Kesimpulan Saran Hot Pepper (Capsicum Annuum. L) Online Agribussiness Consultasion System
SOP Cabai Merah Menggunakan Teknologi WiSH
Hari Uraian
Keterangan
H-30
•
Pilih lahan bekas jagung atau padi dan tidak banyak naungan BUKAN bekas tomat, terong atau
cabai
•
Bajak 2x dan di rotary
H-21 • Persiapan persemaian
Persemaian dilakukan dalam kelambu yang kedap serangga
kecil. Benih direndam dalam Actigrow atau BenPrima 10 cc
atau 10 gliter air selama 30 menit. Bekas rendaman dapat
disiramkan ke media semai.
H-7
•
Pembuatan bedengan, L = 110-120cm, P = 15- 20m, T = 30-50cm, jarak antar bedengan = 60-
70cm, jarak antar tanaman = 60-70cm
•
Pembuatan lubang tanam dan pemasangan ajir dengan jarak 60x70 cm, serta pembuatan lubang
pupuk dengan jarak 20 cm
•
Pemberian kompos dengan cara MENYEBARKAN dan DIADUK MERATA
sebanyak 7 tonHa
•
Pemberian pupuk dasar
a.
NPK 16:16:16 100 kgHa
b.
ZA 150 kgha
c.
KCl 100 kgha atau arang sekam 200 kgha H-3
• SANITASI GULMA SAMPAI BERSIH DI LAHAN MILIK
H-1 Tanah diairi setinggi batas mulsa
H-0 Tanam pagi hari sebelum pukul 10 atau sore hari
H+15
•
Semprot FITPLANTA 5ccliter air
•
Kocoran
a
10 kg NPK 16:16:16
b
5 kg ZA
c
5 kg KCl
•
Vol. larutan semprot 100 ltha
•
Vol. kocor 100 mltnmn
H+30
•
Semprot FITPLANTA 5ml + 1 cc sabun cair liter air
•
Kocoran
a
10 kg NPK 16:16:16
b
5 kg ZA
c
5 kg KCl
d
700 ml ACTIGROW
•
Vol. larutan semprot 200 ltha
•
Vol. kocor 200 mltnmn
H+45
•
Semprot FITPLANTA 5ml + 1 cc sabun cair liter air
•
Vol. larutan semprot 400 ltha
•
Vol. kocor 200 mltnmn Dicampur 150
liter air
Dicampur 300 liter air
•
Kocoran
a
10 kg NPK 16-16-16
b
5 kg ZA
c
5 kg KCl H+60
•
Kocor 1,4 liter ACTIGROW dengan 140 liter air
•
Semprot FITPLANTA 5mlliter air
•
Vol. larutan semprot 400 ltha
•
Vol. kocor 200 mltnmn H+60,
74, 88,
102 Semprot BIOGARD 5mlliter air + sabun cair 1
ccliter Vol. larutan semprot 400 ltha
H+60 dst
Sanitasi dan pemusnahan buah cabai terserang antraknosa secara berkala maksimal 2 hari sekali
CATATAN - Persemaian dibuat dalam kelambu yang tidak memungkinkan serangga kecil kutu kebul dan kutu daun
masuk. Sebelum disemai benih direndam dalam Acti grow atau BenPrima 10 ccliter selama 30 menit, kemudian air bekas rendaman dsiramkan pada media semai
- Pada kondisi lahan yang mendatar, jika tetangga lahan sudah menanam cabai atau tomat, perbatasan lahan ditanami tanaman jagung 3 lapis secara zig zag 1 bulan sebelum penanaman cabai atau dipagari dengan
plastik dengan ketinggian minimal 1.0 m. - Jika menggunakan arang sekam sebagai pengganti pupuk KCl dalam pupuk kocoran, arang sekam harus
direndam minimal selama 1 hari 1 malam, sebelum airnya digunakan untuk pengocoran.
Dicampur 300 liter air
PENGENALAN BEBERAPA GANGGUAN PENTING DALAM PRODUKSI CABAI DAN KEMUNGKINAN PENGENDALIANNYA
Widodo, Suryo Wiyono, dan Hermanu Triwidodo Departemen Proteksi Tanaman
Fakultas Pertanian – Institut Pertanian Bogor
PENDAHULUAN
Tanaman cabai, sebagaimana tanaman lain dalam proses produksinya banyak mengalami gangguan, diantaranya hama dan penyakit. Untuk mencapai hasil pengendalian
yang optimal diperlukan strategi yang baik yang berkaitan pemahaman terhadap komponen- komponen penyusun terjadinya gangguan tersebut. Pemahaman ini sangat penting dalam
menyusun strategi pengendalian berdasarkan konsep pengendalian hama terpadu yang diharapkan memberikan hasil optimal dan ramah terhadap lingkungan ekosistem sehingga
produksi cabai dapat berkelanjutan. Langkah awal dalam pengendalian terhadap gangguan pada tanaman adalah
pengenalan penyebabnya, karena pengenalan tersebut dapat memahami lebih baik terhadap sifat-sifatnya. Buku panduan ini disusun dengan harapan setiap pembacanya yang berasal
dari berbagai kalangan dapat memahami dengan mudah, terutama dalam mengindentifikasi penyebab gangguan tersebut dengan mudah. Dalam buku ini juga diberikan secara sederhana
tentang berbagai faktor yang mempengaruhi perkembangan gangguan tersebut, sehingga pemakai dapat menentukan cara pengendalian yang lebih strategis. Dalam identifikasi
penyebab gangguan tersebut, lebih ditekankan pada pengenalan gejala di lapang dengan cara yang sangat sederhana. Untuk identifikasi penyebab-penyebab tertentu tidak dapat dilakukan
secara tepat dengan menggunakan buku ini.
DIAGRAM 1. ALUR DIAGNOSIS DI LAPANG BEBERAPA GANGGUAN PENTING PADA TANAMAN CABAI DI PESEMAIAN A. Kecambah yang muncul Keadaan tanah pesemaian normal Benih tidak berkecambah, - Benih terlalu lama
hanya sedikit membusuk, gagal muncul - Ditamam terlalu dalamdangkal
- Tanah memadatretak-retak -
Terkena pupuk
anorganik - Benih dimakanburung
serangga tanah Tanah pesemaian basah Tanah terendam lebih dari 1 hari Benih kekurangan oksigen
Cuaca dingin atau cahaya kurang Benih tampak Masalah cuaca atau normal naungan
Benih busuk patogen tular tanah Kecambah serangan belatung
muncul tidak lalat bibit merata
Kecambah muncul dan terlihat cendawan seperti kapas Rebah kecambah oleh cendawan cepat membusuk ; terutama di pagi hari Pythium atau Sclerotium
cuaca lembab busuk kering berwarna kecoklatan Rebah kecambah oleh cendawan
Rhizoctonia atau Fusarium Gambar 1A, B
tidak terlihat penampakan apapun Kerusakan karena pupuk anorganik atau kandungan garam tanah tinggi
LANJUTAN DIAGRAM 1………… B. Kecambah banyak muncul; seragam terjadi di kecambah terpilin atau bengkok; - kerusakan karena pestisida herbisida
pertumbuhan terhambat seluruh bedeng daun belang warna hijau muda; - penempatan pupuk anorganikpestsida daun memutih; pangkal kecambah pada kedalaman yang tidak sesuai
membengkak - penanaman benih dengan kedalaman yang tidak sesuai
daun berbintik, terlihat berbercak; - polusi udara pinggiran daun seperti terbakar - keracunan bahan kimia
pinggiran dan ujung daun seperti pupuk anorganik yang terlalu banyak atau terbakar ; perakaran kecoklatan kandungan garam tanah yang terlalu tinggi
dan sedikit membusuk tanaman kerdil; terdapat belatung kerusakan karena serangga lalat bibit
pada perakaran gejala berkelompok
kecambah terpotong di permukaan serangan ulat tanah tanah
perakaran berbintil nematoda bintil akar perakaran busuk cendawan tanah atau kandungan garam tanah tinggi
batang mengecil pada bagian dekat tanah
terlihat cendawan seperti kapas cendawan Pythium busuk kering berwarna kecoklatan Fusarium atau Rhizoctonia
tidak terlihat penampakan apapun residu pestisida, pupuk, kandungan garam tinggi
DIAGRAM 2. ALUR DIAGNOSIS LAPANG GANGGUAN PENTING PADA TANAMAN CABAI SETELAH PINDAH TANAM A. Tanaman bergejala pangkal batang warna coklat tua atau hitam ; benang- busuk batang , cendawan Phytophthora
berkelompok membusuk benang cendawan tidak tampak jelas capsici Gambar 2A, B warna coklat ; batang di atas dan di busuk pangkal batang,
bawah garis tanah rusak ; terlihat cendawan Sclerotium rolfsii Gambar 3A,B benang-benang cendawan berwarna
putih dan butiran-butiran berwarna putih sampai coklat di sekitar
pangkal batang pembusukan menggelangi di dekat di daerah berhawa sejuk cendawan
permukaan tanah ; warna coklat Pythium di daerah berhawa panas cendawan
Rhizoctonia Fusarium
cabang atau warna coklat tua – hitam; cendawan Phytophthora ranting mati agak kebasahan; terlihat lapisan tipis capsici
berwarna putih terutama pada pagi hari bercak warna putih di bagian tengah dan cendawan Stemphylium solani atau
dikelilingi warna yang lebih gelap ; terlihat Colletotrichum capsici atau C. bintik-bintik hitam atau merah jambu gloeosporioides Gambar 4 A,B
gejala dimulai dari pucuk atau bunga; penyakit sentik disebabkan cendawan warna coklat sampai hitam ; koloni cendawan Choanephora cucurbitarum
berwarna hitam terlihat dengan jelas Gambar 5 A, B
LANJUTAN DIAGRAM 2 ……………. Tanaman tanaman layu kondisi akar baik terutama kelayuan mendadak ; Layu bakteri
bergejala atau warna tajuk pada awal gejala ; jika pangkal batang Pseudomonas berkelompok berubah jika batang dibelah dipotong dan dicelupkan solanacearum
berwarna coklat ke dalam air bening Gambar 6 A, B keluar lendir
kelayuan pelan-pelan didahului penguningan Layu Fusarium
daun bawah ; jika pangkal cendawan Fusarium batang dipotong dan oxysporum atau
dicelupkan ke air bening F. solani tidak keluar lendir Gambar 7 A, B
kondisi perakaran jelek ; tempat ditemukan tanaman akar kekurangan jika batang dibelah sakit tanahnya tergenang oksigen karena
tidak terlihat warna coklat sangat becek lebih dari tanah terlalu 1 hari banyak air
akar terpotong drainase tanah nematoda perusak akar; atau membusuk baik kerusakan karena pupuk;
kadar garam tanah tinggi drainase tanah cendawan dalam tanah;
jelek kadar garam tanah tinggi terlihat bintil-bintil nematoda puru akar
pada akar Meloidogyne Gambar 8 A,B
TABEL 1. JENIS GANGGUAN, FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPERPARAH SERANGAN, DAN KEMUNGKINAN CARA PENGENDALIANNYA
No. Jenis gangguan
Faktor-faktor yang memperparah Kemungkinan cara
pengendalian 1.
2. 3.
Benih busuk, tidak banyak yang muncul
Rebah kecambah Busuk batang buah
Phytophthora - tanah pesemaian terlalu padat
- penggunaan pupuk anorganik atau pestisida ke tanah yang terlalu banyak
- tanah terlalu becektergenang atau terlalu kering - kedalaman penanaman benih yang tidak tepat
- tanah pesemaian terlalu becek - benih tidak sehat dan disimpan terlalu lama pada suhu
kamar - naungan pesemaian terlalu rapat sehingga aliran udara
kurang baik - penggunaan pupuk organik yang belum matang
- drainase lahan kurang bagus - banyak terjadi pada musim hujan atau dilakukan
penyiraman dari atas - pemupukan nitrat urea terlalu banyak
- penanaman cabe terus menerus, atau dirotasi dengan terong, timun-timunan atau tomat
- pengolahan tanah yang cukup dan penambahan bahan organik yang matang agar tanah gembur
- drainase tanah pesemaian diperhatikan agar tidak terjadi penggenangan atau terlalu becek
- bedengan pesemaian dibuat agak tinggi - memilih lokasi pesemaian yang baik drainasenya
- menggunakan benih yang terjamin kualitasnya, jika membenihkan sendiri dipilih dari tanaman yang
tumbuhnya terbaik dan dari buah yang tidak bergejala penyakit
- membuat bedengan yang lebih tinggi dari tanah - menyimpan benih pada suhu dingin di kulkas
- pupuk organik yang digunakan sudah matang - menjaga bedengan pesemaian jangan terlalu lembab
- bedengan pesemaian ditutup dengan plastik bening selama 2 – 3 minggu dan dibiarkan terkena sinar
matahari sebelum benih ditebar solarisasi tanah - jika diperlukan benih dapat diberi perlakuan
fungisida berbahan aktif mancozeb, benomyl atau metalaxyl
- menghindari tanah tergenang atau terlalu becek - menanam pada bedengan yang lebih tinggi
- tidak terlalu banyak menggunakan pupuk nitrat jika kondisi tanah tidak terlalu masam dapat
digunakan pupuk ammonium sulfat ZA
TABEL 1. lanjutan No. Jenis
gangguan Faktor-faktor yang memperparah Kemungkinan
cara pengendalian
4. 5.
Busuk pangkal batang Sclerotium
Layu Fusarium - banyak terjadi di daerah berudara hangat dan lembab
- kandungan air tanah yang terlalu tinggi - sisa-sisa tanaman yang banyak tertinggal menjadi
sumber makanan untuk bertahan - penyakit banyak terjadi pada tanah yang kandungan
airnya tinggi drainase jelek dan suhu udara panas - bedengan ditutup dengan jerami atau mulsa plastik
untuk menghidari cipratan tanah oleh air hujan atau penyiraman
- penggunaan pupuk kandang yang sudah matang - rotasi dengan tanaman famili graminae jagung
sorghum, rumput gajah dll dapat membantu mengurangi penyakit
- pengolahan tanah yang dalam sehingga sklerotia cendawan dan sisa tanaman terkubur untuk
mengurangi serangan, karena hanya sklerotia yang terletak di permukaan yang dapat menyerang
- penutupan bedengan dengan jerami untuk mencegah kontaknya sklerotia dengan batang
- jika memungkinkan, sebelum penanaman bedengan dapat ditutup dengan plastik bening ketebalan 0.5
mm selama 3 minggu dan dibiarkan terkena sinar matahari solarisasi tanah
- perbaikan drainase tanah - penggunaan pupuk kandang yang matang untuk
memperkaya mikroba antagonis tanah - penambahan sisa-sisa kulit udang, kulit kerang
yang dicampur dengan pupuk kandang ke dalam lubang tanam dan dibiarkan selama 1-2 minggu
- jika memungkinan dapat dilakukan solarisasi tanah
TABEL 1 lanjutan No. Jenis
gangguan Faktor-faktor yang memperparah Kemungkinan
cara pengendalian
5. 6.
7. Layu bakteri Pseudomonas
Solanacearum Busuk buah Erwinia
Nematoda - banyak terjadi di daerah dengan curah hujan tinggi atau
pada musim hujan - serangan berat jika pemupukan N nitrat, mis. urea
terlalu tinggi - drainase tanah jelek
- penanaman cabai terus menerus atau rotasi dengan famili solanaceae terong, kentang, tomat, dll.
- penyakit ini lebih banyak terjadi pada pasca panen, walaupun dapat juga menyerang di lapang terutama
kondisi lembab dan hangat atau curah hujan tinggi - kerusakan oleh serangga di lapang mempercepat
infeksi - pencucian buah setelah panen akan memperbesar
terjadinya serangan dalam pengangkutan - banyak terjadi di daerah dengan suhu hangat dengan
kondisi tanah yang gembur berpasir tinggi - penanaman cabai terus menerus atau rotasi dengan
tanaman solanaceae lainnya tomat, terung - menghindari pemupukan nitrat yang terlalu tinggi;
penggunaan mulsa plastik perak mempertinggi kemampuan serap nitrogen oleh tanaman menjadi
lebih tinggi, oleh karena itu jika menggunakan mulsa ini, dosis nitrogen perlu dikurangi kurang
lebih 30 persen dari anjuran untuk setiap lokasi - penggunaan pupuk ammonium sulfat ZA
dilaporkan dapat mengurangi penyakit ini - rotasi tanaman dengan famili graminae jagung,
sorgum, dll. - jika memungkinkan, solarisasi tanah dapat
dipertimbangkan sebagai alternatif pengendalian - menghindari kerusakan buah oleh serangga di
lapang - memperkecil pelukaan pada saat pemanenan
- jika perlu dicuci, sebaiknya air ditambah dengan klorin pemutih dengan konsentrasi 0.5 kemudian
dikering anginkan - rotasi dengan tanaman rumput-rumputan jagung,
sorgum, atau padi gogo - jika tanah dapat disawahkan, rotasi dengan padi
sawah - jika diperlukan penggunaan nematisida dapat
dilakukan, dengan catatan digilir jenis bahan aktifnya
TABEL 1. Lanjutan No. Jenis
gangguan Faktor-faktor yang memperparah Kemungkinan
cara pengendalian
8. 9.
Penyakit oleh virus Antraknosa
- umumnya banyak terjadi pada musim kemarau, karena terkait dengan populasi vektornya
- menanam tanaman inangnya secara terus menerus - menanam di dekat lahan yang terserang berat
- menanam benih yang telah terinfeksi, beberapa virus dapat terbawa benih misal tobacco mosaic virus
TMV - banyak terjadi pada musim hujan, atau kondisi lahan
yang terlalu lembab - dapat bertahan pada sisa tanaman yang jatuh di tanah
dan akan menjadi sumber infeksi, oleh karena itu penanaman terus menerus akan meberi peluang semakin
besar untuk terserang bagi tanaman berikutnya - penggunaan benih yang tidak sehat penyebabnya dapat
terbawa benih Pengendalian virus lebih banyak diarahkan kepada
penggunaan varietas tahan sedang dikembangkan dan pencegahan terjadinya kontak dengan vektor
- menanam tanaman penahan barier seperti jagung sebelum penanaman dapat mengurangi peluang
terserang oleh penyakit ini - eradikasi terhadap tanaman bergejala akan
mengurangi sumber infeksi - untuk virus yang dapat terbawa benih, benih dapat
direndam dengan larutan 10 trisodium fosfat selama 2 jam
- untuk virus yang dapat ditularkan secara mekanis sepertii TMV, sebaiknya pemangkasan tunas tidak
dilakukan pada tanaman yang sakit dahulu, atau setelah memangkas tanaman sakit tangan dicuci
dahulu dengan dterjen atau alkohol 70 - menghindari lahan yang terlalu lembab
- buah sakit yang jatuh sebaiknya tidak dibiarkan berada di lapang
- tidak menanam terus menerus di satu lahan perlu rotasi
- menggunakan benih yang terjamin kesehatannya, jika membenihkan sendiri pilih buah yang sehat
misal mengambil benih dari tanaman pada musim kemarau akan memperkecil peluang benih
membawa penyebab penyakit - jika diperlukan dapat digunakan fungisida yang
dianjurkan, dengan menggilir jenis bahan aktifnya
TABEL 1 Lanjutan….. No. Jenis
gangguan Faktor-faktor yang memperparah Kemungkinan
cara pengendalian
10. Tungau, Thrips, Kutu Daun, Kutu Kebul
- Banyak terjadi pada musim kemarau curah hujan, tanaman terlindung
- Menanam di sekitar lahan yang terserang berat oleh hama-hama tersebut
- Khusus untuk kutu daun, ledakan sering terjadi karena aplikasi insektisida yang intensif untuk mengendalikan
hama lainnya yang dapat membunuh predator kutu daun - Jika tidak banyak hujan, tungau dan thrips dapat
dikendalikan dengan penyemprotan tajuk tanaman dengan air dari arah bawah
- Untuk kutu kebul, penyemprotan dengan sabun mandi bukan deterjen
- Tumpang sari dengan bawang-bawangan dapat membantu mencegah kutu daun dan tungau
- Penanaman bunga Tagetes jawer kotok di sekitar pertanaman membantu mencegah serangan
Thrips dan kutu kebul - Penyemprotan dengan cairan bawang putih diketahui
dapat mengendalikan tungau dan kutu daun - Pemasangan papanplastik berwarna kuning dan
diolesi perekat untuk menjebak kutu daun dan kutu kebul, sedangkan yang berwarna biru muda untuk
menjebak thrips - Jika diperlukan penggunaan pestisida, digunakan
secara tepat dan pastikan bahan aktifnya tidak membunuh predator kutu daun
Gejala beberapa gangguan pada tanaman cabe
Gambar 1 A. Gejala rebah kecambah Gambar 1B. Gejala rebah kecambah
Gambar 2 A. Busuk batang Phytophthora
Gambar 2B. Gejala pada pangkal batang
Gambar 3A. Busuk pangkal batang Sclerotium
Gambar 3B. Cendawan Sclerotium Pada pangkal batang
Gambar 4A. Gejala mati ranting oleh
Colletotrichum Gambar 4B. Gejala bercak Stemphylium
pada cabang
Gambar 5A. Gejala penyakit sentik pada cabang ranting
Gambar 5B. Cendawan penyebab sentik Choanephora
cucurbitarum
Gambar 6A. Gejala layu bakteri Pseudomonas
solanacearum Gambar 6B. Lendir bakteri yang keluar
air bening
Gambar 7A. Gejala layu Fusarium di lapang terlihat penguningan
tajuk Gambar 7B. Warna coklat pada pembuluh
akibat serangan Fusarium
Gambar 8A. Gejala serangan nematoda tanaman merana seperti
kekurangan hara Gambar 8B. Sistem perakaran yang
terserang nematoda akar berbintil-bintil kecil
Gambar 9. Gejala virus Gambar 10. Gejala virus
Gambar 11. Gejala virus Gambar 12. Gejala oleh TMV
Gambar 13. Busuk buah oleh Phytophthora
capsici Gambar 14. Busuk lunak pada buah
oleh bakteri Erwinia
Gambar 15. Busuk buah oleh cendawan Botrytis cinerea daun sakit
yang menempel adalah sumber infeksi
Gambar 16. Busuk ujung buah karena kekurangan kalsium Ca
Gambar 17A. Kerusakan oleh kutu daun Gambar 17B. Penampakan tanaman
Terserang kutu daun
Gambar 18. Gejala serangan tungau pada daun daun
melengkung ke bawah Gambar 19. Gejala serangan Thrips
pada daun daun melengkung ke atas
Gambar 20. Bercak daun Cercospora Gambar 21. Bercak daun Stemphylium
Gambar 22. Gejala awal embun tepung Gambar 23. Gejala lanjut embun tepung
Gambar 24. Antraknosa Gambar 25. Serangan tungau pada buah
Gambar 26. Serangan Thrips pada buah
1
Guide
1
Plant Breeder, Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, Plant Pathologist, Plant Breeder, Plant Pathologist, Plant Patholo- gist, and Soil Scientist at AVRDC. Edited by T. Kalb. For more information, contact Dr. Gniffke at gniffkeavrdc.org.
AVRDC—The World Vegetable Center; P.O. Box 42, Shanhua; Taiwan 74199; ROC
tel: 886-6 583-7801 fax: 886-6 583-0009 email: avrdcboxavrdc.org www: avrdc.org
Suggested Cultural Practices for Chili Pepper
by T. Berke
1
, L.L. Black, N.S. Talekar, J.F. Wang, P. Gniffke, S.K. Green, T.C. Wang, and R. Morris
Introduction
Chili pepper Capsicum annuum is a popular veg- etable valued around the world for the color, flavor,
spice, and nutritional value it contributes to many meals Fig. 1. Pepper varieties display a wide range
of plant and fruit traits, and production practices vary greatly from region to region.
The following recommendations were developed at AVRDC in the Taiwan lowlands. Modifications may
be needed to take into account different soils, weather, pests and diseases.
Climate and soil requirements
Chili pepper is better adapted to hot weather than is sweet pepper, but it does not set fruit well when night
temperatures are greater than 24°C. Optimum day temperatures for chili pepper growth range from 20
to 30°C. When the temperature falls below 15°C or exceeds 32°C for extended periods, growth and yield
are usually reduced. Peppers are photoperiod-insen- sitive daylength does not affect flowering or fruit set.
Chili pepper grows best in a loam or silt loam soil with good water-holding capacity, but can grow
on many soil types, as long as the soil is well drained. Soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.8.
Choosing a cultivar
Chili pepper yields vary widely depending on cultivar and season. Its important to consider fruit quality,
especially consumer preferences for the shape, color and degree of pungency of fruits. Also consider lo-
cal pest and disease pressures, genetic resistance to these local diseases, heat and drought tolerance,
vine vigor, and seed costs.
Growing peppers in a different season or under a different rotation system might provide higher yields
andor higher prices. Relay or intercropping might provide extra income from the same piece of land,
and reduce insect and disease problems. Growers should calculate potential returns, and choose the
cultivar and cropping system that serves them best.
Guide
International Cooperators’
AV RDC
World Ve ge t a ble Ce nt e r
February 2005 AVRDC pub 05-620
Fig. 1. Chili pepper
2
Field preparation
The soil where chili peppers are to be grown should be carefully selected and prepared for the crop. Crop
rotations should avoid sequences in which peppers are planted immediately following another Solana-
Treating seed
The primary seed-borne fungal pathogens are sur- face saprophytes such as Fusarium spp., Pythium
spp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Colletotrichum spp. To minimize seed transmission, soak seeds in warm
water 50°C for 30 minutes, rinse them in cold wa- ter, and dry them before sowing. Apply a fungicide
seed coating, such as 1 g of Benomyl 20 active ingredient a.i. wettable powder WP and 1 g Thiram
20 a.i. WP or 0.8 g of Benlate [a mixture of Benomyl and Thiram] 50 a.i. WP in 400 ml of
water, so that the final concentration is 0.1 a.i.. Coat the seeds thoroughly by mixing 1 g of seeds
with 1 ml of the fungicide suspension. Seeds may be dried at 20°C and 40 relative humidity or sown
immediately.
The primary seed-borne viral pathogens are tobamoviruses, including tobacco mosaic virus
TMV, tomato mosaic virus ToMV, and pepper mild mottle virus PMMV. To minimize seed transmis-
sion, soak 2 g of seeds in 10 ml of 10 wv triso- dium phosphate TSP Na
3
PO
4
• 12 H
2
O for 30 min, transfer them to a fresh 10 TSP solution for 2 hours,
then rinse in running water for 45 minutes. This treat- ment can be done on freshly harvested or dry seeds.
Or soak seeds for 4–6 hours in 5 vv hydrochloric acid, then rinse in running water for 1 hour. Dry them
for storage, or sow immediately.
The primary seed-borne bacterial pathogen is Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria Xcv. To
minimize Xcv infection, soak 2 g of seeds in 10 ml of 1.3 vv acetic acid shake occasionally for 4
hours, rinse the seeds with water three times, soak the seeds in 1.25 vv Clorox for 5 minutes, and
rinse under running water for 15 minutes. Or soak seeds in warm water 50°C for 30 minutes, then dry
or sow immediately. Pathogen-free seeds sown in sterile soil require no treatment.
Raising transplants
Germination varies depending on variety, seed qual- ity, and soil mixture. For optimum germination, sow
seeds in a well-drained, sterile soilless mix at 25– 28°C, and water daily. Under these conditions, seeds
will germinate in about eight days. Seeds will germi- nate in 13 days at 20°C and 25 days at 15°C; they
may not germinate at all if temperatures are below 15 or above 35°C.
One gram contains approximately 220 seeds. Ap- proximately 150 g may be needed to transplant 1 ha
at a density of 30,000 plantsha, assuming 90 ger- mination and 90 of seedlings are of good quality.
Fill the seedling tray with sowing medium, such as peat moss, commercial potting soil, or a potting
mix prepared from soil, compost, rice hulls, vermicu- lite, peat moss, andor sand. The potting mix should
have good water-holding capacity and good drain- age. We recommend a mixture of 67 peat moss
and 33 coarse vermiculite. If you use non-sterile components, we recommend that you sterilize your
potting mixture by autoclaving or baking at 150°C for 2 hours. If seedlings are started in a raised soil
bed, the soil should be sanitized by burning a 5-cm thick layer of rice straw or other dry organic matter
on the bed. This also adds small amounts of P and K to the soil for the seedlings.
Sow one seed per cell or broadcast the seeds lightly in a seedbed and cover 1 cm deep. Cover the
seedlings with an insect-proof net Fig. 2, or sow them inside a greenhouse or screenhouse. This pro-
vides shade and protects seedlings from heavy rain and pests, such as aphids, which transmit viruses.
Upon emergence, water the seedlings
thoroughly every morning or as needed
not too wet, not too dry, using a fine
sprinkler. Irrigate with a 0.25 wv solution
of water-soluble or liq- uid fertilizer 10-10-
10 when two true leaves appear. If
damping-off occurs, irrigate with a 0.25
wv solution of Benlate or similar fun-
gicide.
If the seedlings have been grown in shade, harden them by gradually exposing them to direct sunlight
over 4–5 days prior to transplanting. On the first day, expose them to 3–4 hours of direct sunlight. Increase
the duration until they receive full sun on the fourth day.
Fig. 2. Seedlings growing under mesh net
3
Fertilizing
The amount of fertilizer to apply depends on soil fer- tility, fertilizer recovery rate, soil organic matter, soil
mineralization of N, and soil leaching of N. A soil test is highly recommended to determine the avail-
able N, P, and K. The amount to be applied can then be calculated based on your target yield and ad-
justed for residual nutrients.
For example, if the target yield is 2.5 tha and the soil test indicates that 100 kg each of N, P, and
K are available, you would need to apply about 125 kg N, 10 kg P, and 10 kg K.
Nutrient requirements for a target yield of 5 tha dry matter basis are listed in Table 1. Forty per-
cent of the N should be applied as basal fertilizer before transplanting. The remaining 60 should be
side-dressed in three equal amounts at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after transplanting WAT. Half of the P and K
should be applied as basal fertilizer, and the remain- der should be sidedressed at 4 WAT.
Fertilizer recommendations depend heavily on local conditions. Minor nutrient deficiencies, e.g.
zinc, iron and calcium may also be factors in some localities. Consult your fertility management special-
ist for recommendations or conduct your own fertil- izer trials to determine optimum rates.
ceous crop such as tomato, eggplant, or potato. A preceding paddy rice crop is often helpful in that the
flooded soil is depleted of many soil-borne patho- gens and weed seeds. Addition of compost, animal
manures, or green manures can boost the soil’s or- ganic matter content and improve the soil’s nutrient
buffering capacity. The soil should be loosened as deeply as practical, and fitted into beds according
to local practices. Raised bed plantings are espe- cially useful during raining periods; they improve the
aeration of the pepper’s roots and minimize losses due to root diseases and flooding.
Transplanting
Recommended spacing varies depending on crop- ping system, soil type, and variety. AVRDC uses
1.5-m wide beds furrow to furrow, 30 cm high. We transplant two rows per bed. Rows are 55 cm apart,
with 45 cm between plants within rows, for a plant population density of 29,630 plantsha. Place three
or four granules of carbofuran Furadan 5G in each hole just prior to transplanting to guard against the
attack of cutworms and other insects. Under good conditions, seedlings are ready for transplanting four
to five weeks after sowing. The ideal seedling has 4–5 true leaves, is disease-free, stocky, and has no
flowers.
Bare-root seedlings are lifted from the seedbed by loosening the soil with a spading fork, and care-
fully separating the roots from the surrounding soil, discarding damaged or inferior plants, and binding
into convenient bundles for transport to the field Fig. 3. The seedlings should be kept cool, moist, and
shaded between the lifting and transplanting tasks. Transplant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy
day to minimize transplant shock. Bury each plant to the level of the cotyledons or first true leaves and
irrigate immediately to establish good root-to-soil con- tact. Transplanting can be done manually or by
machine.
Fig. 3. Growers carefully remove
bare root seedlings for
transplanting above; close-up
of seedlings right Table 1. N,P, and K requirements, expected recovery
rate, and total amount to apply for a target yield of 5 tha of dried chili peppers
z
Assuming no nutrients are available in the soil; the actual amount of fertilizer applied should be adjusted
downward based on the soil test results. t
n e
i r
t u
N t
n e
i r
t u
N t
n e
m e
r i
u q
e r
a h
g k
t n
e i
r t
u N
y r
e v
o c
e r
t n
u o
m A
d e
d e
e n
z
a h
g k
N 8
1 4
5 4
P 2
2 1
2 2
K 2
5 4
4
Staking
Plants may be staked to prevent lodging, particu- larly when they have a heavy load of fruits. Each
plant is individually staked before flowering stage Fig. 5. Yields are generally higher with staking. Other
staking and training techniques may be used based on local experience.
Irrigating
Pepper plants are fairly shallow-rooted and have low tolerance to drought or flooding. Fields should be
irrigated if there are signs of wilting at midday. Thor- ough irrigation provides uniform soil moisture, es-
sential for optimum plant and fruit growth. Furrow or drip irrigation are recommended; overhead irrigation
should be avoided as wet leaves and fruits promote disease development. If overhead irrigation must be
used, apply early in the day so that leaves are dry before nightfall.
Pepper plants cannot tolerate flooding and fields should be drained quickly after heavy rain. Pepper
plants will generally wilt and die if they stand in wa- ter for more than 48 hours. Phytophtora blight and
bacterial wilt may cause total crop loss following prolonged flooding.
Mulching
Mulching is recommended to reduce weed competi- tion, soil compaction, and soil erosion. Mulching also
maintains a uniform root environment and conserves soil moisture. Use rice straw 5 tha or other or-
ganic material, polyethylene plastic, or a combina- tion of materials.
Plastic mulch must be laid down before transplant- ing Fig. 4; organic mulches can be laid down be-
fore or after transplanting. If plastic mulch is used, holes are cut in the plastic and plants are set di-
rectly into the holes. Reflective mulches will build up less heat in the soil than black plastic mulch and
also provide some protection from aphids. During hot weather 25°C nighttime temperature, cover
plastic mulch with straw to reduce temperature in the root zone, or irrigate and drain the field frequently
to keep temperatures down.
Fig. 4. Raised beds are formed and plastic mulch is laid in preparation for planting
Controlling weeds
If mulch is not available, or does not provide adequate weed control, several herbicides are available, such
as Lasso alachlor 43EC, Amex butralin 47EC, Devrinol napropamide 2E or 10G, and Dual
metolachlor 8E or 25G.
Manual weeding can be performed as needed. At AVRDC, we spray 0.4 vv Lasso 43EC at the
base of the plants 2–3 days after transplanting, and then spray Roundup glyphosate to control weeds
in the furrows later in the season. Care must be taken that Roundup does not drift to the pepper plants.
The best herbicide, rate, and method of application will vary depending on weed species, soil type, and
temperature at time of application. Consult with your local extension office for their recommendations.
Controlling diseases
General recommendations
Use high quality, pathogen-free seeds andor seed- lings, and remove diseased leaves and seedlings
promptly. Control weeds regularly. If you have a dis- ease outbreak in one part of the field, work in other
areas of the field before working in the diseased area. To restrict the spread of tobamoviruses, dip your
hands and tools in milk before handling pepper plants. Be aware that irrigation water can carry pathogens,
such as Phytophthora capsici.
Fig. 5. Staked planting
5
Bacterial spot Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria
Small watersoaked spots on leaves become necrotic with yellow borders Fig. 7a. The lesions may be
sunken on the upper surface and raised on the lower surface. Heavily infected leaves may turn yellow and
drop, resulting in severe defoliation. Dark, raised le- sions have a corky or wart-like appearance on fruits
Fig. 7b. Elongated necrotic spots or streaks ap- pear on stems and petioles. This disease is
seedborne and can survive in crop debris from in- fected plants. Many strains attack both tomato and
pepper. The disease is enhanced by overhead wa- tering, heavy dew formation, and high temperatures.
To control this disease, rotate pepper with cere- als and other non-susceptible crops. Use pathogen-
free seed and transplants. Resistant cultivars are becoming available, but may not be resistant to all
strains of the disease. Sprays of copper or copper + maneb will reduce damage. Rain shelters may re-
duce the severity of disease during rainy periods.
Anthracnose Collectotrichum spp.
Anthracnose may occur in the field or develop as a post-harvest decay of pepper fruits. Typically, symp-
toms first appear on mature fruits as small, water- soaked, sunken lesions that rapidly expand. The le-
sions may increase to 3–4 cm in diameter on large fruits Fig. 6. Fully expanded lesions are sunken
and range from dark red to light tan. The disease may occur wherever pepper is grown under overhead
irrigation or rainfed conditions. The pathogens can be seed-borne in pepper and persist in crop debris.
They have a wide host range.
To control anthracnose, use pathogen-free seed and rotate crops. Fungicides can reduce losses.
Since symptoms usually occur on mature fruit, har- vest and utilize fruit in the immature green stage, or
harvest mature fruit frequently and process quickly. Use resistant cultivars, if available. If no resis-
tant cultivar is available, try sowing the crop when pathogen pressure is lowest, and use the proper plant
density, both in seedling production beds and in the transplanted field. High plant densities lead to weak
plants, which are more susceptible to diseases.
Prevent plants from being overloaded with fruits. Remove routinely all fruits that set at the first bifur-
cation node, and all leaves and branches below the first bifurcation node. This will promote vigorous plant
growth and reduce the spread of foliar diseases.
Crop rotation, particularly a rice–pepper rotation, helps reduce disease and insect problems. Peppers
should never follow other Solanaceous crops, such as potato Solanum tuberosum or tomato
Lycopersicon esculentum, because these crops share many soil-borne diseases. Do not plant pep-
pers after sweet potatoes Ipomea batatas, due to allelopathic effects. The following are some of the
most common diseases on chili pepper:
Fig. 6. Anthracnose lesions on mature fruit
Bacterial wilt Ralstonia solanacearum
The initial symptom is wilting of lower leaves or up- per leaves of seedlings followed by a sudden and
permanent wilt of the entire plant without yellowing Fig. 8a. Vascular browning occurs Fig. 8b and
cortical decay is sometimes evident near the soil line. Bacterial streaming from vascular elements oc-
curs when cross sections of the lower stem are sus- pended in water. The disease affects over 200 differ-
ent plant species. It is more severe on tomato, to- bacco, potato and eggplant, but it can be very dam-
aging to pepper. The bacterium survives in the soil for long periods. It gains entry through natural root
wounds or wounds created by insects, nematodes or cultivation. High temperature and high soil mois-
ture favor disease development.
Fig.7. Bacterial spot lesions on leaf and fruit
6
Aphid-transmitted viruses: Chili veinal mottle vi- rus ChiVMV, cucumber mosaic virus CMV, po-
tato virus Y PVY
Symptoms vary, but generally these diseases show mosaic, mottled andor deformed leaves Fig. 11.
Plants are stunted and the loss of marketable yield can be dramatic. To control, use resistant cultivars.
Reduce the number of aphid vectors by controlling weeds, using insecticides, and using mesh netting
to exclude aphids from seedlings. To control bacterial wilt, use pathogen-free seed-
beds to produce disease-free transplants. Fumigate seedbeds and pasteurize the planting medium for
container-grown plants. Rotate with flooded rice; ro- tation with non-susceptible crops provides limited
value. Avoid cultivation that damages roots. Use raised beds to facilitate drainage. Resistant culti-
vars are being developed.
Phytophthora blight Phytophthora capsici
This disease can occur on pepper grown anywhere in the world, at any stage of growth, and on all plant
parts. The most common symptom is a stem or col- lar rot followed by sudden wilting without foliar yel-
lowing Fig. 10a. Other symptoms include damp- ing-off and tip blight of young seedlings Fig. 10b,
dried tan-colored lesions on foliage, as well as soft- ened fruit.
Cercospora leaf spot Cercospora capsici
Its frog eye leaf lesions are circular, about 1-cm in diam-
eter, with brown borders and light gray centers Fig. 9.
Severe infection can cause leaf drop, with or without leaf
yellowing. Lesions also ap- pear on stems, petioles and
peduncles; fruit do not be- come infected. The fungus
survives from one season to another on crop debris. Ex-
tended rainy periods and close plant spacing en- hance development. Fungicides are usually only nec-
essary during conditions highly favorable to the dis- ease.
Fig.11. Mottling of leaves caused by PVY and ChiVMV, respectively.
Fig. 9. Cercospora frog eye lesions
Fig. 8. Healthy and bacterial wilt-infected plant; brown- ing of inner vascular tissue
This soil-borne disease is controlled through the use of resistant cultivars, raised beds, crop rotation,
and fungicides such as mefenoxan, metalayxl, po- tassium phosphate, copper alone, or copper-con-
taining products. To avoid soil splash, the use of mulch and furrow irrigation, rather than overhead irri-
gation, are preferred.
Fig. 10. Phytophthora lesion; healthy and blight- infested seedlings
I
7
Controlling insect pests
General recommendations
Seedlings in the nursery can be protected using mesh netting or yellow sticky traps. After plants are
in the field, scout plants at least twice a week, look- ing for damage. Plant extracts, such as neem seed
or hot pepper extract, can be sprayed on seedlings to help protect them.
Chemical pesticides should be used mainly as a corrective measure. If possible, choose a pesticide
that targets the specific pest that is causing the dam- age, and avoid pesticides that kill beneficial organ-
isms. Choose pesticides that have short persistence, i.e., the effects of which last only a few days. Chemi-
cal pesticides should be applied in the evening, and workers should not be allowed into the field until the
recommended waiting period usually 12 or 24 hours has passed. Wear protective clothing and follow la-
bel directions. If multiple applications are needed, rotate pesticides that have different modes-of-action.
Broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus
This tiny, crab-like pest Fig. 14 causes leaves to curl downwards and become narrow. Most damage
occurs between veins of young leaves. Corky tissue develops on fruits. Mites are yellow or white, tiny
about the size of a grain of sand, and found near the mid-vein on the undersides of the leaves.
This pest is controlled through the use of toler- ant cultivars, weed control, crop rotation, and miti-
cides such as abamectin and dicofol.
Aphids Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae
These are small, succulent, pear-shaped insects that vary in color from yellow to green to black Fig.
13. Aphids pierce leaves and suck the sap, caus- ing foliage to become distorted and often curled un-
der. Aphids exude a sticky substance that attracts ants and leads to the development of a sooty mold
on plants. Aphids are vectors to many viruses, in- cluding ChiVMV, CMV and PVY. Control aphids by
using reflective mulches, rotating crops, spraying with pesticides, or introducing predators and parasites.
Tobamoviruses: Tobacco mosaic virus TMV, to- mato mosaic virus ToMV; and potato mild mottle
virus PMMV
These diseases are transmitted in and on
seeds, as well as through contact of
plants. Symptoms in- clude stunting, leaf
mosaic and crinkling Fig. 12, and systemic
bleaching of leaves. To minimize problems,
use resistant varieties and pathogen-free seeds. Dip tools in milk or TSP
before handling plants.
Fig. 12. Leaf crinkling caused by PMMV
Thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis, Thrips palmi
Thrips cause young leaves to curl upwards Fig. 15a. Brown areas develop between veins of both young
and old leaves. Corky tissue develops on infested fruits. Thrips are very small and group together along
the mid-vein Fig. 15b or along borders of damaged leaf tissues.
Reduce thrip damage by controlling weeds, ro- tating crops, using predators and parasites, and ro-
tating insecticides.
Fig. 13. Aphids inset right cause sooty mold and leaf distortion
Fig. 14. Mites inset right cause leaves to curl downwards and corky tissue to develop on fruits
8
Harvesting
For fresh use, chili peppers can be harvested either at the green immature or red mature stage. It takes
about 55–60 days after flowering for fruits to fully ripen, depending on temperature, soil fertility, and
cultivar. Warmer temperatures will hasten ripening, and cooler temperatures will delay ripening. If condi-
tions are favorable, chili production can continue for several months. Fruits can be harvested weekly.
Fresh chili fruits should not be washed unless they will be kept cool 10°C until sold. Fruits should
be stored in a cool, shaded, dry place until they are sold. At typical tropical ambient temperature and hu-
midity 28°C and 60 RH, fruits will last unspoiled for 1–2 weeks. Anthracnose is the major cause of
fresh fruit spoilage.
For dry chili, its im- portant to preserve the
red color of the mature fruits. Drying them in
the sun is a common practice Fig. 18, but
this tends to bleach the fruits, and rainfall and
dew promote fruit rot. Solar dryers have been
developed, but they re- quire fairly constant
sunshine. Cloudy weather increases the drying time and the risk of
post-harvest spoilage. Blanching the fruits in hot wa- ter 65°C for 3 minutes and removing the pedicel
and calyx can decrease drying time, increase color retention, and reduce post-harvest losses. In gen-
eral, cultivars with low dry matter content andor thick flesh are difficult to dry and are generally sold fresh.
If ovens are available, dry fruits for 8 hours at 60°C, then reduce the temperature to 50°C and continue
until fruits are completely dry about 10 more hours.
In temperate regions, harvesting is usually halted by frost. In tropical and subtropical regions, produc-
tion declines due to disease or other stresses.
Other disorder
Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and other Meloidogyne spp.
This nematode damages the root system. Infested
plants become stunted and yellowed. Severely
affected plants may wilt. A careful look at the root
system will reveal small galls Fig. 17. This
nematode has a very wide host range. Its eggs
can remain dormant for a few months. Warm tem-
Fig. 17. Knotted, galled pepper root system
Tomato fruitworm Helicoverpa armigera
Tomato fruitworm feeds on flowers, pods and fruits of pepper Fig. 16. Larvae move from one fruit to the
next, destroying only small portions of each fruit. Damaged fruits may drop, ripen prematurely, or be-
come infected with disease. The entrance hole near the pedicel develops a dark scar. Monitor closely,
looking for the larvae on plants; older larvae can be found by cutting into fruits. Young larvae are light
yellow and spotted. Ma- ture larvae are brown to
gray in color with length- wise stripes along the
body.
To control, spray in- secticides to kill ex-
posed larvae. Remove infested fruits to reduce
pest populations.
Fig. 16. Fruitworm larva boring inside pepper
Fig. 15. Thrips cause leaves to curl upwards; they are often found near the mid-vein of leaves.
peratures and light sandy soils are conducive for its development.
To control, use crop rotation; flooded rice in par- ticular greatly reduces nematode populations. A few
resistant cultivars are available. Soil fumigants or nematicides may be used. Plowing during the fallow
season will expose nematodes to drying and elimi- nate weeds that host the pest.
Fig. 18. Peppers drying in the sun
Copyright © 2008, The Ohio State University
FACT SHEET
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agriculture and Natural Resources
Keeping Plants Healthy
An Overview of Integrated Plant Health Management
Sarah D. Ellis Michael J. Boehm
Department of Plant Pathology
Integrated Plant Health Management IPHM
Regardless if managing a weed, insect pest, or disease- causing organism, most specialists interested in plant
health recommend the use of a multi-pronged approach or strategy commonly referred to as an Integrated Pest
Management or an Integrated Plant Health Management approach. Integrated Plant Health Management programs
rely on the use of several methods rather than on a single means for avoiding or otherwise minimizing the impact
of plant pests and pathogens. Although sometimes called diferent names by weed scientists, entomologists, and plant
pathologists, the methods for managing or eliminating plant pests fall into ive categories.