Mealybugs are common pests in sweet pepper cultivation, posing significant threats to plant health and yield. These small, soft-bodied insects are covered in a powdery wax coating, giving them a characteristic appearance. Mealybugs feed on plant sap by piercing plant tissues with their mouthparts, causing wilting, stunting, and leaf yellowing. In sweet pepper crops, mealybugs can infest leaves, stems, and fruits, leading to reduced growth and yield losses. Moreover, mealybugs secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold, further impacting plant health. Several species of mealybugs can infest sweet pepper crops, each with its own unique characteristics and biology. Some of the most important species include:

• Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri)
• Long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus)
• Obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni)
• Solenopsis mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis)

Mealybug control in sweet pepper

Control of mealybugs in sweet pepper cultivation can be effectively achieved using natural enemies such as:

• The predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Cryptobug, Cryptobug-L): Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a predatory beetle species that preys on various stages of mealybugs, including eggs, nymphs, and adults. These predatory beetles are voracious feeders and can significantly reduce mealybug populations in sweet pepper crops.
• The lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Chrysopa, Chrysopa-E): Chrysoperla carnea, commonly known as lacewings, are beneficial insects widely used in biological control programs against mealybugs. Lacewing larvae are voracious predators that feed on various soft-bodied pests, including mealybugs.

Stink bugs are common pests in sweet pepper cultivation, presenting significant challenges to growers worldwide. Among the most prevalent species affecting sweet peppers is the Southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula). These shield-shaped insects feed on the sap of pepper plants, causing damage to fruits, stems, and leaves. Stink bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they use to puncture plant tissues and extract sap, resulting in characteristic discoloration, distortion, and necrosis. Moreover, stink bugs can transmit plant diseases and reduce the marketability and yield of sweet pepper crops.

Control southern green stink bug in sweet pepper

Control of southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) can be effectively achieved through the use of biological control agents such as Nezapar. Nezapar introduces Trissolcus basalis, a parasitic wasp species that targets stink bug eggs. Trissolcus basalis parasitizes stink bug eggs, preventing their development and reducing the population of southern green stink bug in sweet pepper crops. By releasing Nezapar into infested areas, growers can implement an environmentally friendly approach to stink bug management, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Whiteflies are common pests in sweet pepper cultivation, posing significant challenges to growers worldwide. These small, winged insects feed on the sap of pepper plants, primarily targeting the undersides of leaves. As they feed, whiteflies can cause damage to the plants by draining nutrients, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced fruit quality. Moreover, whiteflies are notorious for transmitting plant viruses, further exacerbating the damage they cause. Important whitefly species in sweet pepper include:

• Tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
• Greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)

Control whitefly in sweet pepper

To control tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), various products offer effective solutions:

• Parasitic wasps: The parasitic wasp species Eretmocerus eremicus (Ercal) and Encarsia formosa (En-Strip, Enermix) effectively control both tobacco whitefly and greenhouse whitefly. These wasps parasitize whitefly nymphs, aiding in the reduction of their populations in sweet pepper crops.
• Predatory mites: Amblyseius swirskii (Swirski-Mite) and Transeius montdorensis (Montdo-Mite, Montdo-Mite Plus) are predatory mite species that control both tobacco whitefly and greenhouse whitefly. These mites actively prey on whitefly nymphs, contributing to the suppression of their populations in sweet pepper crops.
• Beneficial microorganisms: Mycotal is based on the beneficial fungus Lecanicillium muscarium and effectively controls both whitefly species. This fungus infects and kills whiteflies, aiding in the biological control of their populations.

Thrips are small, slender insects that pose a significant threat to sweet pepper cultivation. They feed on plant sap, causing damage to leaves, flowers, and fruit. Common thrips species include Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips tabaci, Echinothrips americanus and Thrips fuscipennis. Infestations can lead to distorted growth, reduced yields, and cosmetic damage to sweet pepper crops. Important thrips species in sweet pepper include:

• Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
• Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci)
• Impatiens thrips (Echinothrips americanus)
• Tobacco thrips (Thrips fuscipennis)

Thrips control in sweet pepper

To control thrips in sweet pepper cultivation the following biological solutions are available:

• Predatory mites like Amblyseius swirskii (Swirski-Mite, Swirski-Mite Plus, Swirski-Mite LD, Swirski Ulti-Mite), Amblydromalus limonicus (Limonica), Transeius montdorensis (Montdo-Mite, Montdo-Mite Plus) and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Thripex, Thripex-Plus) prey on thrips, helping to control their populations in sweet pepper crops.
• Predatory insects like Orius laevigatus (Thripor-L): Thripor-L contains Orius laevigatus, a predatory bug species known for its voracious appetite for thrips. Orius laevigatus actively preys on several thrips species, feeding on both nymphs and adults. Introducing Thripor-L into sweet pepper crops helps to control thrips populations and minimize damage to plants.
• Beneficial nematodes like Steinernema feltiae (Entonem): Entonem introduces Steinernema feltiae, a beneficial nematode species that parasitizes thrips larvae in the soil. This nematode species actively seeks out and infects thrips larvae, helping to reduce their populations and prevent further damage to sweet pepper crops.

In sweet pepper cultivation, mites pose a persistent threat. These tiny arachnids, including spider mites and other pest mites feed on plant sap, leading to leaf damage, stunted growth, and reduced yields. Effective management of mite infestations is crucial for maintaining healthy sweet pepper plants and ensuring optimal productivity. Important mite pests in sweet pepper cultivation include:

• Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)
• Broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus)
• Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus)

Control spider mites in sweet pepper

The control of spider mites in sweet pepper cultivation can be effectively managed using predatory mites, predatory bugs and gall midges. The following products offer reliable solutions:

• Predatory mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis (Spidex, Spidex Vital, Spidex Vital Plus) and Neoseiulus californicus (Spical, Spical-Plus, Spical Ulti-Mite) are predatory mite species known for their voracious appetite for spider mites. The predatory mites actively hunt down and consumes spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) populations, providing effective biological control in sweet pepper cultivation.

• The predatory bug Macrolophus pygmaeus (Mirical-N): This predatory bug species is known for its ability to feed on various pest insects, including spider mites. Macrolophus pygmaeus actively preys on spider mites, contributing to the suppression of their populations in sweet pepper crops.

• The predatory gall midge Feltiella acarisuga (Spidend): The larvae of this predatory gall midge species actively feed on spider mites, providing natural control of their populations in sweet pepper crops.

Control tarsonemid mites in sweet pepper

• Predatory mites like Neoseiulus californicus (Spical, Spical-Plus, Spical Ulti-Mite), Amblyseius swirskii (Swirski-Mite, Swirski-Mite Plus, Swirski-Mite LD, Swirski Ulti-Mite) and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Thripex, Thripex-Plus). The predatory mites feed on tarsonemid mites. They actively hunt down and consume mite populations, providing effective biological control in sweet pepper cultivation.

The caterpillars of Lacanobia oleracea, Mamestra brassicae, Spodoptera exigua, Autographa gamma, Helicoverpa armigera, Duponchelia fovealis, and Chrysodeixis chalcites are common pests that affect sweet pepper crops in various ways:

• Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites): The tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites) is a pest that feeds on sweet pepper foliage and fruit. Their feeding damage can cause defoliation, fruit distortion, and yield reduction, impacting overall crop productivity and quality.

• Tomato moth (Lacanobia oleracea): The larvae of the tomato moth (Lacanobia oleracea) feed on the foliage and fruit of sweet pepper plants. Their feeding damage can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and cosmetic damage to the fruit, reducing yield and marketability.

• Cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae): The larvae of the cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae), also feeds on sweet pepper foliage and fruit. Their feeding activity can result in leaf skeletonization, wilting, and fruit damage, leading to reduced plant vigor and yield losses.

• Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua): The beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) is another pest that feeds on sweet pepper foliage and fruit. Their voracious feeding can cause extensive defoliation, fruit damage, and yield reduction, particularly in severe infestations.

• Silver-Y moth (Autographa gamma): The larvae of silver Y moth (Autographa gamma) is a pest of sweet peppers that feeds on foliage and fruit. Their feeding damage can lead to leaf defoliation, fruit scarring, and reduced plant health, affecting overall yield and quality.

• Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera): The cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is a serious pest that attacks sweet pepper plants, feeding on foliage, flowers, and fruit. Their feeding damage can result in extensive defoliation, fruit distortion, and yield losses, posing significant challenges to sweet pepper growers.

• European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis): The European pepper moth (Duponchelia fovealis), also known as the Southern European marshland pyralid is a pest that affects sweet pepper crops by feeding on the fruit and causing damage to the interior flesh. Their feeding activity can lead to fruit rot and spoilage, reducing marketability and economic value.

Control caterpillars in sweet pepper

Caterpillars in sweet pepper cultivation can be controlled by introducing natural enemies such as beneficial nematodes. Koppert offers a beneficial nematode products specifically designed for biological control:

• Beneficial nematodes like Steinernema feltiae (Entonem) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Capsanem) effectively control caterpillars. Beneficial nematodes actively seek out and infect the larvae of tomato loopers. These nematodes release bacteria that kill the larvae, effectively reducing their populations and preventing further damage to sweet pepper crops.

Aphids are common pests in sweet pepper cultivation, posing significant challenges to growers worldwide. These small, sap-sucking insects not only directly damage sweet pepper plants by feeding on their sap but also serve as vectors for various plant diseases, further threatening crop health and yield. Aphids reproduce rapidly, often leading to large infestations if left unchecked.

Important aphid species in sweet pepper are:

• Glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
• Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)
• Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)
• Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii)

Control aphids in sweet pepper

Control measures for aphids in sweet pepper often include the introduction of natural enemies such as ladybirds, lacewings, gall midges parasitic wasps and hoverflies. The following Koppert products ensure effective biological control of aphids:

• The predatory gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Aphidend)
• The parasitic wasps Aphelinus abdominalis (Aphilin), Aphidius colemani (Aphipar), Aphidius matricariae (Aphipar-M), Aphiscout (a mix of parasitic wasps) and Aphidius ervi (Ervipar)
• The lacewings Chrysoperla carnea (Chrysopa, Chrysopa-E)
• The hoverflies Episyrphus balteatus (Syrphidend) and Sphaerophoria rueppellii (Rhophoria)
• The predatory beetle Adalia bipunctata (Aphidalia)

These products offer sustainable and effective solutions for managing aphid populations, ensuring the health and productivity of crops.

Phytophthora is a genus of soilborne pathogens that can cause diseases such as Phytophthora blight in sweet pepper crops. This disease typically affects the lower portions of the plant, including the stem and fruit, causing dark, water-soaked lesions that eventually lead to rotting and collapse. Phytophthora blight thrives in warm, moist conditions and can spread rapidly through contaminated soil and water. Infected sweet pepper plants may exhibit wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of leaves, as well as fruit rot and reduced yield.

Rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia solani, Thanatephorus cucumeris) is a soilborne fungal pathogen that can cause various diseases in sweet pepper crops. One of the most common diseases associated with Rhizoctonia is root rot, where the fungus infects the roots of sweet pepper plants, causing them to become discolored, necrotic, and decayed. As a result, infected plants may exhibit stunted growth, wilting, and reduced vigor. In severe cases, Rhizoctonia infection can lead to stand reductions and significant yield losses. Additionally, Rhizoctonia can also cause stem canker, where lesions develop on the stems of sweet pepper plants, hindering nutrient transport and weakening the plant structure.

Control Rhizoctonia in sweet pepper

The beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum T-22 (Trianum-P, Trianum-G) employs diverse tactics to control Rhizoctonia in sweet pepper crops. Initially, it competes effectively for space on the root surface, outstripping other fungi and hindering their establishment. Additionally, Trianum competes for nutrients, stripping Rhizoctonia pathogens of vital resources essential for their growth. Furthermore, it grows around the mycelia of Rhizoctonia, causing the cells to break down and eventually demise.

Moreover, Trianum strengthens the plant’s root system, fostering the growth of additional root hairs to enhance water and nutrient absorption. This results in a more robust crop with enhanced yields, especially in challenging growing conditions. Trianum also improves the plant's defense mechanisms, such as induced systemic resistance (ISR), while improving the availability of essential nutrients like manganese and iron.

Fusarium is a soilborne fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat to sweet pepper crops, causing diseases such as Fusarium wilt. This disease is characterized by wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant due to vascular tissue damage. Fusarium infection occurs through the roots, where the fungus colonizes and obstructs the plant's vascular system, preventing the uptake of water and nutrients. Infected sweet pepper plants may exhibit wilting symptoms during the day that partially recover at night, followed by progressive decline and eventual death. Fusarium wilt can persist in the soil for years, making crop rotation and soil sterilization essential for disease management in sweet pepper cultivation.

Control Fusarium in sweet pepper

The beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum T-22 (Trianum-P, Trianum-G) controls Fusarium in sweet pepper crops and uses multiple mechanisms. Firstly, it competes for space on the root surface, outpacing other fungi and inhibiting their establishment. Additionally, Trianum competes for nutrients, depriving Fusarium pathogens of crucial resources required for their growth. Moreover, it grows around the mycelia of Fusarium, causing the cells to break down and eventually demise.

Furthermore, Trianum enhances the plant's resilience by improving the root system, fostering the growth of additional root hairs to facilitate water and nutrient uptake. This results in a more resilient crop with improved yields, particularly in challenging growing conditions. Trianum also reinforces the plant's defense mechanisms, such as induced systemic resistance (ISR), while augmenting the availability of essential nutrients such as manganese and iron.

Pythium is another common soilborne pathogen that poses a threat to sweet pepper crops, particularly during the seedling stage. Pythium infection can result in damping-off, where seedlings emerge from the soil but quickly collapse and die due to rotting of the seed or young roots. This disease is often favored by cool, wet conditions, making it prevalent in early spring or in fields with poor drainage. Pythium can also cause root rot in older sweet pepper plants, leading to reduced nutrient uptake and impaired water absorption. Symptoms of Pythium infection include discolored and water-soaked roots, yellowing of foliage, and overall poor plant health.

Control Pythium in sweet pepper

The beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum T-22 (Trianum-P, Trianum-G) controls Pythium in sweet pepper crops by using several defense mechanisms. Initially, it competes for space on the root surface, surpassing other fungi and impeding their establishment. Additionally, Trianum competes for nutrients, depriving Pythium pathogens of vital resources necessary for their development.

Furthermore, it grows around the mycelia of Pythium, causing the cells to break down and eventually demise. Moreover, Trianum strengthens the plant by enhancing the root system, promoting the growth of additional root hairs to enhance water and nutrient absorption. This results in a more resilient crop with improved yields, especially in challenging growing conditions. Trianum also fortifies the plant's defense mechanisms, including induced systemic resistance (ISR), while enhancing the availability of essential nutrients such as manganese and iron.