Pepper is a warm-season crop requiring three to four months of frost-free growing days. Transplants are used to start the crop. Sweet, bell peppers are the most popular varieties in New England and are usually harvested green. Sweet peppers become even sweeter as they mature, typically turning from green to red, although many different colored varieties are now available. Other types of sweet and chili (hot or pungent) peppers are also grown. Hot peppers generally become more pungent as they mature. Check variety descriptions carefully to obtain the proper pepper for your market.

Growers should produce their own transplants or contract with a reputable local supplier to minimize the potential of importing severe disease and insect problems that are common in other regions. Sow seeds six to eight weeks before field setting in a sterilized or synthetic growing medium. Some highly organic, synthetic media hold water too well and do not permit sufficient aeration for the root system. Add sufficient sterilized course material, such as coarse sand or perlite, to increase drainage. Avoid compressing or overpacking media when filling containers. Peppers are a slow-growing crop and need protection from soil-borne diseases, especially damping-off organisms. Use seed treated with a suitable fungicide, disease-free media, and avoid over-watering. Avoid contamination from the greenhouse floor by lining it with plastic, growing plants on benches, and hanging watering devices when not in use. Do not permit moisture to remain on seedlings for more than two or three hours after watering.

One ounce of seed will produce 4,000 to 5,000 plants. About 8,000 to 12,000 plants are required per acre. Seeds may be sown thickly in flats and later transferred to 1” x1” 128-cell trays until transplanting, although some growers seed directly into 2” x 2” containers or 72-cell trays for somewhat earlier production. Peppers thrive under warm conditions. Seeds germinate best at 85°F to 90°F. Seedlings develop well at 75°F during the day and 65°F at night. Peppers are susceptible to transplant shock. Reduce temperature and water and increase air movement around the plants to condition them for transplanting. A precaution: overly-hardened plants are slow to recover and yields may be reduced. Plants should be set in the field after the danger of frost is over, and the soil temperature is at least 60°F. Peppers develop a shallow root system and may need watering one to two times per week, depending on the soil type. The use of plastic mulch, especially if combined with trickle irrigation, can significantly increase yields (see Trickle or Drip Irrigation). For best results 4” to 8” tall plants should be transplanted on a cloudy, calm day, preferable in the late afternoon. Apply one cup of liquid starter fertilizer to each plant (refer to label).

To improve fruit set: 1) plant several varieties reported to set under unfavorable conditions, 2) keep growth progressing uniformly, 3) do not field set too early, and 4) carefully meter the water and fertilizer.

Varieties

BELL TYPE

THIN WALL TYPE

Pepper Disease Resistance Key:

Antho: Anthracnose

BLS: Bacterial Leaf Spot

Phyto: Phytophthora Crown Rot

PVY: Potato Virus Y

Stip: Stip is a physiological disorder

TEV: Tobacco Etch Virus

TMV: Tobacco Mosaic Virus

ToMV: Tomato Mosaic Virus

Spacing

Transplant Depth

There has been an increase in non-bell pepper acreage in New England for processing and fresh market. The plants of many of these smaller pepper varieties are not as sturdy as bells and can lodge much more readily. Transplanting the seedling so that the cotyledons are at the soil surface (the root ball will be approximately 2” deep) will significantly decrease lodging without adversely affecting yield

Staking and Pruning

In some windy locations, peppers may require staking to minimize lodging and sunscald. In each row of plants, drive half a tomato stake (18 to 24" long), 6 inches into the soil between every fouth plant. Tie polyethylene strings a 8 and 16 inch heights as plants grow. Run string from stake to stake; first down one side of the plants, looping and tightening it around each stake, and then back on the opposite side of the plants. Leave a 3 foot gap in the trellis system every 50 to 100 feet to facilitate harvesting.

In windy locations, it may be helpful to erect temporary wind breaks such as snow fence. Some growers have found improved production with such wind breaks in place.

Recent research in the Northeast has shown that pruning peppers is not profitable.

Lime

Fertilizer

Rather than sidedress, nitrogen can be applied through a trickle irrigation system. This is especially helpful when growing on plastic. See Trickle or Drip Irrigation for more information. Excess nitrogen has been shown to reduce yields. A pre-sidedress nitrate test (PSNT) can advise on the need for sidedress notrogen. 

Less nitrogen fertilizer will be needed if manure or legume sod was plowed down (see nitrogen credits page 6). 

Harvest

Bell peppers normally are harvested in the green (immature) stage after the fruits have reached full size and the walls are firm and have thickened. Harvest the crop twice a week to achieve maximum yields, or every 7 to 10 days for maximum size. Peppers are picked by a twisting, pulling motion with part of the stem adhering to the fruit.

Agclor 310 is a commercial bleach solution registered for use to control postharvest rots of vegetables. Contact ELF Atochem North America, Inc., 1713 S. California Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016-0120; Tel: (818) 358-1838

Weed Control

Critical Period and General Information: Fields must be kept weed-free between 2 and 10 weeks after transplanting in bare-ground culture and between 4 and 10 weeks in plasticulture to maintain high pepper yields. Hairy galinsoga may build up in pepper production fields over time because this weed is not controlled by most herbicides registered for use in pepper and because it resists cultivation. Rotate to crops where effective triazine herbicides are registered for use, such as sweet corn, to reduce the number of short-lived galinsoga seeds in the soil. Eliminate small patches of Solanaceous weeds, such as jimsonweed and horsenettle, prior to transplanting peppers because they are in the same plant family as pepper and can serve as alternate hosts and sources for disease and insect pests.

NOTE:  For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, days to harvest (dh), REI, and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 17 and Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients. 

Stale Seedbed

glyphosate (Roundup 4S): 1 to 5 qt/A (REI 12h, Group 9). See Stale Seedbed Technique.

pelargonic acid (Scythe 4.2): 3 to 10 gal/A (REI 24h, Group 27). See Stale Seedbed Technique.

Preplant Incorporated/Preemergence

clomazone (Command 3ME): 10 to 42 oz/A (REI 12h, Group 13). Apply to the soil surface before transplanting. Will control many broadleaf weeds including common lambsquarters, velvetleaf, and jimsonweed. Some temporary crop injury (partial whitening of leaf or stem tissue) may be visible after transplanting. Complete recovery will occur from minor early injury without affecting yield or earliness. See label for replanting restrictions. Do not use on banana peppers.

halosulfuron (Sandea 75 WSG): 1/2 to 1 oz/A (30 dh, REI 12h, Group 2). Apply between rows of peppers for control of nutsedge and listed broadleaf weeds. Will provide both preemergence and post emergence control of many weed species. Avoid contact of the herbicide and the planted crop. If plastic is used on the planted row, adjust equipment to keep the herbicide off the plastic. Reduce rate and spray volume in proportion to the area actually sprayed. See the label for other precautions and a list of weeds controlled.
metolachlor (Dual Magnum): (REI 12h, Group 15) MASSACHUSETTS ONLY. Transplanted bell pepper ONLY. This is a restricted label available only to those Massachusetts growers who apply through the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. Main target weeds for this registration are galinsoga and yellow nutsedge. All label instructions will be supplied after the application for use is completed. Growers may contact UMass Extension, NEVBGA, or Mass. DFA for an application.

napropamide (Devrinol 50DF): 2 to 4 lb/A (REI 12h, Group 15). Use lower rate on light soil and higher rate on heavy soil. Incorporate thoroughly to a depth of 1” to 2”. May also be applied overtop after transplanting. Shallow cultivation or irrigation will improve control.

bensulide (Prefar 4E): 5 to 6 qt/A (REI 12h, Group 8) Incorporate by shallow cultivation or irrigation. Grass control only; should be supplemented with cultivation or another registered herbicide for broadleaf control. Do not plant non-labeled crops to treated land for 120 days. Use with transplants only.

pendimethalin (Prowl H2O): 1 to 3 pt/A (REI 24h, Group 3). Apply either preplant incorporated or the the soil surface PRIOR to transplanting. If applied to the soil surface, excessive treated soil falling into the transplant hole may delay crop growth. Preplant incorporated treatments are generally safer. May be surface applied between plastic mulch. Do not apply over the top of pepper plants. Do not apply within 60 days of harvest.

trifluralin (Trilin 4EC): 1 to 2 pt/A (REI 12h, Group 3). Incorporate before planting. Disc twice immediately after spraying for satisfactory incorporation. Weak on ragweed. Not effective on excessively wet soil.

Postemergence

clethodim (Select 2 EC): 6 to 8 oz/A (20 dh, REI 24h, Group 1). Apply to actively growing grasses. See label for grass height and herbicide rate. Always use a crop oil concentrate at a rate of 1 gal/100 gal spray mix. See both container label and supplemental label available from dealer.

paraquat (Gramoxone Inteon* 2S): 2.0 pt/A (REI 12h, Group 22). Apply as a directed and shielded spray to emerged weeds between rows of peppers. Crop contact by the spray will cause severe injury or death.

pelargonic acid (Scythe 4.2): 3% to 10% (REI 24h, Group 27). Use a 3-5% solution for annual weeds (4-6 oz/gal water), a 5-7% solution for biennial and perennial weeds (6-9 oz/gal water), and 7-10% solution for maximum burndown (9-13 oz/gal water). Delivery rate for boom applications should be 75 to 200 gal spray solution/A; complete coverage of weed foliage is essential. Use a DIRECTED/SHIELDED SPRAY; contact with crop will cause injury. For hand-held equipment, spray to completely wet all weed foliage but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Tank mixes are allowed with this product. These include tank mixes with glyphosate (Roundup), sulfosate (Touchdown), and residual herbicides. See label for complete details.

sethoxydim (Poast 1.53EC): 1 to 2 pt/A (20 dh, REI 12h, Group 1) postemergence. Apply with crop oil concentrate at 2 pt/A. Apply to actively growing weed grasses (see product label for susceptible stage of growth). Do not cultivate for five days prior or seven days after Poast application. Do not apply during periods of high temperature and high humidity.

Insect Control

NOTE:  For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, days to harvest (dh), REI, and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 20 and Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.

See reference #18 in References for Commercial Vegetable Growers for more information on management of pepper pests.

Aphids and Whiteflies

Green peach aphid overwinters in the egg stage on woody plants in the Prunus species, where nymphs feed in spring. Field vegetable crops are colonized in June by winged females who produce live young (nymphs), resulting in multiple generations of wingless females. Generation time from birth to reproductive adult is one to two weeks depending on temperature; each female produces 30-80 live young. If food quality declines, winged females develop and leave in search of new plants. In fall, both male and female winged aphids develop and return to woody plants to mate and lay eggs.

Winged green peach aphids have a black head and thorax and yellow-green abdomen. Wingless adults and nymphs are usually pale yellow green including the cornicles (a pair of tubes near the tip of the abdomen) but may be pink. Adults reach 2 mm long. Aphids feed on leaves and excrete a sugary, sticky substance called “honeydew” which coats fruit and fosters growth of black sooty mold fungus.

Numerous crop families (including solanacous crops, cucurbits, Brassicas, spinach and chard, and carrot families) as well as broadleaf weeds support green peach aphid. Feeding on young tissue causes curling, wilting, reduced growth, and contamination of harvested crop. The major damage caused by this aphid is the transmission of many different plant viruses. It is also a pest in greenhouses; see Vegetable Bedding Plants and Greenhouse Tomato for greenhouse management.

Aphids are usually controlled on peppers by natural predators and parasites, such as lady beetles, lacewings, spiders, syrphid fly larvae, wasps, and beneficial fungi, unless the populations of these beneficials are disrupted by chemical sprays. Preserve natural enemies by using selective/microbial pesticides for other pests whenever possible. Occasionally green peach aphid (GPA) or, less commonly, melon aphid (MA) and potato aphid (PA) populations build up and require controls. Early-season, broad-spectrum sprays will destroy beneficials and lead to aphid population buildup.

Begin to examine plants in early July for aphids and the presence of beneficial species. Spray only when aphids are increasing and building up to high numbers. Treat at five- to seven-day intervals, if aphid numbers exceed 10 per leaf before fruit set, and 5 per leaf after fruit set. Coverage of underleaf surface is important. Add a spreader-sticker. Plant crops away from Prunus sp. (peach, wild cherry, etc.). Spray effectiveness may vary depending upon the species present. Reflective plastic mulch repels aphids as long as 50% of the surface area is reflective. Even black plastic mulch has been shown to reduce aphid numbers compared with bare-ground culture.

See whiteflies in the tomato section for more information. 

acephate (Orthene 97): 1/2 lb/A for nonbell types and 1/2 to 1 lb/A for bell types (7 dh, REI 24h, Group 1B).

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 dry oz/A for aphids; 2.5 to 4 dry oz/A for whiteflies (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4).

bifenthrin (Capture* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Whiteflies only.

dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 to 10.6 oz/A (0 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B). Note that some brands of dimethoate have a 7 dh restriction. For aphids only.

dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 0.16 to 0.32 dry oz/1,000 sq ft or 3.5 to 7 dry oz/100 gal/20,000 sq ft (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Pepper transplants while in greenhouse. Not for field use.

dinotefuran (Venom 20SG): 7 to 14 dry oz/A foliar or 18 to 21 dry oz/A soil (1 dh foliar, 21 dh soil, REI 12h, Group 4A). For resistance management purposes, do not use foliar spray after soil application or following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop.

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1 to 2 lb/A, use high rate for whitefly (4 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A).

flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 dry oz/A (0 dh, REI 12, Group 9C). Suppression only for whiteflies; use higher rate. 

gamma-cyhalothrin (Proaxis*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A). Suppression only.

imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 14 oz/A (21 dh, REI 12h, Group 4A). Can be applied in bedding operation, as a transplant water drench or through trickle irrigation. May be applied in planthouse at maximum rate of 0.44 oz/10,000 plants. See plant-back restrictions. To avoid resistance, do not use another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide if Admire Pro was used at planting.

imidacloprid (Provado 1.6F): 3.8 to 6.2 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 4A). See plant-back restrictions. To avoid resistance, do not use a Provado foliar application following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop.

insecticidal soap (M-Pede): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water (0 dh, REI 12h). Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. May require repeated applications. Use a companion aphicide for aphid control. Use high rate for whiteflies. OMRI listed.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A). Suppression only.

malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pt/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 1B). For aphids only.

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1 1/2 to 3 pt/A (3 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). Green peach aphid only.

pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 9A). Selective control of green peach and other aphids. Translaminar. Apply at threshold, before populations build up. 

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed. May be used in greenhouse or field.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). May be used in greenhouse or field.

pyriproxyfen (Knack): 6 to 8 fl oz/A (14 dh, REI 24h, Groups 7). Insect growth regulator that provides long-term control by killing eggs and immature whiteflies. May be mixed with acephate for initial knockdown and control of adults. No more than 2 applications per season, at least 14 days apart.

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal (0.5 dh, REI 12h, Group 25). Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils. CT only.

spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 7 to 8.5 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 23). Immature mites only.

spirotetramat (Movento): 4-5 oz/A (1dh, REI 24h, Group 23). Immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility.

thiamethoxam (Actara): 2 to 3 oz/A for aphids; 3 to 5.5 oz/A for whiteflies (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops. Do not apply or allow to drift to blooming crops or weeds.

thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 8 oz/A (30 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting operations. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray.

Cutworms

Black cutworm is the most common of the many cutworm species that damage vegetables in New England. Adults are night-flying tan and black moths, while the caterpillars are dark-grey to black and up to 2” in length. Moths from the South arrive between March and June. Eggs are laid mostly on grasses and winter annual weeds, usually near areas of the field prone to flooding. Certain fields tend to have a history or repeated cutworm damage. The larvae feed after dark while hiding under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day. There are 2 to 3 generations per year but only the first generation, which produces larvae in May and June, damages seedling peppers. Leaf feeding by small larvae is common and generally unimportant, as plants compensate for leaf area lost as they grow. On rare occasions, sometimes after the soil is saturated, larger larvae switch from leaf feeding to cutting stems off near the soil line. Adults can be monitored with a yellow and white Unitrap from March through May. A catch of over 40 moths before transplanting indicates that frequent June scouting is prudent. Scout problem fields once or twice weekly, checking at least 100 plants for leaf feeding and cut stems, especially near field margins. Spot spray heavily damaged areas or edges of the field if 1 or 2% of the plants have been cut down. For best results, make application between midnight and dawn while cutworms are feeding aboveground. Ground beetles, parasitic flies and wasps and other general predators help reduce populations. When peppers follow sod/hay in rotation, fall-plowing may lower cutworm populations by reducing spring egg-laying sites. Plantings on plastic mulch experience the least cutworm damage, while weedy or reduced-till fields tend to suffer greater damage. Hardening seedlings before transplanting toughens stems and reduces damage.

bifenthrin (Capture* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

carbaryl (10% Sevin Granules): 20 lb/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 1A). Apply evenly over soil surface. Less toxic to aphid and mite natural enemies than XLR Plus formulation.

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

gamma-cyhalothrin (Proaxis*): 1.9 to 3.2 oz/A (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 1.9 to 3.2 oz/A (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 12 to 24 oz/A (3 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). Variegated cutworm only.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 4h, Group 18). Insect growth regulator which causes early, lethal molt in caterpillars. Must be ingested.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

European Corn Borer (ECB) and Other Caterpillars

In northern New England, ECB has a single flight in mid- to late summer and sprays should coincide with this flight. In southern and central New England, ECB generally does not become a pest in peppers until the appearance of the second generation in late July or August. Apply insecticides when second generation moths become active. Check state sweet corn IPM reports for flight activity, or use pheromone traps for monitoring adult flight activity. Make first application one week after moth count equals or exceeds seven moths per week and fruit are present on the plants. Discontinue sprays one week after moth counts drop below 21 moths per week. The spray interval depends on the residual period of the insecticide used as well as weather conditions and pest pressure. Use shorter spray intervals during peak flights and while pheromone trap catches exceed 150 moths per trap. Choose selective/microbial products whenever possible to preserve beneficials and reduce the chance of aphid outbreaks. Pyrethroids may cause aphid outbreaks by eliminating their natural enemies. See Sweet Corn for more details on ECB life cycle.

Foliage feeding caterpillars such as armyworms and hornworms rarely reach pest status on peppers in New England. Hornworms occasionally feed in pepper, causing leaf damage and leaving bare stalks in the canopy. Fall armyworms occasionally infest pepper foliage and fruit in August and September when preferred stages of sweet corn (whorl and pre-tassel) are no longer available and pheromone traps capture more than 90 or 100 moths per week.  Most products listed for European corn borer will also control these caterpillars. Orthene will not control fall armyworm. A few products are labeled for armyworms or hornworms only as noted below. 

acephate (Orthene 97): 1/2 to 1 lb/A (7 dh, REI 24h, Group 1B). Maintain a seven- to 14-day spray schedule. Bell type only. See label restrictions.

Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTari): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A (0 dh, REI 4h, Group 11). Must be ingested; apply when larvae are actively feeding. Use high rate at cool temperatures. Use a spreader-sticker. Labeled for armyworm and looper. For ECB, maintain a 3 to 4 day schedule for fruit-boring pests. OMRI listed.

Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DF): 0.5 to 1 lb/A (0 dh, REI 4h, Group 11). Must be ingested; apply when larvae are actively feeding. Use high rate at cool temperatures. Use a spreader-sticker. Labeled for armyworm and looper. For ECB, maintain a 3 to 4 day schedule for fruit-boring pests. OMRI listed.

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid*XL): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Maintain a five- to 10-day schedule. Pyrethroids may cause aphid outbreaks.

bifenthrin (Capture* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Do not make applications less than seven days apart. Pyrethroids may cause aphid outbreaks.

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 5 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 28). For drip application, must be applied uniformly in the root zone and do not apply more than twice per season. For foliar application use an effective adjuvant, except on chili pepper or pimento. Also labeled for FAW and hornworm.

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Maintain a five- to 10-day schedule.

diflubenzuron (Dimilin* 25W):  4 to 8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 15). Apply when larvae are small. For armyworm only.

emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 6). For armyworm and hornworm only. 

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1 to 2 lb/A (4 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A). For armyworm and hornworm only. 

esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

flubendiamide (Synapse): 2 to 3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 28). Active via ingestion.

gamma-cyhalothrin (Proaxis*): 1.9 to 3.2 oz/A for hornworm, 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A for ECB and other caterpillars (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A). Maintain a five- to 10-day schedule.

indoxacarb (Avaunt): 2.5 to 3.5 oz/A for hornworm, 3.5 oz/A for other caterpillars (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 22). Bell pepper only.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 1.9 to 3.2 oz/A for hornworm, 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A for other caterpillars (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A). Maintain a five- to 10-day schedule.

methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1 1/2 to 3 pt/A (3 dh, REI 48h, Group 1A). Use high rate for ECB. Short residual. Maintain a three- to four-day schedule.

methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 16 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 18). Insect growth regulator. Feeding stops within hours but death takes several days. Must be ingested, ensure good coverage. Maintain a seven- to 14-day schedule.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 12.8 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Bell only. Maintain a five- to 10-day schedule. Pyrethroids may cause aphid outbreaks. Not for hornworm and fall armyworm.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Maintain a three- to four-day spray schedule. OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Maintain a three- to four-day spray schedule.

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). Maintain a seven-day schedule. Helps preserve natural enemies. 

spinosad (Entrust): 1 to 2 dry oz/A for ECB and hornworm; 1.25 to 2.5 oz/A for armyworm (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). Maintain a seven-day schedule. OMRI listed.

tebufenozide (Confirm 2F): 6 to 16 oz/A (7 dh, REI 4h, Group 18). Insect growth regulator; induces lethal early molt in caterpillars. Must be ingested; ensure good coverage of foliage and fruit. Non toxic to beneficials. Maintain a 10- to 14-day schedule during ECB flight. Use higher rate for heavy pressure. 

 zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A for ECB and hornworm; 3.4 to 4.3 oz/A for fall armyworm (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Do not make applications less than seven days apart.

Leafminers, Thrips and Mites

Leafminers generally are controlled by natural enemies unless disrupted by broad-spectrum insecticide applications.  Some species may be transported on transplants from southern or western locations.  Control broadleaf weeds in and around the planting.  Rotate insecticide groups to slow resistance.  Systemic insecticides may control larvae within leaves.   

abamectin (Agri-Mek* 0.15EC): 8 to 16 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 6). Do not apply more than 2 sequential applications. Do not apply more than 48 oz/A per season.

acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 4 dry oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Thrips only.

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid*XL): 2.1 to 2.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Use high rate for leafminers and whiteflies. Not for mites.

bifenazate (Acramite 50WS): 0.75 to 1 lb/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 25). Mites only.

bifenthrin (Capture* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A for leafminers and thrips, 5.1 to 6.4 oz/A for mites (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 5.0 to 7.5 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 28). For drip application, must be applied uniformly in the root zone and do not apply more than twice per season. For foliar application an adjuvant may be used, except on chili pepper or pimento. Leafminers only.

cyromazine (Trigard): 2.66 dry oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 17). Leafminers only.

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Not for mites.

dicofol (Kelthane MF): 0.75 to 1.5 pt/A (2 dh, REI 12h). Do not apply more than twice per season. For mites only.

dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 to 10.6 oz/A (0 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B). Leafminers only. Note that some brands of dimethoate have a 7 dh restriction.

dinotefuran (Safari 20SG): 0.16 to 0.32 dry oz/1,000 sq ft or 3.5 to 7 dry oz/100 gal/20,000 sq ft (1 dh, REI 12h, group 4). Pepper transplants while in greenhouse. Not for field use. Not for mites.

dinotefuran (Venom 20SG): 7 to 14 dry oz/A foliar or 18 to 21 dry oz/A soil (1 dh foliar, 21 dh soil, REI 12h, Group 4A). For resistance management purposes, do not use foliar spray after soil application or following another nicotinoid (Group 4A) insecticide application on the same crop. Not for mites.

emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 6). Leafminers only. Suppression only.

gamma-cyhalothrin (Proaxis*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A). Suppression only for leafminers and mites.

kaolin (Surround WP): 12 1/2 to 50 lb/A or 0.125 to 0.5 lb/gal (0 dh, REI 4h). Suppression and repellence only. Product residue may need to be washed off if applied after fruit set. White residue may be minimized if applications stop when fruit is 1/4 of its expected harvest size. Follow label instructions for mixing. Generally compatible as a tank mix with other insecticides. OMRI listed. For thrips only.

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A). Suppression only on leafminers and mites. Not for Western Flower Thrips.

permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Leafminers on bell only.

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). For thrips. OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). For thrips and leafminers.

sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 50 oz/100 gal (0.5 dh, REI 12h, Group 25). Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur or oils. Mites only. CT only.

spinetoram (Radiant SC): 6 to 10 oz/A (1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). Not for mites. Efficacy improves with the addition of an adjuvant.

spinosad (Entrust): 1.25 to 2.5 dry oz/A for thrips; 2 to 2.5 for leafminers(1 dh, REI 4h, Group 5). Use high rate for leafminers. Efficacy improves with the addition of an adjuvant. Not for mites. OMRI listed.

spiromesifen (Oberon 2SC): 7 to 8.5 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 23). Immature mites only.

thiamethoxam (Actara): 3 to 5.5 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops. Do not apply or allow to drift to blooming crops or weeds. For thrips control and suppression of leafminers.

thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 11 oz/A (30 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting operations. DO NOT apply as a foliar spray. Suppression only for leafminer.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A for leafminer; 3.4 to 4.3 for thrips (aids in control) (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Not for mites.

Pepper Maggot

Flies have 3 yellow stripes on back with banded wings. Maggots tunnel into the placenta (seed head) or sidewalls. Exit holes, present in late August or early September, provide entry sites for soft rot bacteria. Usually restricted to southern New England, but was recently found in southern NH. Monitor fruits of pepper plants adjacent to tree lines for oviposition (egg-laying) scars weekly during July. An oviposition scar appears as a small white speck in the middle of a shallow, indented area on the surface of the pepper fruit. Scars are particularly obvious on the high-gloss surface of cherry peppers, which can be used as indicator plants if located in outer rows along field margins. Yellow, sticky-traps baited with a vial of 28% ammonia may be used to capture adult flies if hung in nearby trees. Traps are most reliable when hung about 20’ high, within the canopy of maple trees bordering the field. Make two or three applications at five- to eight-day intervals when oviposition scars are detected or when the first fly is captured. Avoid sites with horse nettle, which serves as an alternate host. Perimeter trap cropping: spot sprays limited to cherry pepper plants in row(s) surrounding main pepper crop will control this pest and spare beneficials throughout most of the field. Note: Use of selective materials for managing ECB (IGR’s, spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis) will not control pepper maggots. Use of Orthene (8 to 10 day intervals) for aphids or ECB during mid- to late July and early August will control pepper maggots.

dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 to 10.6 oz/A (0 dh, REI 48h, Group 1B). Note: some brands of dimethoate have a 7 dh restriction. Apply at 8 to 10 day intervals.

endosulfan (Thionex* 50W): 1 to 2 lb/A (4 dh, REI 24h, Group 2A).

malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 2 1/2 pt/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 1B). Apply at 5 day intervals.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). Apply at 7 to 10 day intervals.

Stink Bugs

May feed on buds or fruit. Bugs migrate into fields from weedy borders in dry seasons. Border treatments are often adequate to manage this pest. Reduced-tillage and increased use of cover crops may increase damage by providing hiding places within fields.  Natural enemies in the field usually contain outbreaks if they are not disrupted by broad-spectrum insecticides.    

beta-cyfluthrin (Baythoid* 2): 1.6 to 2.8 oz/A (7 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

deltamethrin (Decis* 1.5EC): 1.5 to 2.4 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

gamma-cyhalothrin (Proaxis*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior*): 2.5 to 3.8 oz/A (5 dh, REI 24h, Group 3A).

pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0): 4.5 to 18 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A). OMRI listed.

pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone): 1 tsp/gal, or 1 to 12 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

thiamethoxam (Actara): 3 to 5.5 oz/A (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 4). Highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops. Do not apply or allow to drift to blooming crops or weeds.

zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A (1 dh, REI 12h, Group 3A).

Disease Control

NOTE:  For the products for disease control listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, days to harvest (dh), REI, and special instructions. In many cases there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 22 and Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum coccodes)

Primarily a pathogen of ripe fruit, anthracnose occurs on fruit that is left on the plant for a long period of time. The disease is most common on red peppers that have a long ripening period. Latent infections can occur on immature fruit. The pathogen can be seed-borne and survives in the soil through the production of sclerotia. Rotate away from solanaceous plants for at least two years. Start with certified, disease free seed and transplants. Plant in well drained fields. Control solanaceous weeds. Some resistant cultivars are available. Apply fungicides preventively where anthracnose has been a problem. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum is relatively new to the pepper industry in the U.S. It is fairly widespread in the south and has occurred for two consecutive years in Massachusetts. Unlike C. coccodes, this species attacks fruit of all ages and is very aggressive. During favorable weather conditions, significant losses to peppers can occur. Do not plant peppers in the same area following disease for at least one year. Remove all diseased plant material from the field. Most peppers aresusceptible but ‘North Star’ and ‘Paladin’ were the least susceptible in one report.  Cabrio has performed better than Quadris for this disease.

azoxystrobin (Quadris): 6.0-15.5 fl oz/A. (0 dh, REI 4h, Group 11). Do not rotate with other Group 11 fungicides (Cabrio, Tanos).

famoxadone plus cymoxanil (Tanos): 8-10 oz/A. (3 dh, REI 12h, Group 11 & 27). Tank mix with an appropriate contact fungicide (maneb, copper).

maneb (maneb 80 WP): Rates vary with formulation. See Table 23.

pyraclostrobin (Cabrio): 8-12 oz/A. (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 11). Rotate to anon-Group 11 fungicide after one application.

Bacterial Spot (Xanthomonas)

This is one of the most destructive diseases of peppers in New England. Chemical controls are often ineffective. Effective management requires rotating to fields where Solanaceous crops and weeds in the nightshade family have not existed for at least two years. Maintain proper nutrient levels and avoid using dolomitic (high magnesium) lime before planting peppers. Hot-water treat pepper seeds at 122°F for 25 minutes. Use disease-resistant varieties. Grow your own transplants or contract to have them grown locally. Disinfect used flats, cell-packs, bench tops, machinery, etc. with a 1:9 mix of bleach and water; rinse well with fresh water. Scout fields weekly for plants with small brown leaf spots. Work infected fields last. Do not use high pressure, air-blast sprayers which cause increased leaf infection in rows adjacent to spray alleys and spread bacterial diseases across rows. Destroy crop residue after harvest to encourage rapid decomposition.

Combine basic copper sulfate (Basicop 53 WP): 2 lb/A (0 dh, REI 24h, Group M1) or cupric hydroxide (Kocide 4.5F): 1.3 to 2 pt/A (0 dh, REI 48h) with maneb (Manex): 1-1.2 qt/A (7 dh, REI 24h, Group M3).

streptomycin (Agri-Mycin 17, Agri-Strep): 1 lb/100 gal (Group 25). Apply when the first true leaves appear and continue every four to five days until field transplanting. Streptomycin cannot be used in the field. Agri-Mycin 17 is OMRI listed.

Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

Many different strains of this virus occur and the host range includes plants in more than 31 different families. In pepper, the symptoms can be confused with Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) as well as other virus diseases. The disease is spread by several species of aphids in a nonpersistent manner. Reduce weeds, especially chickweed, pokeweed and milkweeds as much as practical. Isolate pepper fields from cucurbits and Prunus spp. (e.g., cherry trees) which are the overwintering host of the green peach aphid, especially where there has been a history of CMV. A few resistant varieties are available at this time. Insecticides will not control the spread of this virus.

Damping Off and Seed Decay

Do not allow growing medium to remain wet. Maintain ventilation. Do not use unpasteurized growing media. Keep tools and hose nozzles clean. Do not use treated seed for food, feed or oil purposes.

mefenoxam (Apron XL): 0.085-0.64 fl oz/100 lb seed. (REI 48h, Group 4). Do not apply a preplant or at plant application of products containing mefenoxam.

mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold EC):  1 pt/A. (REI 48 h, Group 4). Apply as preplant or planting. Ridomil Gold should be moved into soil mechanically before planting or with irrigation after planting.

Phytophthora Crown Rot and Blight

Avoid planting into soils that are known to be contaminated with Phytophthora. Phytophthora can survive in the soil for many years; a three-year or longer rotation with plants other than pepper, tomato, eggplant or cucurbits may help reduce losses. If planting into infested soils, chisel plow to improve drainage, fumigate soil, and plant on raised beds shaped so they are domed in the center. Soil applications of Ridomil Gold (mefenoxam) will help suppress Pythium damping off and Phytophthora crown rot. Avoid bringing Phytophthora contaminated soil into clean or fumigated fields on farm equipment. Work contaminated fields last and hose down equipment before returning to non-infested fields.

dimethomorph (Forum): 6 oz/A. (0 dh, REI 12h, Group 15). Must be applied as a tank mix with another fungicide with a different mode of action. Do not make more than two consecutive applications of Forum before alternating to a non-Group 15 fungicide.

fluopicolide (Presidio): 3-4 fl oz/A. (2 dh, REI 12h, Group 43). Must be applied in a tank mix with another labeled fungicide with a different mode of action. Recommended spray interval is 10 days.

mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold EC): 1 pt/A (7 dh, REI 48h, Group 4). Apply to the soil at planting by broadcast or with a 12” to 16” band over the row before or after transplanting. Ridomil may cause yellowing of pepper leaves especially if soil applications are made when the soil is dry. Apply two additional banded sprays, 1 pt/A, 6” to 10” in width on both sides of the row at 30-day intervals. Best results are obtained by applying the mefenoxam through trickle irrigation under polyethylene mulch at the above rate and timing. However, the fungicide should be diluted before injection to prevent damage to the injector pump. See label for plant back restrictions and precautions. Does not control foliar/fruit phase.

For stem and fruit rot: The label requires prior use of mefenoxam EC before application of mefenoxam/copper (see above).

famoxaone plus cymoxanil (Tanos): 8-10 0z/A (3 dh, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 27). Disease suppression of foliar and fruit phase ONLY. Applications should begin before disease development and then preventively on a five- to seven-day schedule. Rotate with an appropriate fungicide with a different mode of action. For best results, tank mix with a copper containing fungicide.

mefenoxam plus copper (Ridomil Gold/Copper): 2.5 lb/A (7 dh, REI 48h, Groups 4 & M1). Apply at 10- to 14-day intervals. See label for plant back restrictions and precautions.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the peppe fruit receives too much sun. Wide plant spacing and defoliation by bacterial spot may result in sunscald. Breakage of stems by pickers will also open the plant and result in sunscald. Promote good foliage growth with proper fertilization and irrigation during prolonged periods of hot weather.

Tobacco and Tomato Mosaic Virus (TMV, TomMV)

Several strains of TMV exist, including the closely related tomato (TomMV) strain. Symptoms on pepper and tomato can vary considerably as will the severity of disease and the effect on yield. Either strain can be seed-borne or transferred from previously infected plant debris, weeds, transplants, other crops or workers using tobacco products. Unlike other viruses, TMV and TomMV are easily spread from plant to plant by contact with hands and tools. Insects are not considered to be important vectors. Grow resistant varieties. Control weeds as much as practical. Do not plant susceptible peppers or tomatoes for at least two years on land that previously had TMV-infected crops. Handle plants as little as possible. Do not allow workers to use tobacco products while working with plants.

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)

Do not raise tomato, pepper, eggplant or cauliflower transplants in the same greenhouse as ornamentals. Monitor thrips in the greenhouse and control as necessary. Resistant varieties are not available at this time. The host range for TSWV is one of the largest of any virus. Hundreds of plant species are susceptible including many commercial floriculture crops. At this time, TSWV is more of a problem on flower crops than vegetable crops.