Pepper Weevil (Anthonomus eugenii)

Serious pest of peppers and chillies, damaging buds, flowers and fruit.

Pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii) is a quarantine-significant pest that attacks peppers and chillies. Adults feed on buds, flowers and fruit; larvae develop inside pods, causing premature drop and internal damage. Exclusion and hygiene are the primary defences. Biological control includes entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, primarily targeting soil and fallen fruit stages. Early detection and removal of infested fruit are vital.