Pepper Problems

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Pepper Problems



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Peppers, sweet or hot, grow well in full sun where the soil is rich in organic matter. You can minimize problems by leaving enough space between plants for air to circulate freely. Sometimes, despite our best efforts problems arise. Here are 5 common pepper problems and how to handle them.

Symptom: Holes bored in the peppers

Causes: Corn earworm, European corn borer

You will know corn earworms are the culprits if you find them inside the pepper - though they may have already left the peppers. Where corn earworms are a persistent problem, spraying BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) early - while the worms are still feeding on the leaves - will reduce their numbers. Corn borers enter the peppers immediately upon hatching, so no spraying will control them. In either case, destroy damaged peppers and clean up crop residues at the end of the season.

Symptom: Yellowing, misshapen flowers and fruit

Cause: Pepper weevils

Pepper weevils are common from southern California to Florida. Infested peppers drop, and surviving peppers have holes and red or yellow patches. You may see the small, white larvae, up to 1/5 inch long, inside damaged peppers. Destroy all dropped and damaged buds and peppers and clean up crop debris to eliminate overwintering sites.

Symptom: Minute yellow speckles on leaves

Cause: Spider mites

If spider mites are present, you may see fine webbing on undersides of leaves. When numerous, their feeding weakens plants, causes leaves to drop, and results in stunting. They are more destructive in dry conditions, so a good shower for your plant often reduces the damage. Insecticidal soap controls more serious infestations.

Symptom: Leaves curled, spotted; pale spots with visible black spores on the fruit.

Cause: Early blight

The disease spores overwinter in garden soil. Clean up garden debris in fall and avoid planting peppers where tomatoes or potatoes have grown in the last 3 years.

Symptoms: Sunken spots on leaves; water-soaked or scabby spots on fruit

Cause: Bacterial spot

Prevent problems by growing resistant varieties, such as 'Admiral' and 'Guardian.' This disease spreads easily, so remove infected plants immediately and clean up garden debris at the end of the season.

For more pepper problems and cures, go to our Rodale's Pest & Disease Problem Solver database.

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