28/01/2025
Growing Carolina Reaper and Other SuperHot High Value peppers can be rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are some common pests, diseases, and obstacles farmers face when cultivating this vibrant crop:
🌱 Pests
Aphids: These sap-sucking insects weaken plants and spread viruses.
Cutworms: They attack seedlings, cutting them at the base.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests cause yellowing and stunt growth.
Thrips: They damage leaves, flowers, and even fruits.
🌿 Diseases
Bacterial Spot: Causes dark, water-soaked lesions on leaves and fruit.
Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease leaving white patches on leaves.
Blossom End Rot: A calcium deficiency leading to dark, sunken spots on fruit.
Phytophthora Blight: A soil-borne disease that causes stem rot and fruit damage.
⚠️ Challenges
Temperature sensitivity: Peppers struggle with extreme heat or cold.
Poor soil drainage: Excess water causes root rot.
Inconsistent watering: Leads to cracked fruits or blossom end rot.
Prevent these issues by using resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, maintaining proper spacing, and applying organic pest and disease management methods. Healthy peppers are happy peppers! Let’s grow smarter together.
