Larrain, S.P. 2002 [Insect and mite pest incidence on sweet pepinos (Solanum muricatum Ait.) cultivated in the IV Region, Chile.] Incidencia de insectos y acaros plagas en pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum Ait.) cultivado en la IV Region, Chile.. Agricultura Técnica. Chile 62(1): 15-26.

Notes: From October 1995 to March 1997, pests were studied on pepino (S. muricatum) plants grown in Chile. Six pepino plots were planted at 2-month intervals and the different pests that infested the crops were monitored. In addition, acaricides and insecticides were evaluated for the control of 2-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae, and mealybugs, Phenacoccus solenopsis, respectively. The results showed 24 species of arthropods infesting pepino plants. Among them, the mites, particularly T. urticae, were abundant and reached levels of 350 mites per leaf, causing severe defoliation. Spraying the acaricides, cyhexatin and amitraz, effectively controlled the infestation. The pepino fly, Rhagoletis nova, provoked considerable losses during certain periods, but its greatest importance is that it is a quarantined pest and limits pepino exports to important markets. Other pests of economic significance to the crop, whose population levels must be monitored and controlled, are the moth Symmetrischema tangolias, the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae and the soil mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis. The mealybug was controlled by spraying with chlorpyrifos and carbofuran.