Pepper pests and diseases

Since the pepper is a summer crop, it is more susceptible to pests and diseases, since the reproduction cycles, specifically for pests, are very high. If no action is taken, the harvest may be unsuccessful. Here we show you how to identify problems and their possible treatments.

 

PEPPER PESTS AND DISEASES

Note: it is preferable to check the active subjects in order to see if they are approved by the ministry of agriculture of each country.

Let’s see below the most common pests and diseases of the pepper , as well as a compendium of treatments to be carried out:

White spider ( Polyphagotarsonemus latus ): adults are small, round and yellowish in color. Damage occurs when the white spider feeds on the plant. They stick a stylet where they suck the juices. As a consequence of this suction, the leaves roll up and the stems generate low foliar density.

Red spider ( Tetranychus urticae ):  They are also small-colored adults, with shades that fluctuate from yellow to green, or yellow to red. The spider mite sucks up plant material, absorbing cellular juices as part of its diet. The affected tissue stains a yellowish color that becomes necrotic over time. In advanced pests, a characteristic spider web is generated around the entire plant.

Whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci): The female whitefly lays her eggs on the underside of the pepper leaves. Visible white spheres appear. For its food, it sucks the plant, weakening it and causing general wilting over time.

Aphids Myzus persicae ): Aphids cause plant damage by digging in their stylet and feeding on plant material. This suction causes general weakening of the plant and a progressive yellowing that ends up necrotizing. Its diagnosis is easier when a molasses (remains of sap) is seen on the leaf, assuming an attraction for the arrival of diseases such as “bold”.

Thrips  ( Frankliniella occidentalis ): thrips insects are elongated measuring about 1- 2 mm (observables are visible and recognizable with magnifier) and in brown. These insects suck plant material. The area where it has been suctioned shows a silvery color and, over time, necrotic.

 This pest is very important in peppers since it can transmit a virus known as (TSWV) or tomato tan virus.

Heliothis ( Helicoverpa armígera ):   is a type of greenish (male) and orange (female) caterpillar 3 – 4 cm long.

They cause damage through their larvae by bites, both in the stem and in the fruits, being more characteristic the bites in fruits.

Bell pepper diseases

Let’s see below the diseases of the pepper  and its treatments:

Powdery mildew ( Leveillula taurica ): this fungus manifests itself with a whitish mycelium visible to the naked eye. The germination temperature of the fungus fluctuates between 10º C and 35º C, with optimum temperatures below 30º C.

Sadness or dried pepper Phytophthora capsici ): sadness forms an important part within the group of pepper diseases. This disease attacks the plant in any vegetative state. It causes rot at the root and neck level of the plant. This shows a rapidly evolving wilt, without staining or yellowing.

Gray rot ( Botrytis cinerea ): on leaves, stems and flowers, brown spots (grayish powder) are produced, which is the gray mycelium of the fungus. A soft – watery rot occurs in the fruits.

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