MOALF/SHEP PLUS

Japan International Cooperation Agency Agriculture and Food Authority Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
Horticultural Crops Directorate State Department for Crop Development & Agricultural Research

Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion Project

for Local and Up-Scaling (SHEP PLUS)
“Changing Farmers’ Mindset from “Grow and Sell” to ”Grow to Sell””

CAPSICUM PRODUCTION

Prepared by SHEP PLUS

Photo: SHEP PLUS
MOALF/SHEP PLUS
Training Title: Capsicum Production
Preface
Objective: To provide a guideline on production of Capsicum
Specific Objective: • This training material applies the fundamental practices essential
• To provide basic information on production, post-harvest for crop production and successful marketing to put into
handling, and marketing of Capsicum perspective the case of horticultural crop production.
Contents:
• The fundamental practices are categorized into seven (7) broad
1. Introduction: Background, Common Varieties and Optimal topics and twenty (20) sub-topics; the twenty sub-topics are
Ecological Requirements referred to as the General Horticulture Crop Production and Post-
2. Pre-Cultivation Preparation 1 – 5 Harvest Handling Techniques (GHCP&PHHT20). This
categorization is based on the Smallholder Horticulture
3. Cultural Practices 1- 10 Empowerment & Promotion Unit Project (SHEP UP) experience
4. Harvest in mitigating production and marketing challenges facing
5. Post-Harvest Handling smallholder horticultural farmers.
6. Cost & Income Analysis • The seven (7) broad topics are: Pre-Cultivation Preparation; Land
7. Post-Training Evaluation Exercise Preparation; Crop Establishment (Planting/Transplanting); Crop
Contacts: Management; Harvest; Post-Harvest Handling: and Cost and
Income Analysis.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries (MOALF):
Kilimo House, Cathedral Road, P.O. Box 34188-00100, Nairobi, • The sub-topics under each topic are as follows: Pre-Cultivation
KENYA, Tel: 020-2718870 Preparation (market survey, crop planting calendar(s), soil
sampling & analysis, composting, and quality seed/planting
• Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Horticultural Crops material(s)); Land Preparation (land preparation practices,
Directorate (HCD): incorporation of crop residues, and basal application); Crop
Airport Road, Opp. JKIA, P.O. Box 42601-00100, Nairobi, KENYA, Establishment (raising seedlings, planting/transplanting,
Tel: 020-2131560/3597356 fertilizer application); Crop Management (water requirement,
managing of weeds, top-dressing, pests & diseases management
• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kenya Office: practices, and safe & effective use of pesticides); Harvest
BRITAM Tower, 22nd & 23rd, Hospital Road, (harvesting indices); Post-Harvest Handling (appropriate
P.O. Box 50572-00200, Nairobi, KENYA, Tel: 020-2775000 containers/standard packaging materials, and value addition
techniques); and Cost and Income Analysis (cost and income
• Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Project analysis).
for Local and Up-Scaling (SHEP PLUS):
N.H.I.F. Building, 4th Floor, Ngong Road/Haile Selassie Avenue, • The issues outlined in the twenty (20) sub-topics might not
Upper Hill necessarily be applicable in all cases. But where applicable, it is
recommended that the instructions issued be given due
P.O. Box 19024-00100, Nairobi, KENYA consideration.
Tel: 0712-504095 /0737-293867, E-mail: [email protected]
Disclaimer
Capsicum Production, First published by SHEP in 2009, revised by SHEP PLUS in 2019 (Ver.6)
Editors: James Arim, Stephen Kioko, Collins Otieno, Calistus Efukho, Grace Mbuthia, Florence Mangoli, Zablon Oirere, Elizabeth Mbuthia, Fransisca Malenge, Jiro Aikawa, Kiyoshi Kita,
Harue Kitajima, Yasuhiro Takashina, Taku Seo
Contributors: Grays Kiplagat, Thomas Mumu, Sarah Ndegwa, Antonina Luta, Peter Orangi, Florence Wambua, Raymond Chelule, Murage Henry, Omari Victor, Jacob Keror, Musah
Samuel, Carolyne Mwenze
All rights reserved. This publication may be reproduced without permission for non-commercial use. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MOALF), Agriculture and
Food Authority (Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)) of the Republic of Kenya and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) should be acknowledged.
This publication was prepared under the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Project for Local and Up-Scaling (SHEP PLUS) on behalf of Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock and Fisheries (MOALF), and Agriculture and Food Authority (Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)) of the Republic of Kenya and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The cited agrochemicals are in accordance with “Pest Control Product Registered for Use in Kenya 11 th Edition, 2018”. The registered agrochemicals are subject to change. Please refer to
the latest registered agrochemicals by Pest Control Product Board.
MOALF/SHEP PLUS

1. Introduction:
1.1 Background
1-1

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Capsicum (Pili Pili Hoho, Pili Pili Mboga)

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1. Introduction:
1.1 Background

1. Introduction:
1-1 1.1 Background
• Capsicum belongs to solanaceae family
• It has a mild flavor, is not hot
• It is rich in Vitamin A and C
• It also has nutritive elements such as
Potassium and Phosphorus
• Its fruits are consumed fresh, dried or
processed form as table vegetable or
spice
• Is eaten raw in salads or cooked in food
Photo: SHEP PLUS seasonings

Capsicum (Pili Pili Hoho, Pili Pili Mboga)

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1.2 Common Varieties

1-2 1-3

Photo: SHEP PLUS Photo: SHEP PLUS

Open Field Variety Greenhouse Production

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1.2 Common Varieties

1-2
1.2 Some Common Varieties
There are two main types: determinate (open field)
and Indeterminate (greenhouse) varieties.
• Determinate varieties: are bushy with defined
growth and development period. Examples
Photo: SHEP PLUS include Yolo Wonder and California Wonder
Open field variety • Indeterminate varieties: achieve growth through
single apical stem with few secondary branches.
Examples Commandant F1, Admiral F1,
Nemalite F1, Green Bell F1
1-3

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Greenhouse production
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1.2 Common Varieties Cont’

1-4 1-5

Photo: http://www.burpee.com/vegetables/peppers/pepper- Photo: http://www.neseed.com/Pepper-Seeds-Yolo-

sweet-california-wonder-prod000825.html Wonder-p/32400.htm

“California Wonder” “Yolo Wonder”

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1.2 Common Varieties

1-4
1.2 Some Common Varieties
• The following are the common varieties grown in
Kenya
“California Wonder”:
• Suitable for home and market gardening
• Fruits are thick walled, 4 lobed, blocky and
compact
“California Wonder” • Yield: 6,000kg per acre
“Yolo Wonder”:
1-5 • A popular variety for export and local market
• Fruits are shiny dark green, 3 – 4 lobed, firm
and blocky
• It is vigorous, compact and high yielding
• Yield: 6,00kg per acre

“Yolo Wonder”
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1.2 Common Varieties Cont’

1-6 1-7

Photo: https://www.syngenta.co.ke/product/seed/ Photo: https://www.syngenta.co.za/admiral

“Commandant F1” “Admiral F1”

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1.2 Common Varieties Cont’

1-6
1.2 Some Common Varieties Cont’
“Commandant F1":
• Can be grown in open field and greenhouse
• Has resistance to Potato virus, Tomato mosaic
and Tobacco mosaic, pepper mild mottle and
bacterial spot
• Has long harvesting period: 10 weeks and 4-6
months for open field & greenhouse respectively
Picture: https://www.syngenta.co.ke/product/seed/
• Fruits can be harvested green (75 days) or red
“Commandant F1” •
(90 days)
Yield: 25,000-30,000kg per acre (open field),
50,000-60,000kg per acre (green house)

1-7 “Admiral F1”:

• Can be grown in open field and greenhouse
• Has similar characteristics to Commandant F1
• Fruits can be harvested green (75 days) or
yellow (90 days)
• Yield: 25,000-3,000kg per acre (open field),
50,000-60,000kg per acre (green house)

“Admiral F1”
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1.3 Optimal Ecological

Requirements
Altitude 0 – 2,000 metres above
sea level
Rainfall 600 – 1,200 mm of rainfall
annually
Growing 18 – 30 0C
Temperature
Soils •Well-drained loamy soils
•pH 5.5 – 6.8
•High organic matter
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1.3 Optimal Ecological Requirements

Altitude 0 – 2,000 metres above sea level

Rainfall 600 – 1,200 mm of rainfall annually
Growing 18 – 30 0C
Temperature
Soils • Well-drained loamy soils
• pH 5.5 – 6.8
• High organic matter

1.3 Optimal Ecological Requirements

• Altitude: Capsicum can be cultivated up to 2,000 m above sea level
• Rainfall: Capsicum performs well in areas that receive 600 – 1,200 mm of rainfall annually
which is well distributed throughout the growing period is required
• Temperature: Capsicum performs well in warm climatic conditions. The optimal temperature
range is 18 – 30 0C
• Soil: Capsicum requires well drained loamy, or heavy cracking clay soils with high organic
matter. The optimal soil pH range is 5.5 – 6.8

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2. G20 technologies
1. Market survey 7. Incorporating crop
2. Crop planting residues
calendar 8. Basal application of
3. Soil testing compost/ manure
4. Composting 9. Recommended
5. Use of quality practices of seedling
planting materials preparation/
seedlings from
6. Recommended land registered nursery
preparation practices

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2. G20 technologies

[G20 Technologies]
Make sure to support farmers
carry out G20 techniques for
any crop

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2. G20 technologies
10.Recommended 16.Safe and effective
spacing use of pesticides
11.Recommended 17.Use of harvesting
fertilizer application indices
rate 18.Appropriate post
12.Supplementing harvest handling
water containers
13.Timely weeding 19.Value addition
14.Top-dressing techniques
15.IPM practices 20.Keeping farm
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2. G20 technologies

[G20 Technologies]
Make sure to support farmers
carry out G20 techniques for
any crop

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2.1 Crop Planting Calendar

A Sample of a Capsicum Planting Calendar
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

Seedrate 1st top- 2nd top- Harvesting

@ 100g/acre begins
dress dress
Seedlings in 40 kg CAN 80 kg CAN 75 – 90 days
nursery for 6 per acre per acre after trans-
– 8 weeks planting
(5 g/hole (10 g/hole
Plough land
thoroughly & = 1 bottle = 2 bottle Peak demand
Sorting &
make beds top/hole) tops/hole)
Grading
Transplant at
for Capsicum
Weeding Pest & Yields:
60 x 45 cm
6,000kg/cre (OPV)
disease 25,000–30,000kg per
Fertilizer NPK
Pest & control acre (F1)
at 10gm/hole
or TSP/DAP disease 50,000-60,000 per
acre
100kg/ acre control (Green house)

Marketing
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2.1 Crop Planting Calendar

2.1 Crop Planting Calendar
(GHCP&PHHT20: Q2)
• A tool used by farmers to
plan for production to ensure
that marketing coincides
with the period of the year
when the market price of a
produce is highest
Procedure:
1. Determine from the market
survey results (2.1) when
there is peak demand for
Capsicum
2. Work backwards from the
month when there is peak
demand to prepare a
monthly farm activities
preceding the peak period
3. Use the monthly activities
preceding the peak as a
procurement plan for farm
inputs and a guide for farm
A Sample of a Capsicum Planting Calendar: operations

Targeting a peak market demand beginning Notes:

• To meet the peak demand
just after September period of the market, there
may be need for
supplemental irrigation
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2.2 Composting
2-3

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Manure preparation through composting

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2.2 Composting

2.2 Composting (GHCP&PHHT20: Q4)

2-3 • During compost making, the organic matter
need to be covered to prevent leaching of
nutrients
• Capsicum requires well composed manure to
avoid soil borne diseases
• Application rate of 4 – 8 tons per acre of
manure required depending on the soil
organic matter content. This is equivalent to 1
– 2 handfuls of manure per sowing hole
• It should be mixed thoroughly with the soil in
Photo: SHEP PLUS
the planting hole

Manure preparation
through composting

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3.1 Basal Application

3-3

Manure

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Manure incorporation as a basal application

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3.1 Basal Application

3.1 Basal Application (GHCP&PHHT20: Q8)

3-3 • Capsicum thrive best if supplied with a
generous amount of manure/compost
• Recommendation is to supply 4 – 8 tones
per acre of organic matter
• Apply 100 kg per acre of Double Super
Manure Phosphate (DSP)/ Triple Super
Phosphate (TSP) fertilizer at sowing time
• It is however vital to confirm soil nutrients
through soil analysis
• This will determine the type of fertilizer to
Photo: SHEP PLUS use

Manure incorporation as a
basal application

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3.2 Raising Seedlings

3-4

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Raising seedlings in nursery bed

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3.2 Raising Seedlings

3.2 Raising Seedlings (GHCP&PHHT20: Q9)
• Capsicum is normally raised in nursery & transplanted but it
can also be directly sown
• Capsicum can also be raised in seed trays
• Seed Rate: 100g per acre
Nursery Site Selection:
• The nursery should be sited in a plot that has not been
3-4 planted with a member of Solanaceae family for the last 3
years
• The nursery site should be well drained
Nursery Establishment:
• Prepare a nursery bed of 1 m width and of a convenient
length
• Make drills on the seedbed at a spacing of 10 – 20 cm apart
• Thinly sow the seeds in the drills and cover lightly with soil
• Water the nursery regularly
• Prepare shade and cover with organic materials such as dry
grass
• The shade protects young seedlings from exposure to sun

Raising seedlings in Management of Nursery:

• Water the nursery regularly
nursery bed • Harden the seedlings 1 – 2 weeks before transplanting by
reducing the frequency of watering and gradually exposing
the seedlings to direct sunlight
• Control of whiteflies is important since they transmit viruses
to young Capsicum plants
• These insects can be blocked from reaching the seedlings by
using an insect proof net
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3.3 Transplanting

3-5

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Transplanted Capsicum plants in the field

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3.3 Transplanting
3.3 Transplanting
3.3.1 Appropriate Time
3-5 • Seedlings are transplanted out in the field at the 4
– 6 true leaf stage, usually 6 – 8 weeks after
sowing
• Hardy transplants can be produced by restricting
water and removing shade protection 1 week
before transplanting
• It is recommended that transplanting should be
done either early in the morning or late in the
evening
3.3.2 Recommended Spacing (GHCP&PHHT20: Q10)
• Plant Spacing: 60 cm×45 cm or 70 cm×30 cm
depending on the variety
• Plant Population per Acre: range from 14,814 to
19,047
• Appropriate spacing produces short sturdy plants
with good root system
3.3.3 Fertilizer Application Rates (GHCP&PHHT20:
Transplanted Capsicum Q11)
plants in the field • The type of fertilizer and amount needed depend on
soil analysis results
• Apply 100 kg per acre of DSP/TSP during
transplanting
• The fertilizer should be mixed thoroughly with the
soil
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3.4 Top-dressing
3-10

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Top-dressing using the placement method

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3.4 Top-dressing

3.4 Top-dressing (GHCP&PHHT20: Q14)

3-10
• Capsicum crop should be top-dressed with
organic and inorganic chemical fertilizers to
produce high yields
• 1st top-dressing is done with 40 kg per acre
of CAN 2 – 3 weeks after transplanting
• 2nd top-dressing is done with 80 kg per acre
of CAN 4 – 6 weeks after transplanting
• During flowering high amounts of nitrogenous
fertilizer should be avoided

Top-dressing using the

placement method

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3.5 Crop Management

3.5.1 Training & Staking
3-11

Photo: Darbie Granberry, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Well trained & staked Capsicum field

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3.5 Crop Management

3.5.1 Training & Staking

3.5 Crop Management

3-11 3.5.1 Training and Staking
• Staking keeps the plants upright and also keep
the fruit away from the soil
• Staking materials: Wood stakes, bamboo or any
sturdy material
• Strings, plastic strips or other material can be
used for training the plant to the stake
• It keeps the canopy intact, thus preventing
sunscald on the fruit
• It also prevents the plant from splitting during a
heavy fruit load
Well trained & staked • Staking can help minimize lodging
Capsicum field

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3.5.2 Pruning
3-13

Diagram: SHEP PLUS

Pruning of Capsicum plant

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3.5.2 Pruning

3-13
3.5.2 Pruning
• Capsicum plants initially develop one single stem

• Later more shoots develop

• Each shoot will branch further after one or two

leaves, while producing flower buds at the point of
division

• The most common way of growing Capsicum is to

facilitate development of two main shoots

• If three or four main shoots are required, the third

and fourth must normally be taken from the
second branching

• Side shoots should have equal vigour

Pruning of Capsicum plant

Diagram: SHEP PLUS
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3.5.3 Control Flower Load

3-15

Photo: By Bekhzod.kh - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18751906

A capsicum flower 16/37

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3.5.3 Control Flower Load

3.9.3 Control Flower Load

3-15 • Capsicum plant starts flowering about 2 – 3 weeks after

planting

• The first flower must be removed

• Later flowers may develop into fruit

• Sufficient leaf area must have developed for one to allow

the plants to carry the fruits

• Plants with 3 or 4 axils above the branching are big

enough to be allowed to set fruit

• Young plants fruit load must be controlled by the grower, in

order to achieve a reasonable fruit weight

A capsicum
flower

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3.6.1 Major Pests

A B C D

Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State Photo: John C. French Sr., Retired, Photo: David L. Clement, University of Maryland,
University, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US) Universities:Auburn, GA, Clemson and U of MO, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
Photo: Clemson University - USDA Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
Cooperative Extension Slide
Series, Bugwood.org (CC BY
3.0 US)

E F G H

Photo: Phil Sloderbeck, Kansas State University, Photo: David Riley, University of Georgia, Photo: Andrew Derksen, USDA-APHIS,
Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US) Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US) Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
Photo: O.P. Sharma, Bugwood.org
(CC BY 3.0 US)

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3.6.1 Major Pests

3.10.3 Major Pests

• Pest damage causes a reduction in
quality and quantity of produce

• The following are the major pests of

Capsicum in Kenya:
A. White Fly
B. Root-Knot Nematode
C. Aphid
D. Cutworm
E. Spider Mite
F. Fruit Borer
G. Leaf Miner
H. Thrips

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3.6.1.A: White Fly

3-17

Photo: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

White Flies on a leaf

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3.6.1.A: White Fly

3.6.1.D: White Fly
Identification :
• Whiteflies are soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids
• They can be as small as 1/12 of an inch, and are often found in clusters
on the undersides of leaves
• They are active during daytime
3-17 • Whiteflies are capable of over wintering and reproducing throughout the
year in warmer climates
Damages:
• Whitefly immature stages (nymphs) and adults suck sap from leaves
producing chlorotic spots on infested leaves
• Nymphs excrete a clear sugary liquid known as honeydew, which
proliferates the growth of a black sooty mould, affecting photosynthesis
• Whiteflies are vectors of important viral diseases, such as Chili Leaf
Curl virus
Control:
• Keep the seedlings protected under a fine meshed insect netting until
they are ready for transplanting
White Flies on • Make sure the netting is always properly closed
a leaf • Use of traps with yellow polyethylene with a sticker to attract the insects
• Conserve natural enemies: Parasitic Wasps, Predatory Mites, Ladybird
& Lacewings
• Spray with insecticides, such as
- Lambada Cyhalothrin 106 g/kg +Thiamethoxam 141 g/kg
(LEXUS 247 SC)

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3.6.1.B: Root-knot Nematode

3-18

Photo: David L. Clement, University of Maryland, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Symptom of “Root-knot Nematode” on

roots
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3.6.1.B: Root-knot Nematode

3.6.1.A: Root-knot Nematode

• Nematodes are soil inhabitants easily spread by infested
seedlings, soil washed down the slopes or by implements
• Root–knot Nematodes are most serious on light sandy
3-18 soils
Identification:
• Small lumps or galls develop on the infested roots
• The galls on Capsicum are much smaller than those on
cucurbits or Tomato
Damages:
• Wilting of plants
• The plant roots can be seen to be distorted, swollen and
bearing galls (knots)
• The infested roots eventually rot and affected plants die
Symptom of roots Control:
damaged by “African • Crop rotation
• Mixed cropping with African Marigold
Bollworm” • Maintaining high levels of organic matter in the soil
• Use some bio products e.g.) Neem extracts
(Nimbecidine®, Achook EC®)

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3.6.1.C: Aphid

3-19

Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Aphids on a leaf
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3.6.1.C: Aphid
3.6.1.B: Aphid
Identification:
• Aphids occur in colonies initially around tender plant
parts and on the lower leaf surface
• When numerous, they can be found on all above
ground parts of the plant

3-19 Damages:
• Aphids damage plants by sucking their sap, excreting
a sticky substance (honeydew) that coats the plants,
or/and by transmitting viral diseases
• Curling, wrinkling, or cupping of young leaves,
chlorotic spotting, mottling of older leaves,
stunting and wilting of plants
• Growth of sooty mould on honeydew excreted by
aphids reduces photosynthesis and affects fruit
quality
Control:
• Naturally controlled by predators, such as ladybird,
beetles, hoverflies, anthocorid bugs, spiders and
Aphids on a leaf lacewings and by fungal diseases
• Indigenous natural enemy
– Parasitic wasp (Aphitech®)
• Spray with insecticides, such as
– Acetamiprid 200g/Kg (PRESENTO 200SP®)
– Alpha cypermethrin (DEGREE 100EC®)
– Lambdacyhalothrin + Thiamethoxam (LEXUS
247SC®)
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3.6.1.D: Cutworm
3-20

Photo: John C. French Sr., Retired, Universities:Auburn, GA, Clemson and U of MO, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

A cutworm larva
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3.6.1.D: Cutworm

3.6.1.C: Cutworm
• Cutworms are the caterpillars of various moths
• They drop to the soil where they live until pupation
• They hide during the day in the soil around the base
of the plants and climb into plants at night
3-20 Damages:
• Young caterpillars feed on leaves making small
holes
• Cutting stems of young seedlings at the level of
the soil
Control:
• Eliminate weeds early, well before transplanting
• Plough and harrow the field to expose Cutworms to
natural enemies and desiccation 3 – 4 weeks before
transplanting is done
• Dig near damaged seedlings and destroy them
• Conserve natural enemies: Parasitic wasps and
ants are important in natural control of Cutworms
A cutworm larva • Application of Azadirachtin 0.03% (NIMBECIDINE
EC®) and Imidacloprid 17.8% (TATA MIDA 200SL®)

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3.6.1.E: Spider Mite

3-22

Photo: O.P. Sharma, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Spider mites on a leaf

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3.6.1.E: Spider Mite

3.6.1.E: Spider Mite
Identification:
• Adults are oval and have eight legs
• They are very tiny (0.5 mm) resembling tiny moving dots
• They vary in colour depending on the species
3-22 • Many of the species are bright red in colour, others are
yellowish, greenish, pinkish, orange or reddish
• The Two-spotted Spider Mite has a large dark blotch on each
side of the body
Damages:
• Spider Mites suck the sap of the plants, causing mottling of
the upper leaf surface
• Infested leaves first show a white to yellowing speckling, and
then eventually turn bronze and fall off as the infestation
becomes heavy
• Spider Mites prefer the lower surface of the leaves, but in
severe infestations occur on both leaf surfaces as well as on
stems and fruits
• High infestations cause defoliation
Control:
• Field hygiene is important for the management of Spider Mites
Spider mites on a leaf • Conserve natural enemies, such as Predatory Mites
• Chemical sprays using miticides, such as
– Oxydemeton-Methyl 250g/L (HATTRICK EC®)
– AMBLYTECH® (predatory mite)
– PHYTOTECH® (predatory mite)

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3.6.1.F: Fruit Borer

3-23

Photo: Phil Sloderbeck, Kansas State University, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Fruit Borer larvae in a capsicum fruit

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3.6.1.F: Fruit Borer

3.6.1.F: Fruit Borer
Identification:
• Fruits Borers (Bollworms) are about 2 – 3.5 cm long
• Moths are active at dusk and at night
• Moths of Fruit Borers, feed on nectar and lay eggs on leaves
Damages:
• Some species feed on leaves causing defoliation and slow plant
growth
3-23 • Attack on flower buds results in flower abortion
• Caterpillars usually bore holes in fruits, causing extensive damage
and promoting decay from secondary infection by diseases
Control:
• Check the crop regularly (scouting)
• Plough the soil before planting
• Handpick and destroy damaged fruits, eggs and caterpillars
• Conserve natural enemies: Parasitic Wasps, Ants, Pirate Bugs
etc.
• Scouting the crop in order to detect eggs or larvae before they bore
Fruit Borer larvae in a into the fruit
capsicum fruit • Use trap crops, such as tasseling maize for ovipositing adult
females
• Use bio-pesticides, such as Bacillus thuringinesis (Bt), neem
products or other plant extracts
• Spray insecticides, such as
– Lambda Cyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 WG®)

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3.6.1.G: Leaf Miner

3-24

Photo: David Riley, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Leaves infested by Leaf Miner

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3.6.1.G: Leaf Miner

3.6.1.G: Leaf Miner
Identification :
• Female flies make numerous small, whitish tunnels (mines) on the
foliage when feeding and depositing eggs
• Full-grown maggots come out of the mines to pupate in the soil beneath
the plants or on the foliage
• Maggots are the most destructive stage
Damages:
3-24 • The females lay eggs that hatch into tiny yellow maggots which feed on
leaf tissues leaving a wandering track (whitish tunnels) known as
mines
• The mines may reduce photosynthetic activity, affecting development
of flowers and fruits
• These tunnels can serve as entry points for disease-causing organisms
• Completely mined leaves might dry up and fall off prematurely
• Wilting of plants leading to fruit sunscald, death of the young plants
and yield loss
Control:
Leaves infested • Ploughing and solarization can help in exposing pupae to desiccation
by Leaf Miner and natural enemies
• Conserve natural enemies
• Neem products are effective for controlling Leafminers
• Use of Systemic chemicals and observe PHI
• Spray insecticides, such as
– Thiocyclam 50% w/w(EVISECT S®)
– Spinosad 480Gg/L(TRACER 480SC®)

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3.6.1.H: Thrips

3-26 3-27

Photo: Andrew Derksen, USDA-APHIS, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US) Photo: Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Thrips and damage on capsicum leaves

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3.6.1.H: Thrips
3.6.1.H: Thrips
3-26 Identification:
• Often concealed under the calyx
• Thrips usually feed on all above ground parts of plants
preferring the underside of young leaves, flowers and fruits
Damages:
• Thrips puncture leaves and suck the exuding sap
• At the initial stage of infestation, leaves have a silvery sheen
and show small, dark spots of faecal material on the
underside
• Later leaves curl upward, wrinkle and finally dry up leading to
fruit sunscald
3-27 • Damaged leaves, buds and fruits turn rusty in colour
• Wilting, retardation of leaf development and distortion of
young shoots resulting in stunted plants
• Attack on fruits causes deformation and scarring of the fruits
• Thrips transmit the Tomato Spotted Wilt virus and Leaf Curl
disease
Control:
• Conserve natural enemies, such as Anthocorid Bugs,
Predatory Mites and Spiders
• Spray insecticides, such as
Thrips and damage – Spinosad 480g/L (TRACER 480 SC®)
– Thiocyclam 50% w/w (EVISECT S®)
on capsicum
leaves
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3.6.2 Major Diseases

a b c

Photo: Ontario Crop IPM, © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2009

Photo: © A. A. Seif & B. Nyambo, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/peppers/diseases-
Photo: Seth Dale, 127103, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US) and-disorders/bacterial-soft-rot.html
http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Pests/Damping-
diseases

d e f
Photo: Florida Division of
Plant Industry ,
Florida
Department of
Agriculture and
Consumer
Services,
Photo: Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Photo: © A. M. Valera, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) http://www.infonet-
Bugwood.org (CC
Department of Agriculture and biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Peppers#simple-table-of-
BY 3.0 US)
Consumer Services, Bugwood.org (CC contents-3
BY 3.0 US)

g h i
Photo: © A. A. Seif & B.
Nyamido, icipe (CC
BY-NC-SA 3.0)
http://www.infonet-
biovision.org/PlantHe
alth/Crops/Peppers#s
Photo: © A. A. Seif & B. Nyamido, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) imple-table-of-
contents-3 Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research
http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Peppers#simple-
and Education Center, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
table-of-contents-3
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3.6.2 Major Diseases

3.10.4 Major Diseases

• Disease infection leads to reduction
in quality and quantity of produce

• The following are the major diseases

of Capsicum in Kenya:
a. Damping-off
b. Anthracnose
c. Bacterial Soft Rot
d. Viral Diseases
e. Bacterial Wilt
f. Leaf Spot
g. Fusarium Wilt
h. Powdery Mildew
i. Blossom End Rot

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3.6.2.a: Damping-off

3-28

Photo: © A. A. Seif & B. Nyambo, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Pests/Damping-diseases

Capsicum seedlings showing

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3.6.2.a: Damping-off
3.6.2.a: Damping-off
General Descriptions:
• This disease is soil borne caused by fungi
• There are 2 two types of Damping-off:
3-28 – Seedlings fail to emerge (Pre-emergence Damping-off)
– Small seedlings collapse (Post-emergence Damping-off)
Symptoms:
• Seedlings are stunted through root rot and/or collar rot
• Nursery beds show irregular patches
• Leaves: lesions, abnormal colours, abnormal forms, wilting,
fungal growth
• Roots: lesions
• Seeds: rot, discolorations
• Stems: external discoloration, canker, abnormal growth,
mycelium visible
• Whole plant: plant death, dieback, damping-off
Capsicum seedlings
Control:
showing symptoms • Growing certified disease-free seed
of Damping-off • Nursery beds be located on well drained sites, not previously
under vegetable production
• Proper watering regime
• Use of appropriate fungicides as spray or soil drench, such as
– Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (AMIDIL 68WG®)

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3.6.2.b: Anthracnose
3-30

Photo: Seth Dale, 127103, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Capsicum fruits
affected by Anthracnose 28/37
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3.6.2.b: Anthracnose
3.6.2.b: Anthracnose
General Descriptions:
• Anthracnose is caused by Colletotrichum spp.
• Spores dispersed by water-splash, air currents,
insects or other forms of contact
3-30 • Transmitted through seed, but also through
infected plant parts
• Persists on and in the seed, crop residues, and
weed hosts
Symptoms:
• Dark, sunken spots up to 2.5 cm across on
Capsicum
• The spots on green and ripe fruits surface may be
covered with salmon-pink mass of spores in moist
weather
Control:
• Use certified disease-free seeds
• Practice field sanitation (removal of crop debris
Capsicum fruits after harvest)
• Application of registered fungicides, such as
affected by Anthracnose - Propineb (ANTRACOL WP 70®)

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3.6.2.c: Bacterial Soft Rot

3-32

Photo: © Marita Cantwell, UC Davis vegetable Produce facts English. Bell Pepper : Recommendations for Maintaining Postharvest Quality.
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/Commodity_Resources/Fact_Sheets/Datastores/Vegetables_English/?uid=5&ds=799 (Accessed on March 20, 2019)

Bacterial Soft Rot on a Capsicum fruit

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3.6.2.c: Bacterial Soft Rot

3.6.2.c: Bacterial Soft Rot
General Descriptions:
• The bacteria are soil-borne
• Soft Rot is primarily a post-harvest problem
3-32 • The disease is serious during rainy periods
because the bacteria are splashed from the soil onto
the fruit, which are more susceptible due to their high
moisture content
• The disease begins in the peduncle and calyx
tissues of harvested fruit
Symptoms:
• Fruit infected on the plant collapses and hangs on
the plant like a water-filled bag
• When the contents leak out, a dry shell of the fruit
remains
Photo: © Marita Cantwell, UC Davis vegetable Produce Control:
facts English. Bell Pepper : Recommendations for
Maintaining Postharvest Quality.
• Crop rotation with pulses and cereals
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/Commodity_Resources/Fact_ • Control of insects that cause injury to fruits
Sheets/Datastores/Vegetables_English/?uid=5&ds=79 • Post-harvest decay can be reduced by harvesting
9 (Accessed on March 20, 2019) fruits when dry
• Minimize injury during handling
Bacterial Soft Rot on a • Store at cool temperatures
Capsicum fruits

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3.6.2.d: Viral Diseases

3-35

3-34

Photo: Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture

and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Photo: William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Cucumber Mosaic Alfalfa Mosaic

Virus infection virus infection
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3.6.2.d: Viral Diseases

3.6.2.d: Viral Diseases
General Descriptions:
3-34 •
•
Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is the most important world wide
Other viral diseases include Alfalfa Mosaic Virus (AMV),
Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
(TSWV), Pepper Mottle Virus (PeMV), Potato Virus Y (PVY),
Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV)
• Most of these viruses are transmitted by insects such as
aphids, infected seed and a few mechanically
Symptoms:
• Difficult to firmly diagnose by symptoms as they can be altered by
factors like cultivar, age of host plant, environmental
Cucumber Mosaic conditions, host plant nutrition and viral strains, not to mention
the occurrence of virus mixtures
Virus infection • Some symptoms are; mosaic patterns on leaves, yellowing,
ring spots, leaf deformation or distortion, curling of leaves,
and/or stunting of plants
3-35 • Also, reduction of fruit size, distortion, and/or ring patterns
could be seen
Control:
• Rogue out and burn affected plant (including alternative
hosts) immediately
• Use barrier crops to minimize virus spread
• Use oil sprays to reduce virus transmission by Aphids
• Use reflective mulches (silver colored) to repel Aphids and
Thrips
• Field hygiene & Crop rotation
• Control the insect vectors
Alfafa Mosaic virus • Use certified seeds
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3.6.2.e: Bacterial Wilt

3-40

3-39

Photo: © A. M. Valera, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Peppers#simple-table-of-contents-3

Bacterial Wilt symptoms on

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3.6.2.e: Bacterial Wilt

3-39 3.6.2.e: Bacterial Wilt
General Descriptions:
• The bacteria attack a wide range of crops and
solanaceous weeds and can survive in the soil for
long periods
• It is favoured by wet, warm conditions
• Cross sectional cut from roots and lower stems of
diseased plants exude milky streams of bacteria
from the vascular system when suspended in water
3-40 Symptoms:
• Wilting of the entire plant with no leaf yellowing
Control:
• Roguing of infected plants
• Control Root-knot Nematodes since they could
facilitate infection and spread of Bacterial Wilt
• Soil amendments (organic manures)
• Crop rotation to avoid continuous planting of
Solanaceous crops
• Proper irrigation management
Photo: © A. M. Valera, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Peppers#simple-
table-of-contents-3

Bacterial Wilt symptoms

on capsicum plants
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3.6.2.f: Leaf Spot

3-41

Photo: Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Cercospora Leaf Spot symptoms on a leaf

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3.6.2.f: Leaf Spot

3.6.2.f: Leaf Spot
General Descriptions:
3-41 • The fungus survives on seeds and in crop
debris
• The disease is favored by prolonged periods
of wetness
Symptoms:
• Spots on leaves are brown and circular with
small to large light grey centers and dark brown
margins
• Spots on stems, petioles and peduncles are
typically elliptical with same characteristic colour
Control:
• Use certified seeds
• Maintain adequate soil moisture, especially at
fruit development stages
• Carry out soil liming in calcium deficient soils
• Top-dress with CN and ensure adequate soil
Photo: Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture
moisture
and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
• Maintain field sanitation
• Spray the crop with calcium chloride,
Cercospora Leaf Spot Mancozeb (Dithane M45WP®)
symptoms on a leaf

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3.6.2.g: Fusarium Wilt

3-42 3-43

Photo: © A. A. Seif & B. Nyamido, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Peppers#simple-table-of-contents-3

Fusarium Wilt on crops in the field

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3.6.2.g: Fusarium Wilt

3.6.2.g: Fusarium Wilt
3-42
General Descriptions:
• The fungus lives indefinitely in the soil
• It is spread by irrigation water
• It is very susceptible to changes in temperature and
soil moisture
• It is serious in poorly drained fields
Symptoms:
• Drooping and yellowing of lower leaves followed by
wilting of the entire plant
• Leaves on infected plants remain attached and the
3-43 vascular system of the plant is discoloured,
particularly in the lower stem and roots
Control:
• Crop rotation
• Lime the soil (soil pH 7.0 – 7.5 reduces fusarium wilt
disease)
• Ensure the soil has a good drainage

Photo: © A. A. Seif & B. Nyamido, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Peppers#simple-table-of-contents-3

Fusarium Wilt on Capsicum

plants in the field
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3.6.2.h: Powdery Mildew

3-44

Photo: © A. A. Seif & B. Nyamido, icipe (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

http://www.infonet-biovision.org/PlantHealth/Crops/Peppers#simple-table-of-contents-3

Leaves showing the initial sporulation

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3.6.2.h: Powdery Mildew

3.6.2.h: Powdery Mildew

3-44 General Descriptions:
• The disease is caused by a fungus
• It is favoured by warm, humid and dry weather
Symptoms:
• Yellowish blotches appear on upper surface, spots with
a white to grey powdery fungal growth appear on the
lower leaf surface
• The disease progresses from the older to younger
leaves shedding the foliage
• Leaf defoliation leads to reduction in size and number
of fruits
Control:
• Apply preventive fungicides, such as
- Sulphur (Cosavet DF®)
• Remove and destroy crop debris after harvest

Leaves showing the

initial sporulation

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3.6.2.i: Blossom End Rot

3-46

Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)

Advanced Blossom End Rot symptoms

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3.6.2.i: Blossom End Rot

3.6.2.i: Blossom End Rot

Symptoms:
• The end of the fruit becomes off-whitish to
brown in colour and takes on a “sunken”
3-46 appearance
• As the fruit matures, these symptoms become
more pronounced and the colour of the rot
becomes dark brown to almost black
Control:
• Boost the soil with calcium by adding lime,
Calcium Nitrate, dolomite, gypsum or
composted animal manures before planting
the seedlings
• Water regularly: Capsicum continue to flower
and bear fruit for prolonged periods of time, so
ensure the soil around their roots is kept moist
• Avoid fertilizers with a high nitrogen content:
Advanced Blossom End Nitrogen fertilizers will promote leaf growth at
the expense of fruit, allocating calcium to the
Rot symptoms on leaves instead of to the fruit
Capsicum fruits

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4. Harvest
4-1
4-1

Photo: OakleyOriginals (CC BY 2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/oakleyoriginals/3616117273/

Capsicums at harvesting stage

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4. Harvest
4. Harvest
4.1 Harvesting Indices (GHCP&PHHT20: Q17)
• Maturity periods range between 2 – 3
months after transplanting
4-1 • Capsicum fruits can be harvested when they
are harvestable-green or developed full
colour
• Green fruits are incapable of ripening after
removal from the plant
• The right stage for red fruit is when they
have reached full colour, filled out, still
firm, sticky and thick walled
Harvesting Method:
• Since Capsicums have soft pliable thin flesh,
care should be taken during harvesting
• Use clean knife or scissors to harvest the
fruits
• Fruits should be harvested early in the
Capsicums at harvesting stage morning when it is cool since the fruit
temperature is low
• Harvested fruits should be kept in a cool,
shaded and ventilated area in order to
minimize heat gain
• Yield Potential: 6t/ acre (OPV), 25–30t/
acre (F1) open field and 50–60t/ acre (F1)
greenhouse depending on the variety and
crop husbandry
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5. Post-Harvest Handling
Cont’
5-1

Photo: SHEP PLUS

Harvested Capsicums
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5. Post-Harvest Handling Cont’

5.1 Containers & Packaging Materials (GHCP&PHHT20:

Q18)
5-1 • Harvested Capsicum peppers are packed into plastic
crates then transported to markets
• Peppers are sensitive to ethylene and should not be
stored with fruits that produce ethylene such as bananas
and avocados
5.2 Value Addition Techniques: Cleaning, Sorting, Grading,
& Processing (GHCP&PHHT20: Q19)
Sorting:
Photo: SHEP PLUS
• Eliminate all fruits harvested with defects

Harvested Grading:
• Grade Capsicum based on its uniform color, maturity,
Capsicums shape and size

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