Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #247501
Title: Effect of garlic extract on selected pests and yield of bell pepper, Capsicum Anuum L. (var. Capistrano)

Author
item Showler, Allan
item ANCISO, JUAN - Texas A&M Agrilife
item CASTRO, BORIS - Dow Agrosciences

Submitted to: Biopesticides International
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2010
Publication Date: 7/16/2010
Citation: Showler, A., Anciso, J.R., Castro, B.A. 2010. Effect of garlic extract on selected pests and yield of bell pepper, Capsicum Anuum L. (var. Capistrano). Biopesticides International. 6:36-44.

Interpretive Summary: Garlic extract and oil have been used as insecticides against various insects on numerous crops, but there are contradictions in the findings on insecticidal or repellent properties. Garlic extract at the manufacturer’s recommended rate against pests of sweet bell peppers in field plots was assessed. Although garlic extract did not suppress pests, including the pepper weevil, it did result in enhanced fruit production and apparently has plant growth regulator properties.

Technical Abstract: Garlic-based oils and extract formulations have been used as insecticides against various insects on numerous crops, but there are contradictions in the findings on the insecticidal or repellent properties of garlic-based products. To assess garlic, Allium sativum L., extract efficacy against pests of bell peppers, Capsicum anuum L., in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, field plots planted to ‘Capistrano’ variety peppers were sprayed with Garlic Barrier (TM) at the manufacturer’s recommended rate of 0.94 l a.i./ha or left as nontreated controls. Biweekly inspection of pepper plants for leafminer, Liriomyza spp., tunneling and consumption of foliage by other insect herbivores revealed no effect of garlic extract, nor did examination of pepper fruit on the plant or on the ground for injury caused by the pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano. Although garlic extract does not appear to be useful for pest management purposes in bell peppers, it was associated with increased fruit production. Use of garlic for promotion of plant budding is discussed.