Chilli Pepper Crops: Pests, Diseases, and How to Control Them AR BN ZH-CN NL FR DE HI HU ID KN MS NE PT SI ES TE VI<br>Skip to main content Home Resources<br>Social Share :
Protecting chilli pepper crops: managing chilli pepper pests and diseases with sustainable solutions<br>Last Updated: August 21, 2025 Published: May 20, 2025<br>Written by: Emily Skivington<br>Reviewed by: Steve Edgington<br>Theme: Crop guides<br>Overview<br>What pests and diseases affect chilli pepper crops?<br>Bacterial leaf spot<br>Western flower thrips<br>Green peach aphids<br>Cucumber mosaic virus<br>Tobacco mosaic virus<br>Alfalfa mosaic virus<br>Root knot nematode<br>Verticillium wilt<br>Two-spotted spider mite<br>Powdery mildew<br>Root rot<br>How do I manage chilli pepper pests and diseases?<br>Summary<br>Chilli pepper crops play a vital role in the economy of many countries and are estimated to be a USD 1.3 billion market worldwide. Pests and diseases can have a significant impact on chilli pepper quality and yield, causing economic damage. This article covers some of the most damaging pests and chilli pepper plant diseases and offers solutions to tackling these threats, including biological approaches.<br>What pests and diseases affect chilli pepper crops?<br>Chilli peppers are vulnerable to attack from a wide variety of pests, including thrips, aphids, and spider mites. However, significant damage can occur due to infection with different microbes, including viruses, many of which are transferred between plants by aphids. Damage caused by chilli pepper pests and diseases can lead to severe losses in yield. Symptoms often appear as discolouration of leaves, though specific pests attack different areas of chilli pepper plants, such as leaves, roots, and internal sites.<br>Bacterial leaf spot ( Xanthomonas vesicatoria )<br>Bacterial leaf spot is a plant disease caused by the bacterial species Xanthomonas vesicatoria. It spreads through seeds from infected parent plants. Symptoms include dark, indented spots on the upper surfaces of leaves and scab-like lesions on the lower surfaces. Affected chilli pepper plants may also develop dark spots on their fruit. In severe cases, leaves wilt and fall off, and the fruit rots, significantly reducing yield.<br>Bacterial spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria) on Pepper (Capsicum annuum) – Credits: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Bugwood.org<br>Western flower thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis )<br>This species of thrips, also known as the onion thrips, feeds on chilli pepper plants during two early developmental stages. Adult western flower thrips are slender, about 1.5 mm long, and yellow-brown, while nymphs are lighter in colour. Nymphs damage plants by slashing leaf tissue and feeding on the fluids. Affected leaves may appear stippled, curled, with a silver appearance, or covered with black thrips excrement. Much of the damage caused by western flower thrips results from the transmission of the tomato spotted wilt virus.<br>Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande, 1895)) (Pergande, 1895) – Credits: Jack T. Reed, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org<br>Green peach aphids ( Myzus persicae )<br>Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects, usually green, and are easily recognised by a pair of long tubes (called cornicles) protruding from their lower backs. Adults are typically 1 to 2 mm long and harm plants by piercing leaves and stems to feed on plant sap. Feeding can lead to small black spots, stunted growth, and, in severe infestations, even plant death. Additionally, aphids produce a sticky substance called honeydew that coats plant surfaces and attracts ants. Aphids also transfer a number of serious plant-damaging viruses.<br>Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776)) – Credits: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org<br>Cucumber mosaic virus ( cucumber mosaic )<br>This virus has a wide host range, including chilli peppers. It produces a characteristic pattern of lighter and darker green areas on plant leaves, known as a mosaic. Damage can appear as stunted pepper leaf growth and reduced plant growth. Aphids commonly transmit this virus.<br>Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) (Cucumovirus Cucumber mosaic virus) – Credits: Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org<br>Tobacco mosaic virus ( tobacco mosaic )<br>This virus also causes a distinctive mosaic pattern on chilli pepper leaves and can be spread by aphids. However, unlike the cucumber mosaic virus, it is also commonly spread through mechanical means, meaning farmers and gardeners can spread it by directly handling plants infected with this virus. Although infected plants eventually die, the fruit typically remains unaffected and is safe to eat.<br>Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) (Tobamovirus Tobacco mosaic virus) – Credits: John Fisher, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org<br>Alfalfa mosaic virus ( alfalfa yellow spot )<br>This virus is transmitted through the feeding activity of aphids. It causes a...