Mites only.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A for thrips, 5.1 to 6.4 oz/A for mites; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Chenopodium extract (Requiem EC): 2 to 4 qts/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Begin application as soon as thrips are seen in the crop. Thrips only.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Suppression of thrips only.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 10 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops. Suppression only. Thrips only. 
  • cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops. Western flower thrips only. Suppression only. 
  • deltamethrin (Delta Gold*): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Thrips only.
  • dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 3.5 to 7 oz/100 gal; 7 to 14 oz/A; 0.16 to 0.32 oz/sq ft.; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For use on transplants only, while in greenhouse. Not for use on field or greenhouse grown crops. Thrips only. Suppression only.
  • dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 4 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip. Thrips only.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3. Two-spotted spider mite only.
  • fenpyroximate (Portal XLO): 2 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 21A. Mites only. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Not for Western flower thrips. Suppression only for mites.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. Repeat applications may be needed. For enhanced and residual control, apply with a companion labeled insecticide.
  • kaolin (Surround WPOG): 12.5 to 50 lb/A or 0.125 to 0.5 lb/gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. May be applied to transplants prior to setting in field. Use on seedlings and young plants. Product residue may need to be washed off if applied after fruit set. White residue may be minimized if applications stop when fruit is 25% of its expected harvest size. Generally compatible as a tank mix with other insecticides. For suppression and repellence of thrips only.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Not for Western flower thrips. Suppression only on mites.
  • Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 (Met 52 EC): 40 to 80 oz/100 gal (drench), 8 to 64 oz/A (foliar); PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN.
  • oxamyl (Vydate* L): 2 to 4 pt/A; PHI 7d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. For foliar and drip chemigation or soil injection applications. Thrips only.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils. Mites only.
  • spinetoram (Radiant SC): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Efficacy improves with the addition of an adjuvant. Thrips only. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 4 to 8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant. Efficacy improves with the addition of an adjuvant. Thrips only. See label for rotation information. 
  • spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 7 to 8.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 23. Complete coverage is necessary. An adjuvant may be used to improve coverage and control. Effective against egg and immature stages.
  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages, may also reduce adult fertility. For control of tomato russet mite and broad mite. Suppression of two-spotted spider mite and thrips.
  • sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 4.25 to 4.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Mites only. Suppression of thrips only. Do not apply between 3 days prior to bloom and until after petal fall. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 3 to 10 lb/A; REI 24h, Bee: L, No IRAC classification. Mites only.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 3.2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression of thrips only.

Whiteflies

See whiteflies in the Tomato section for more information.

  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2.5 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • afidopyropen (Sefina): 14 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Chenopodium extract (Requiem EC): 2 to 4 qts/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. For silverleaf whitefly. Apply before pests reach damaging levels.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. In greenhouses or high tunnels, for use on pepper plants being grown to harvest only. Do not apply to plants grown for transplanting. For best performance, use with an effective adjuvant.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops. Allow 1-3 days for control to be translocated into the aerial portions and to fully protect transplants following an at-plant application. Allow 2-5 days for control to fully protect the plants following a drip application. 
  • dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 3.5 to 7 oz/100 gal; 7 to 14 oz/A; 0.16 to 0.32 oz/sq ft.; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. For use on transplants only, while in greenhouse. Not for use on field or greenhouse grown crops.
  • dinotefuran (Venom ): 1 to 4 dry oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 dry oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip.
  • fenpyroximate (Portal XLO): 2 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 21A. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops. Suppression only. 
  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9C. Begin applications before populations begin to build, and before damage is evident. Use higher rate for building populations or dense foliage. For greenhouse whitefly suppression only.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 14 oz/A soil, 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse; PHI 21d soil, 0d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Planthouse applications only provide short-term protection. An additional field application must be made within 2 weeks following transplanting to provide continuous protection.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May require repeated applications. For enhanced and residual control, apply with a companion labeled insecticide.
  • Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52 (Met 52 EC): 40 to 80 oz/100 gal (drench), 8 to 64 oz/A (foliar); PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN.
  • petroleum oil (Suffoil XOG): 1 to 2 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Apply as needed.
  • pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9A. Suppression only. Apply when whiteflies first appear.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • pyriproxyfen (Knack): 8 to 10 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: L, Group 7. For control of eggs and immature stages. Does not control adults, but hatching of eggs laid by treated adults may be suppressed. Apply when threshold levels are reached. Higher water volumes provide improved control. 
  • sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils.
  • spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 7 to 8.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 23. Complete coverage is necessary. An adjuvant may be used to improve coverage and control. Effective against egg and immature stages.
  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages, may also reduce adult fertility. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 4.25 to 4.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C. Do not apply between 3 days prior to bloom and until after petal fall. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara): 3 to 5.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.
  • thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting operations. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.  Do not use on greenhouse or high tunnel crops.