Caribbean Hot Pepper Production and

Post Harvest Manual

Promoting CARICOM/CARIFORUM Food Security

(Project GTFS/RLA/141/ITA)

(FAO Trust Fund for Food Security and Food Safety – Government of Italy Contribution)

Written by

Anil Sinha and Joan Petersen

Published by

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI)

2011

1
Acknowledgements Disclaimer

The designations employed and the presentation

of material in this publication do not imply the
Consultant technical writers:
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part
Anil Sinha, CARDI Belize of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, or of CARDI concerning the legal
Joan Petersen, CARDI Headquarters status of any country, territory, city or area or of
its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of
its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific
Consultant technical reviewer: companies or products of manufacturers, whether
or not these have been patented, does not imply that
Bruce Lauckner these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO
or CARDI in preference to others of a similar nature
that are not mentioned. The views expressed herein
Consultant graphic design and layout: are those of the authors and do not necessarily
represent those of FAO or CARDI.
Cheringdell Depradine

All rights reserved. FAO encourages reproduction

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of Belize and dissemination of material in this information
is acknowledged for providing the hot pepper cost product. Non-commercial uses will be authorized
of production model and data for the cost-price
free of charge upon request. Reproduction for
margin.
resale or other commercial purposes, including
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) educational purposes, may incur fees. Applications
is credited for providing the following photographs: for permission to reproduce or disseminate FAO
copyright materials and all other queries on rights
Plate 16: Whitefly and licences, should be addressed by email to
Plate 17: Pepper weevil [email protected] or to the Chief, Publishing
Policy and Support Branch, Office of Knowledge
Plate 18: Thrip Exchange, Research and Extension, FAO, Viale
delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy
Plate 19: Aphids on underside of leaf

Plate 21: Fruit drop (seen in drains) caused by

pepper weevils © FAO and CARDI, 2011
Plate 24: Bacterial leaf spot on pepper leaves

ISBN 978-92-5-106966-0
Front cover - collage of three photographs CARDI PSC #: BZ/003/11
1. Hot pepper flower, top left. Source - CARDI

2. Ripe Habanero hot peppers in hand, middle and

right. Source - CARDI

3. Young Habanero hot peppers on plant, bottom

left. Source - CARDI

2
Table of Contents

PREFACE 5

INTRODUCTION 7

PART 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION FOR MAKING APPROPRIATE MARKETING AND

PRODUCTION DECISIONS 9

Botanical description of plant and fruit 10

Marketing 10

Market based information required for production decisions 13

Varieties/landraces and variety selection 14

Environmental adaptations and plant requirements 18

PART 2 – PRODUCTION: GROWING AND HARVESTING A HEALTHY PRODUCTIVE

CROP OF HOT PEPPERS 19

Site selection 20

Field and bed preparation 20

Bed formation and other pre-plant practices 21

Irrigation 24

Seedling production 26

Crop establishment 30

Fertility management 31

Crop protection: the IPM approach 34

Weed management 34

Pest management 36

Disease management 42

Physiological disorders 46

Flowering and fruit production 48

Harvesting 48

3
PART 3 – POST HARVEST 51

Post harvest handling 52

Post harvest crop loss 52

Preparing the berries for sale 53

PART 4 – PRODUCTIVITY 54

Yield 55

Price-cost margin 55

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 56

Appendix 1 – Cost of production of 1 acre (0.4 ha) of hot peppers in Belize 57

Appendix 2 – Conversion factors for metric and imperial units 60

4
Preface

This manual describes the best practices in all aspects of commercial hot pepper production and
post-harvest handling, utilising materials, technologies and support services that are generally
available to the Caribbean producer. The manual incorporates the principles of Good Agricultural
Practices (GAP) for the production and delivery of hot peppers to consumers as a safe, wholesome
commodity. The content of the manual is divided into four main parts. Part 1 gives key information
for choosing an appropriate marketing strategy based on the quality demands of the various
marketing outlets, selecting the most suitable varieties to meet those demands and indicates the
agronomic requirements of the crop so that an appropriate cropping system may be designed. Part
2 describes in detail the required crop management programmes to grow and harvest a healthy
productive crop of hot peppers. Part 3 which deals with post harvest aspects, explains the on-farm
and off farm handling and post harvest practices that ensure that the hot peppers reach the buyer
in the best possible condition. Part 4 gives information on yields and productivity and includes
an example of a price cost analysis. Additionally, country specific information relevant to the
production and post-harvest aspects of hot peppers in Belize is included in the sleeve of the manual.

5
6
Introduction

The hot pepper which is typically associated with the spicy cuisines of the Caribbean and Latin
America is the fruit of several species of the genus Capsicum1 which contain discernibly high
levels of a pungent compound called capsaicin, C18H27NO3. Taxonomically, Capsicum is a member
of the plant family Solanaceae and therefore hot ppepper is related to the tomato, eggplant and
white or Irish potato. A description of the Capsicum species that are grown commercially is given
in Box 1, ‘Species of Capsicum peppers’.
The indigenous hot pepper (or chilli) landraces2 of the Caribbean contain some of the hottest and
most pungently aromatic peppers found in the world. Unlike most of the other hot peppers, which
belong to the species Capsicum annuum, many of the region’s indigenous landraces belong to
Capsicum chinense Jacq. The centre of origin of C. chinense3 is believed to be the geographic area
in the Tropical Americas covered by northern South America (Northern Brazil-Guyana-Venezuela),
Central America and the Caribbean Antilles (Adams et al. 2007).
Hot peppers are used raw in salads, marinades and food garnishes or used together with other
ingredients to produce a hot sauce (or ‘pepper sauce’) which is used as a condiment to impart
a warm to hot pungency to food. Hot peppers may also be canned, pickled, made into jellies
and relishes, dried or smoked. Milder types of hot peppers such as the Caribbean ‘pimiento’ or
‘pimento’ peppers may be used in much the same way as the hotter types to impart an aromatic
‘pepper’ flavour without too much pungency. These peppers may also be stir fried, pickled or
stuffed with savory mixtures of meat or cheese.
Hot peppers contain about 83% water, 3% protein, 7% fibre, 6% carbohydrate, 0.6% fat and are
excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin A and most of the B vitamins (particularly vitamin B6);
where the highest levels are observed in the ripe fruit. Hot peppers also contain significant amounts
of potassium, magnesium and iron (Purseglove 1974, Bahr and Davenport1982).

1
The genus Capsicum is divided into two groups: the sweet or mild flavoured varieties primarily used as vegetables and the hot
peppers, often called chillies, that are used for sauces and seasonings.
2
A landrace is a distinct population of plants developed largely by natural processes from native germplasm and maintained by
farmers.
3
In the 18th century taxonomists erroneously believed that China was the origin of the species, hence the term ‘chinense’,
meaning ‘from China’. Although there is now general agreement that the origin of C. chinenses types is the Caribbean and South
America, the term ‘chinense’ persists in the nomenclature to this day.

7
Box 1: Species of Capsicum peppers
There are about 20 species of Capsicum peppers, however, only five species have been
domesticated and commercialised. These species are:
Capsicum annuum L., which includes many common varieties such as the sweet bell peppers
and the mild to hot Wax, Cayenne, Jalapeños, and the Chiltepin
Capsicum frutescens L., which includes the Chile de árbol, Malagueta, Tabasco, Paprika and
Thai peppers. The conical ‘Bird Pepper’ which is found in the wild and also cultivated in many
Caribbean backyards is a form of Capsicum frutescens
Capsicum chinense Jacq., includes some of the hottest hot peppers in the world such as the
Naga, Habanero, Datil and many Caribbean land races, e.g. Scotch Bonnet
Capsicum pubescens Ruiz &Pav. which includes the South American rocoto peppers
Capsicum baccatum, which includes the South American aji peppers

8
 PART 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION FOR
MAKING APPROPRIATE MARKETING AND
PRODUCTION DECISIONS

9
Botanical description of plant and
fruit

The hot pepper plant (Plate 1) is a naturally

short-lived herbaceous perennial with a densely-
branched stem that is sometimes woody at the
base. The plant reaches 0.5 – 1.5 m in height.
The leaves, which may be of varying shape, are
classed as entire (or not lobed) and acuminate4.
Single 5-petal white flowers bear the fruit which
is green when unripe, changing principally
to red sometimes going through intermediary
brown or purple stages; some varieties ripen Plate 2: Close up of hot pepper berries
to a yellow or orange colour (Plate 2). The
fruit is botanically classed as an indehiscent (Source – CARDI)
‘berry5’ which in C. chinense types is borne on
pendulous stalks singularly at nodes. The fruits
of hot pepper varieties are generally smaller and Marketing
thinner than the sweet pepper types, but great
diversity is seen in fruit size, shape, flavour, Trade in Caribbean hot pepper and hot
colour and pungency. The berries of Capsicum pepper products
spp. contain many seeds which are 3-5 mm long
and pale yellow to light tan in colour. Hot pepper is an important non-traditional crop
in the Caribbean where it is utilised domestically
in fresh and processed forms. Historically, hot
peppers were grown in the region primarily for
domestic consumption. In early 1980, yellow
‘Scotch Bonnet’ pepper became an important
export crop from the Caribbean particularly
from Jamaica. By 1990/91, the hot pepper

industry (now based mainly on the pest and
disease resistant ‘West Indian Red,’ a Scotch
Bonnet type) developed as an important export
crop from several Caribbean islands.

Today, hot pepper berries and hot pepper

products from the Caribbean are traded
extensively both on the domestic and export
markets. The main export markets for the
Caribbean are centred where Caribbean people
have settled internationally. Consequently,
the region has been exporting fresh pepper
Plate 1: Hot pepper plant with ripe and green berries and processed hot pepper sauces to
berries the traditional markets of the United States of
(Source – CARDI) America, United Kingdom and Canada.
4
Acuminate – The leaf tip shape in which the edges of the leaf taper to a fine point.
5
Berry – an entire fleshy fruit containing a number of seeds produced from a singly ovary.
10
Presently, the hot peppers of the region are flavour. Certain varieties such as Scotch
disposed through various marketing channels Bonnet have characteristic shapes,
destined for one or more domestic and export pungency and flavour profiles that are
markets. There is a consistently strong demand preferred by the market.
from the domestic market for fresh berries
and to a lesser extent processed products. The • The preferences of the processed market
export market for Caribbean grown hot pepper depend on the type of product being
products is also primarily for fresh berries produced. Generally the quality standards
but there is a small but growing demand for for berries destined for processing
specialty pepper sauces and pepper mash with regard to size and uniformity are
(for use in blended mixtures) made from the
comparatively lower than the fresh
aromatically pungent Caribbean varieties.
fruit market. Pepper sauce production
With reference to the export market, Caribbean dominates this industry and although all
producers need to be aware of the following varieties of hot pepper can be processed
facts: into pepper sauces, some processors
favour a specific variety and /or colour.
• The USA is the largest importer of hot
or chili peppers in the world. The other The two main colors of peppers purchased
major importing countries in the world for processing are ‘Reds’ and ‘Yellows’.
are Germany, United Kingdom, France Minimal seediness6 is often a preferred
and the Netherlands. factor in hot peppers grown for pepper
sauce production.
• The fresh berry hot pepper export market
is highly competitive. There are several
hot pepper exporting countries competing Marketing channels
for the USA and European markets
including Mexico, China, Ghana, Israel, The Caribbean hot pepper producer has several
Brazil and Uganda. channels with regard to marketing as shown in
Figure 1. The producer may choose to exercise
Market preferences one or a mix of options available. Some of
the options are farm gate sales to wholesalers,
Market preferences vary from country to
retailers and consumers. Other channels of
country but some general criteria for market
disposal include selling at various markets
acceptability are outlined as follows:
(roadside or local) or selling to wholesalers,
• The fresh fruit market generally prefers a supermarkets processors or exporters. The
large fruit (10 g) with a thick flesh, deep producer may also directly export the product
green colour when immature turning to after having it sorted, graded and packed at a
red when ripe. The fruits should be of local pack house.
medium to high pungency with a strong

6
Minimal seediness in hot peppers for processing is often preferred because seeds may look unattractive in the finished
product. Additionally, the presence of seeds tends to interfere with the filling of bottles.

11
Figure 1: Marketing channels for Caribbean grown hot peppers
Source – Iton and Mohammed 2006

12
MARKET BASED INFORMATION REQUIRED also include the institutions and systems that
FOR PRODUCTION DECISIONS provide labour, agro supplies, finance, transport,
information and technical services. See Table 1
Commercial production of hot peppers should
for examples of the market-based information
always be market driven as several market based
that should be procured by the prospective
factors have a critical impact on the production
grower in advance of crop establishment so
process. The relevant market analyses should
that an appropriate crop production plan can be
not be limited to the commodity market, but
developed.

Table 1: Market based information required for decisions in crop management planning and
possible impact on decision making

Information required Possible impact on crop management planning

Type of output– fresh berries or processed Selection of variety, crop population densities, crop care regimen and
products harvesting protocol; handling and post harvest practices.

Varieties of hot pepper in demand; specific Suppliers with the seed or seedlings of the required varieties need to
varieties may be requested be identified and orders placed well in advance of crop establishment.

Quality requirements of the buyers; there Variety selection, decisions on crop population density, crop care
may be specifications or details on size, regimen and picking schedule.
colour, stage of maturity, seediness,
pungency, thickness of pericarp
Required volume with supply frequency; Size of fields, variety selection, selection and procurement of
amount of berries that can be handled by appropriate harvest and storage equipment; picking schedule and
the buyer at a time labour requirement.
Handling and/or packaging requirements by Development of equipment and material procurement list; labour
the buyers requirement and possibly training needs; setting of cost of output
Appropriate methodologies Development of material and equipment procurement list; selection
of service providers; selection of seed suppliers
Source of technical information, location, Selection of appropriate methodologies and technical backstopping;
availability, timeliness source of required services

List of key players in the market Marketing strategy for farm output(s); indicates competitors and may
indicate areas of opportunity or markets to avoid
Accessibility to finance from credit Size of operation, methodologies selected; decisions to expand or
institutions upgrade

13
varieties/landraces and variety
selection

There are a number of varieties and landraces of

hot pepper that are commercially grown in the
Caribbean with the particular selection grown
depending on the requirements of the market
where the output is sold. The main varieties
of hot pepper produced commercially in the
Caribbean are West Indies Red, CARDI Red,
CARDI Green, Yellow Scotch Bonnet and to
a lesser extent, the Habanero types. All these
varieties belong to the species Capsicum
chinense Jacq. Other varieties of hot peppers
grown on a much smaller scale are the Cayenne
and the Jalapeño, both types belonging to the
species Capsicum annuum L. Popular landraces
from the region are Scotch Bonnet (Jamaica),
Peggy Mouth (Antigua), Goat Pepper (Bahamas),
Wirri Wirri and Tiger Teeth (Guyana), Bonnie
Pepper (Barbados), Bonda Majaque (Dominica
and St. Lucia), Faria, Hood, Scorpion and
Moruga Red (Trinidad and Tobago). See Plate
3. Some of the more popular landraces such as
Scotch Bonnet, have been the subject of regional
breeding programmes resulting in germplasm
that has been purified and stabilised with
derivative varieties being developed. However,
the seeds of many hot pepper landraces remain
available only through the concerted efforts of
farmers to maintain the landrace. Plate 3: Three Caribbean hot pepper Caribbean
landraces: Top ‘Scorpion’ of Trinidad’ Middle
For commercial crop establishment, hot pepper “Tiger Teeth’ of Guyana, bottom ‘Bonda Majaque’
seeds are available as pure line7, hybrid8 or bulk of Dominica and St Lucia
variety9 seeds. (Table 2).
(Source – CARDI)

7
Pure line seed have been produced from traditional varieties or landraces by carrying out several cycles of selfing, to produce
seeds. Pure line seeds produce plants which are very uniform and breed true. This allows farmers to save seed from one crop to
establish the next crop. However, such varieties possess a narrow genetic base so they are somewhat more susceptible to diseases,
and generally have reduced adaptability.
8
Hybrid seed is usually reserved to denote seed produced by specific and controlled cross-pollination between parents of differing
genotypes. Hybrid seed is usually bred to exhibit improved vigour and uniformity of plants. Hybrid seed do not breed true.
9
Bulk variety seeds are produced from plants grown from seeds of F2 (and subsequent generations) which are harvested in bulk
to grow the next generation. At the end of bulking period individual plant selection and evaluation is carried out. Bulk variety
seeds are fairly uniform for most of the expected horticultural characteristics.

14
Characteristics of the major hot pepper CARDI Green variety Capsicum chinense
varieties produced in the Caribbean Jacq.
The major hot pepper varieties produced in the The variety CARDI Green was introduced by
Caribbean all belong to the species Capsicum CARDI in October 2004 from selections of
chinense Jacq. – a description of these follows. WIR to meet the market demand for hot pepper
varieties with larger and more uniform fruits
West Indies Red (WIR) of a deep dark green colour at the mature-
The WIR (Plate 4) is a hardy, prolific bearer green stage. This productive variety produces
that is tolerant to most of the common pests large attractive fruits that are blocky in shape,
highly pungent and aromatic and develop a
and diseases affecting hot peppers. The mature
deep dark green colour before reaching full
pepper is a large red berry of minimum diameter
maturity (Plate 5). At full maturity the fruit is
2.5 cm and 4.6 cm in length. The fruits are
dark red in colour. This variety has been readily
campanulate (bell-like in shape) with high
accepted by both the export market and local
pungency. The average weight per fruit is about
farmers. The fruit is 4 cm in length and has a
14 g. The WIR plant grows to a height of 76 cm
width of 3.8 cm. The average weight per fruit
and has a canopy width of 104 cm. Flowering
is about 17 g. The CARDI Green is a relatively
initiates at 40 days after transplanting.
small plant that starts to flower at 39 days after
transplanting.

Plate 4. West Indies Red berries on plant

Source - CARDI
Plate 5 CARDI Green berries showing dark green
CARDI Red colour just before ripening

Source - CARDI
The CARDI Red was developed by CARDI in
2006 from local landraces. The fruits are highly
pungent, aromatic, campanulate in shape with
a thick pericarp. The individual berry averages Yellow Scotch Bonnet
5 cm in length and 4 cm in width and weighs
about 17 g. At full maturity the colour of the The Scotch Bonnet variety is well-known
fruits are light red. The CARDI Red plant by hot pepper enthusiasts and continues to
grows to a height of 0.7 m and a canopy width have a high demand in some markets for
of 71 cm. The plant starts flowering at 39 days its unique aroma and pungency. However,
after transplanting. production of this variety is now limited due
15
to its susceptibility to a number of pests and
diseases. Recently, breeding programmes
in Jamaica have produced improved Scotch
Bonnet germplasm with increased resistance
to some of the common diseases allowing for
higher production quantities. The berry of the
yellow Scotch Bonnet variety has a length of
about 5 cm and a diameter of 2.5 – 3.8 cm. The
plant grows to a height of 69 cm and a canopy
width of 94 cm. The plants start to flower at 44
days after transplanting. At maturity the colour
of the berry turns from green to yellow. The
berry has a characteristic Tam O’Shanter or
Scottish bonnet shape (Plate 6) hence the name
Scotch Bonnet. It is a very hot pepper with the Plate 7. The orange Habanero
pungency level ranging from 80,000-300,000
Source - CARDI
Scoville Heat Units.
Variety selection
The choice of hot pepper variety/landrace to
be grown should be based on the following
factors: the intended use of the berries (fresh or
processing), consumer preferences, adaptability
of the variety to the intended agro-ecological
zones, varietal resistance or tolerance to the
important pests and diseases and the availability
of quality seed or seedlings. Producers should
note that:

• The dominant variety demanded by

domestic markets for fresh berries tends
to be country specific.
Plate 6. Close up of characteristic ‘bonnet’
shape of Yellow Scotch Bonnet berries • At present, West Indies Red and CARDI
Green (a selection from the West Indies
Source - CARDI Red) are the only varieties with proven
Habanero levels of tolerance to pests and diseases
and general adaptability to environments
Habanero varieties are highly productive and across the Caribbean.
produce berries which are very pungent and
• For successful production of more
aromatic. The plant has a spread of 76 cm and susceptible varieties or landraces,
grows to a height of 51 cm. The berries (Plate the grower should avoid planting in
7) are blocky in shape and pointed at the end. wet periods and employ an extensive
The average length of the fruit is just over 4 programme of best practices inclusive
cm with a diameter of 3 cm. The most common of a comprehensive integrated pest
colours of Habanero hot peppers are brilliant management (IPM) programme to
orange and red. manage expected pests and diseases.

16
Table 2: A list of some commercially available Caribbean hot pepper landraces/varieties
Landrace/ Colour
Name Purpose Source of quality seed of Pungency Yield
variety berries
Scotch Pureline Ministry of Agriculture, Medium
Fresh fruit Yellow High
Bonnet variety Jamaica to low
West Indies Fresh or CARDI and Caribbean
Bulk variety Red High High
Red processed Chemicals
CARDI Pureline CARDI and Caribbean Medium
Fresh fruit Red Medium
Green variety Chemicals to high
Fresh or Commercial seed Medium to Medium
Habanero Bulk variety Red
processed suppliers high to high
Commercial seed Medium
Big Sun Hybrid Fresh fruit Yellow High
suppliers to high
Commercial seed
Kukulkan Hybrid Fresh fruit Yellow High High
suppliers
Medium to
Tiger Teeth Landrace Processed CARDI Red High
high
Cayenne Pureline
Dried and ground CARDI Red Medium High
Pepper variety
WirriWirri Landrace Pickle CARDI Red Medium High
Farmers/nurseries, Medium to Medium
Faria Landrace Fresh fruit Red
Trinidad high to high
Farmers/nurseries,
Hood Landrace Fresh fruit Red High High
Trinidad
CARDI and Caribbean
Moruga Red Landrace Fresh fruit Red High High
Chemicals, Trinidad
Congo Farmers/nurseries,
Landrace Fresh fruit Red High High
Pepper Trinidad and CARDI
Farmers/nurseries,
Seven Pod Landrace Fresh fruit Red Very high High
Trinidad
Fresh fruit
Farmers/nurseries, Medium
Pimento Landrace (seasoning Red Very low
Trinidad to high
pepper)
Fresh fruit and Farmers/nurseries, Medium
Scorpion Landrace Red Very high
pepper sauce Trinidad to high
Source of information: Adams et al 2011

17
Environmental adaptations and and plant adaptations of hot peppers. The
plant requirements information from this list should be used to
assess the site and develop a production plan to
Hot pepper is a warm-season crop and requires meet the agronomic needs of the crop.
growing conditions similar to tomato and
eggplant. Table 3 lists the key environmental

Table 3: Environmental requirements and plant adaptations of hot pepper

Ecological and
Adaptation/ requirement
environmental aspect
In the Caribbean, the climate is generally suitable for the year round production of hot
peppers although disease problems may increase during periods of prolonged rainfall.
Suitable climate
Hot pepper thrives best where the average daily temperatures are between 25 - 350 C
and the night temperatures 22 - 260 C.
Site The best sites for hot pepper production are sheltered, sunny areas.
Requires high light intensity but in coastal areas slightly dappled shade may result in
improved productivity. Light of too high an intensity causes fruit scalding, blotching
and abortion of flowers and/or fruits. On the other hand excessive shade results in
Light
weak spindly plants and induces fruit and/or flower abortion. Pepper seedlings in the
nursery can tolerate up to 55% shade and the plants in the field up to 40% without being
adversely affected.
Temperatures higher than 300 C inhibit the production of pollen, cause flower drop,
Temperature reduce plant growth and result in fruit scalding. Conversely, hot pepper plants stop
growing below160 C.
Hot pepper can be produced on a wide variety of soil types. However, best growth is in
deep, medium textured sandy loam or loamy, well-drained permeable soils that are rich
Soil in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. Avoid soils that have poor drainage, contain
a hardpan, have high levels of calcium and problems with salinity; hot pepper plants do
not tolerate salinity and excessive moisture.
The relative humidity required for normal growth is 50 - 60%. At higher than 60%
Humidity relative humidity pollination is inhibited and conditions become more favourable for
fungal development.
Rainfall The crop does well in areas receiving between 600 - 1250 mm per cropping cycle.
Plant growth is retarded without adequate water resulting in defoliation, abortion of
Drought
flowers and fruits, with consequent reduction in fruit quality and yield.
Hot pepper needs reasonably fertile soil but not an abundance of plant nutrients as this
Fertility
results in lush growth at the expense of fruit production; avoid fresh manure.
Mainly self pollinated but cross-pollination by insect activity including bees and ants
Pollination
also occurs.

18
PART 2 – PRODUCTION: GROWING AND
HARVESTING A HEALTHY PRODUCTIVE
CROP OF HOT PEPPERS

19
Site selection Field and bed preparation
The hot pepper field should ideally be sited The soils must be carefully prepared for the hot
on land without obstacles to mechanical soil pepper crop. Best practices include:
preparation. A tractor should be able to easily
effect ploughing and rotavating. The land • Soil analysis. The soil should be tested
should be cleared of all trees, stumps, rocks and to provide information on the quantity
be free of depressions. Mild slopes (3 9%) that of available plant nutrients, pH (acidity/
provide rapid run-off of excess rainwater are alkalinity), organic matter content, cation
also an advantage. The pepper field should be exchange capacity (CEC) and total of
located near to a reliable and adequate source soluble salts. These tests are carried out
of good quality water for irrigation. This may by state and private laboratories. The soil
analysis results are used to determine the
be a municipal supply or a river, stream, pond
types of fertilisers and application rates that
or well. Extraction of water for irrigation even
are appropriate for a particular site. With
from sources located on private land may
a soil analysis the possibility of applying
require a permit or attract special payment
unnecessary quantities of fertiliser is
rates, so the relevant regulations should be
minimised thus reducing production
consulted.
costs and avoiding possible negative
Good road accessibility is a necessity to facilitate environmental impact. Consult the local
the transport of agro-inputs, equipment and agriculture extension office for information
farm outputs. on the location of these laboratories.

New pepper fields should be located at least • Conservation of topsoil. Efforts should be
300 m away from an already established field made to conserve the topsoil (that is the
to reduce the risk of migration of pests from top 30 cm layer in a soil profile) during
the old field into the new production areas. levelling and tree stump and rock removal.
Fields where tomato, sweet pepper, eggplant or This is done to conserve the most aerated
Irish potato had been planted in the past 2 years and best structured part of a soil profile.
should be avoided because these crops belong Additionally, the topsoil is associated with
to the same botanical family as hot peppers and higher levels of soil organic matter and soil
residual pests and diseases from the previous organisms that assist in making nutrients
crop can attack the young plants in newly available to plants. Where large scale
land levelling is required, the topsoil layer
established hot pepper fields resulting in severe
should be moved aside and stored for re-
losses. Preferably, the site should not contain
distribution over the surface after levelling.
large areas of noxious weeds such as nutsedge
(Cyprus spp.) which would necessitate ongoing • Proper tillage. Soil tillage operations
and intensive weed control operations resulting (ripping, ploughing, harrowing and
in a significant increase in production costs. rotavating) should only be done when the
soil moisture levels would not promote
Another important aspect to site selection is
a breakdown of soil structure. See Box
security. The farmhouse should be located near
2, The Ball Test. Attention should also
the field or a guardhouse should be built in the
be given to varying tillage depths and
field itself. Fencing an entire field may be too directions to avoid the development of a
expensive to consider, hence some farmers plough pan. Plough 38 - 76 cm deep in two
organise a system of guarding all the fields directions. Leave soil to weather for 2 – 3
within a community and share the costs. weeks before harrowing and rotavating.
20
 Box 2: The Ball Test to assess fitness for tillage
Squeeze a handful of the soil. If the ball of soil falls apart with little to no resistance the soil
is dry enough for tillage and or cultivation. If the soil sticks together forming a ball or lump,
wait a few dry days and retest. (FAO CD-Rom ‘Soil Consistency’)

• Adjust soil pH as close as possible to 6.5. pH as shown by the results of the soil
Apply limestone materials to acid soils analysis. Table 4 gives the kilograms of
or agricultural sulphur or iron sulphate to limestone per 9 m2 to change the pH to
alkaline soils before the final rotavating. 6.5 based on the initial soil pH and the
The rates will depend on the initial soil texture of the soil.

Table 4: Guide to amount of limestone or sulphur required per 9 m2 to adjust to pH 6.5 Modified
from Bradley 1995

Kilograms of Limestone per 9 m2

Initial soil pH
SAND LOAM CLAY
4.5 2.2 5.9 8.6
5.0 1.8 4.6 6.8
5.5 1.3 3.5 4.8
6.0 0.6 1.7 2.4

Bed formation and other pre-plant The following pre-plant practices are associated
practices with the formation of the beds:
• Stale seedbed preparation. During soil
preparation, the opportunity should
Subdividing the fields into individual beds
be taken to apply the “stale seedbed
facilitates crop management especially in terms
preparation” technique to manage weeds.
of crop care tasks. Bed height and width depend
With this method, after the soil is tilled,
on several factors including soil type, bedding
the fields are left undisturbed to allow
equipment (Plate 8), width of available plastic
weed seeds to germinate and grow to
and grower preference. Form beds 90 – 122 cm
a height of 5 – 10 cm. The weeds are
wide, 30 – 40 cm high and of any convenient
then sprayed with a systemic herbicide.
length. Heavy soils should be formed into
Subsequently, the hot pepper seedlings
cambered beds, which are raised beds with
are transplanted into the mulch of dead
gently sloping sides to facilitate drainage. The
and dying weeds. For more details, see
top width of cambered beds can range from
“Weed management” page 34.
70 - 90 cm. A ridge-and-furrow system may be
tilled onto the cambered bed to further enhance • Pre-plant fertilisation. Generally, up to
drainage. one-third of the nitrogen and all of the
21
 phosphorus and micronutrients can be suppress the germination of weed seeds
applied 1 week before transplanting. after final land preparation, apply an
For more detailed pre-plant fertilisation appropriate pre-emergent herbicide10 such
guidelines for standard and fertigation as Dacthal or Devrinol to moist weed-free
systems see “Fertility management” page soil prior to transplanting.
31.
• Installing of plastic mulch. The use of
• Pre-emergent herbicide. Protecting the plastic mulch (Plate 9) gives excellent
seedlings from early competition with weed control and reduces soil splatter
weeds enhances the benefits from pre- onto the leaves and fruits of the plants.
plant fertilisation and reduces the risk The plastic mulch needs to be laid prior to
of early pest and disease problems. To transplanting (See Box 3).

Plate 8: Bed making using tractor-hitched disc bedder

(Source – CARDI)

10
A pre-emergent herbicide is one which prevents the germination of seeds usually by interfering with a key enzymatic process.
When pre-emergent herbicides are used, the crop needs to be established by using well grown transplants and not seeds.

22
Box 3: About plastic mulches

Plastic mulches have been used commercially on several vegetable production systems but to date,
its use in the Caribbean has been very limited. However, there are many advantages to the use of
plastic mulching systems for hot pepper production. These advantages include the effective con-
trol of weeds, the conservation of moisture (especially during dry periods), and reduction in soil
splash. There are also specially coated reflective mulches which have been shown to reduce the
population of certain insect pests which are vectors of viruses. The main disadvantages of a plastic
mulch system include an increase in the cost of production for a given crop, however, under good
management, this should be offset by reduced expenses for weed control and increased income
due to better quality fruit and higher yields. Another disadvantage is that certain weeds, e.g. the
yellow and purple nut sedges (Cyperus spp.) are not adequately controlled by black plastic mulch
and can easily grow right through the plastic; in this case, it is recommended to apply a pre-plant
herbicide treatment before the plastic mulch is applied. Furthermore, drip irrigation systems are
recommended with the use of plastic mulching systems which may be an additional factor in the
overall cost of production. Cooler soil conditions are associated with the use of white and white-
on-black coloured mulch compared to the clear or black types.
There are also biodegradable plastic mulches which were developed to reduce the cost of plastic
removal and disposal at the end of the useful life of the plastic. Although biodegradable plastic
mulches are presently available, they have not been widely adopted in the Caribbean because most
growers prefer to grow two or more crops under a single application of plastic mulch (to offset
costs) and under the elevated temperatures of the tropical Caribbean, biodegradable plastics break
down too quickly to allow extended cropping cycles.

• If plastic mulch is being used, the width of the plastic must be 50 – 60 cm wider than the bed
width or enough to allow for the plastic to cover the sides of the bed and be tucked under the
soil to anchor the plastic.
• Pull the plastic firmly over the bed to minimise wind movement and facilitate planting.
• Cover the mulch at the ends of each bed to prevent wind from getting under the plastic and
lifting the plastic off the bed; any available opening, such as a tear or uncovered tuck that
allows wind entry will cause this problem.
• Use trickle or drip irrigation with plastic mulch for maximum efficiency. The use of overhead
irrigation requires punching additional holes in the plastic to facilitate water entry and this
compromises the integrity of the plastic and reduces its effectiveness in controlling weeds and
minimising nutrient leaching.
• Hot pepper seedlings can be transplanted by punching holes in the plastic at the appropriate
intervals.

23
 Plate 9: Plastic mulch on beds secured by heavy stones
(Source – CARDI)

Irrigation The bulk of the roots of the hot pepper plant

extend to a depth of 78 cm and therefore
Hot pepper does not thrive under drought enough irrigation water must be supplied to
conditions and irrigation is essential to produce wet the soil profile up to this depth. Too little
consistent yields of high quality hot pepper in watering will encourage shallow rooting while
the drier periods of the year. Irrigation is the too much will cause water-logging and loss of
application of water to plants to address crop topsoil and nutrients.
water needs brought about by rainfall deficit so
that there is optimal plant growth. The amount • Sprinkler or overhead irrigation is
of water to be applied is calculated from the the most common system in use.
crop water need minus available rainfall during Sprinklers are very useful in hot, dry
the production period. The crop water need of weather in order to reduce ambient
hot pepper averages about 500 mm of water temperatures and increase air humidity.
per plant for the entire production period Increased humidity is an advantage in the
(GSM www.aboutcivil.com). Where rainfall management of mite infestations.
is adequate, that is, above 1,300 mm annually, • Drip lines can be used with or without
the planting of hot peppers should be timed to plastic mulching. Drip irrigation systems
benefit from rainfall because often the highest economise on water use because based
yields are obtained under rain-fed conditions on the stage of the crop, the process
supplemented by drip irrigation (Adams et can be calibrated to deliver sufficient
al. 2007). Irrigation water is mainly supplied water to adequately wet only the root
to the crop by sprinkler or overhead irrigation zone thus reducing wastage. An added
or drip lines. The critical moisture periods for advantage of irrigation by drip lines is
hot peppers are: 1) during the seedling stage, that water soluble fertilisers may also be
2) at transplanting and the week after, 3) just supplied during the irrigation exercise; a
before flowering and 4) during fruit set and process called fertigation. This is a great
development. advantage since fertilising can be effected

24
 after every picking at lower costs than water is in the soil; ideally for hot pepper
manual application. production, soil moisture should be kept
at 60 - 80%. Readings should be taken
• A field divided into beds that are 1.5 m 2 - 3 times per week during the cropping
centre to centre will require 6,667 m of period. See Box 4 for information on how
drip irrigation tubing per hectare. an irrometer works.
• The irrigation system should be installed
and tested before the transplanting
process.
• For the first 4 weeks after transplanting,
irrigate daily if necessary to keep soil
moisture between 60% – 90%. After that
period, depending on rainfall, irrigate
every other day. If a mulching system
is used, the water requirement will be
greatly reduced.
• Irrigation operations should always be
monitored to ensure timely and adequate
delivery of water. An irrometer (Plate Plate 10: Irrometer in use
10) should be used to indicate how much
(Source – CARDI)

Box 4: The irrometer

The irrometer (Plate 10) is a tool designed to measure the percent moisture in a soil and is very
useful to monitor the efficiency of irrigation management. The device consists of a sealed tube
filled with water that is equipped with a special vacuum gauge. The tube has a porous tip that
is placed at the depth of interest (usually where most of the plant roots of a particular crop are
located). In dry soil, water is drawn out of the instrument, reducing the water volume in the tube
and creating a partial vacuum, which is registered on the gauge. The drier the soil, the higher the
reading. Irrigation or rainfall reverses this action. Any residual vacuum in the device now draws
water from wetted soil back into the instrument which in turn raises the level of water in the tube
resulting in a lower gauge reading. The mechanisms of water movement to and from the device
are principally the same as those that apply to water movement in plant roots and therefore an
irrometer can be considered to be an artificial root. Consequently, the reading on an irrometer is
said to register “how hard roots are working to extract water from the soil”. A gauge reading of
50 indicates that the roots are extracting the same amount of moisture whether the crop is planted
in sandy soil or clay soil. Under normal operating conditions the readings are not affected by
salinity and no site calibrations are necessary.

25
Seedling production seedlings increasing to full unshaded areas
for seedlings that are being hardened in
Hot pepper crops are commonly established preparation for transplanting out into the
by using transplant ready seedlings (Plate field.
11). Crop success is determined largely by
the quality of the seedlings used. Healthy, • Frequently disinfect benching and handling
vigorous, evenly and well-developed seedlings equipment with bleach (60 ml bleach per 4
from high yielding varieties will consistently L water) or other approved disinfectants or
express the genetic potential to produce high sterilants.
yields. If a farmer cannot produce seedlings
on-farm, an order should be placed with a • Use high quality seeds (Plate 12) of
reliable commercial seedling nursery known improved varieties from reputable dealers
for the production of disease free, high quality to avoid seed borne diseases and viruses.
seedlings. Seek recommendations from your Germination should be over 85%. See
local extension office and speak to other Box 5, page 30.
farmers. • Avoid the use of seedling beds. Transplants
should be produced utilising seedling trays
which promote greater uniformity and
more vigorous growth than seedling beds.
• Use proper seedling trays (Plate 13) that are
designed to minimise damage to the root
ball upon seedling removal and to withstand
repeated washing and disinfecting.
• Use good quality potting mix, preferably
based on a non-soil material such as peat
moss or coconut coir. If soil based mixtures
need to be utilised, the mixture should be
steam-sterilised or solarised before use. See
Plate 11: Transplant ready hot pepper seedlings section, ‘Making soil based potting mixes
safe for seedling production’ page 30.
(Source – CARDI)
• Protect the seedlings with the timely
application of appropriate pesticides
(insecticides, miticides and fungicides).
Tips for on-farm nursery production:
• Ensure that a proper fertiliser regime is
• Site the nursery in a location with low used to promote rapid growth. The overall
disease presence; this is usually in nutrient profile should contain both macro
isolation from production plots of the and micronutrients; use high quality water-
Solanaceous crops. soluble fertilisers.
• Use insect-proof mesh (50 mm mesh) • Effect timely and adequate irrigation with
over all ventilation apertures. good quality water.
• Provide lighting and/or shading systems • Keep the nursery as a non-smoking zone
that allow 50% shade for newly germinated since viral particles are transported on

26
 tobacco smoke and smokers’ hands and Best practices in the production of healthy,
clothing. robust hot pepper seedlings are outlined in
Table 5.

Table 5: Best practices in seedling production

Procedure Best practices

Seed selection Use improved high yielding varieties

Fresh, clean seed with germination over 85% and preferably treated with tri-sodium
phosphate.
Potting mix selection Preferably non-soil based and free draining.
Disinfection seedling Wash and disinfect seedling trays before each use. Sterilise trays by soaking them for 5
trays minutes in nine parts of water to one part of household bleach. The trays should be stored
in clean place away from sun and rain.
Potting mix Place the selected potting mix inside a clean container. Gradually add clean water to the
preparation and potting mix, mixing until well moistened but not sopping wet. Fill the seedling trays with
sowing seeds the moistened potting mix. Tamp down gently to ensure that there are no large air pockets
within the mix in the cells; re-fill to the top if necessary.

Make shallow holes 0.6 cm deep in each cell with a small dibbler. Place one seed per hole
(Plate 14) and cover lightly with moistened potting mix. Trays may be stacked on top of
each other but care must be taken to uncover the trays once the first seeds start to germinate.
Seeds should germinate in 7 - 12 days. If trays are stacked, inspect the trays daily for signs
of germination from about day 5.

Water management Before germination, apply water as a fine mist whenever the top of potting mix looks dry.

After germination, water trays once on a daily basis preferably in the morning. Do not
over-wet the plants as it can lead to nutrient loss and fungal infections of the seedlings.
When seedlings have 3 - 4 leaves, irrigation may be needed twice daily especially under
hot conditions.
Application of After seedlings have germinated and the first true leaf has emerged, apply a foliar fertiliser
fertilisers to seedlings such as Polyfeed (19 - 19 - 19) at 25 ml in 4 L or Nutrileaf (20 - 20 - 20) at 24 g in 4 L of
water. Continue foliar feeding once every week until transplanting.
Crop protection When applying pesticides, adjust spray water to a pH of 4.5 - 5.0 with Indicate 511 to ensure
maximum efficacy of pesticides and fungicides.

Manage damping off12 by using clean seedling trays, clean water and non-soil potting mix.
Apply appropriate fungicides such as Phyton 27 or Banrot as a soil drench within 3 days
of germinating. One or two applications should protect the seedlings until transplanting.

Protect seedlings with approved pesticides. At the earliest signs of Phytopthora and other
fungal infections apply the appropriate fungicides.

Three days before transplanting drench the seedlings with imidacloprid such as Confidor
70WG at 6.5 g in 15 L water to protect against early pest attack in the field.

11
Indicate 5 is a proprietary formulation that is added to water in small amounts ( 5 – 15 ml per gallon or 1 – 4 ml per L) to adjust
the water to a pH of around 5.0. When this pH is reached the treated water solution turns a light pink. Research has shown that
pesticides and fungicides are more stable and effective when applied at a pH of 4.5 – 5.5.
12
‘Damping off’ or ‘melting’ is a serious disease that is often seen in nurseries caused by one or more of the following pathogenic
species, mainly Pythium, also known as Pythium Root Rot and to a lesser extent, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia. The disease
can cause the rotting of seeds which fail to germinate and emerge from the potting mix. Germinated seedlings which become
infected develop a dark lesion or rot right at the soil line and may topple over, often quite suddenly with little prior indication.

27
Table 5 cont’d
Hardening/ Harden off the seedlings to help them acclimatise to outside conditions.
Preparation of
seedlings for For a period of 5 – 10 days, starting after the emergence of the third true leaf gradually
transplanting reduce the frequency of watering (first watering once per day to eventually once every
other day) and gradually increase the level of light eventually exposing the seedlings to
unshaded conditions. Seedlings that go through this process just prior to transplanting are
better able to withstand the shock of the transplanting process and quickly resume growing
when transplanted in the field.
Selection of seedlings Select only healthy vigorous and uniform seedlings for transplanting.

Features of a transplant-ready seedling. The stem of the seedling should be about 10 – 13

cm in height and more than 0.3 cm thick. There should be at least four well-developed
leaves. The leaves should be a healthy green colour. There should be no signs of pest or
disease problems.
Duration of seedling The seedlings should be ready for transplanting 5 – 6 weeks after germination
production cycle

Plate 12: Good quality hot pepper seed showing uniformity in size and freedom
from dirt and debris

Source - CARDI

28
 Plate 13: A 50 cell seedling tray with cells that are 6.3 cm deep which provides adequate root
space for hot pepper seedling production
(Source – CARDI)

Plate 14: Sowing of seeds; only one seed per cell is needed when using high quality seeds tested
as having a germination rate of 85% or higher
(Source – CARDI)

29
 Box 5: Availability of quality seeds
Use of quality seeds (Plate 12) ensures that the seedlings germinate uniformly, conform to
varietal purity standards, are of good vigour and do not harbour seed borne diseases. Good
quality seeds should have over 80% germination and be at least 95% free of dirt, weeds and
other crop seeds. Commercial supplies of quality seeds for various Caribbean landraces are not
always available, as they are not part of national or regional seed production and certification
programmes. Seeds of a wanted landrace may be extracted from berries sourced directly from
disease free fields but it is still advisable to apply a disinfecting process such as a hot water
treatment or an approved sterilant/disinfectant such as tri-sodium phosphate (TSP).

Making soil-based potting mixes safe for Crop establishment

seedling production.
Planting spacing
If soil is needed to formulate the potting mix, it
should be subjected to a heating process which Proper spacing will ensure maximum use of
will destroy most of the pests, weed seeds and the land without overcrowding. Spacing has to
disease organisms that can be found in soil. be adjusted based on the variety used (Box 6)
On the farm, this can be done in one of the and whether the berries are for processing or
fresh market use. Tall varieties and those with
following ways:
profuse branching are spaced wider at lower
• Steam sterilisation. Place soil on a plant population densities. The higher plant
corrugated zinc sheet. Wet the soil and population densities (or closer spacing) can be
place the sheet over a moderate fire for used for the production of berries for processing,
30 minutes. The steam will kill most where maximum output is often the major
factor in making a profit and batch uniformity
pests, weed seeds and disease organisms,
and individual appearance matter less.
without damaging the soil. At least 1
week must pass before using the sterilised In the Caribbean, hot pepper farmers often
soil. Unsterilised tools should not be used utilise low planting densities ranging from
to avoid contaminating the sterilised soil. 4,940 – 7,410 plants/ha. This contributes to
the relatively low yields realised in the region,
• Soil solarisation. Wet soil and cover with around 16,800 – 39,200 kg/ha but the genetic
clear 4 mm thick plastic sheeting or place yield potential of the varieties in use is usually
in a large bag of clear plastic. Leave in a much higher. For optimal crop productivity in
sunny spot and allow the soil to heat up hot pepper production, this manual recommends
for up to 6 – 8 weeks. With this method, the following three levels of plant spacing, that
the temperature of the soil can reach 50 is, for standard, medium intensive and highly
0
C to 60 0C which applied over the course intensive cropping systems. The recommended
of the treatment will kill most soil borne spacing for these systems are as follows:
disease spores.
• Crop density 1/ Standard - plants should
be spaced at 90 cm between rows x 60 cm
between plants producing 17,932 plants/
ha.

30
 • Crop density 2 / Medium intensive - 76 cm • To transplant the seedlings dig a hole
between rows and 60 cm between plants about 8 cm deep and then place the root
giving 21,527 plants/ha. ball of the seedling in the hole. Firm the
backfill around the seedling making sure
• Crop density 3/ Highly intensive - 60 cm that there is close contact of the soil with
between rows and 60 cm between plants the root ball and that no part of the root
producing 26, 898 plants/ha. ball is exposed.
• Irrigate immediately after transplanting.
How to transplant • Keep fields well-watered for the entire
week after transplanting.
• One day before transplanting the fields
should be irrigated.
• The seedlings should be transplanted in the
Fertility management
evening to avoid heat stress to the plants.
General principles
• Water seedlings before they are removed
from the trays. This makes it easier to It is recommended that the specific kinds and
take out each plant without damaging it. rates of fertilisers utilised should be based on
Carefully remove seedlings from the tray the results of soil and if possible leaf tissue
with the “root ball” intact to minimise analyses. See Box 7 for information on leaf
transplant shock. Seedlings with bare tissue analysis values for hot peppers. The
roots or damaged roots will grow more cropping history of the field, residual fertility,
slowly after being transplanted and their proposed plant population density and expected
roots may be more easily infected by yield level are all factors that impact on the
fungal and bacterial pathogens. Seedlings fertility regimen. Best practices in fertility
should be transplanted immediately after management for hot pepper production are:
removing them from the trays, so that they
do not dry out. • Adjust soil pH to 6.5 for satisfactory
nutrient uptake.

Box 6: Varieties and plant spacing

Wider spacing – Moruga Red, Hood, varieties that produce tall plants or those with profuse
branching
Intermediate spacing – Faria, West Indies Red, medium sized varieties
Close spacing- Scotch Bonnet and CARDI Green, varieties that produce smaller plants.

31
 • Pre-plant fertilisation. Apply a complete of soil organic matter that is 0.3 – 3% for
fertiliser to boost early plant growth which 100 sq metres13, apply the following as
promotes crop competitiveness versus recommended in Carr et al 1991:
weeds. See section below, titled ‘Basic
fertilisation regimen for hot peppers’. o 73 - 98 kg of cattle or horse manure
or
• Ensure that available soil moisture is
kept around 60% for the major part of o 24 - 49 kg dry poultry manure or
the cropping cycle and especially during
o 49 - 98 kg dry commercial compost
the critical periods of a week after
or
transplanting, flowering and during fruit
set and development as adequate soil o 490 - 976 kg on-farm made compost
moisture is essential for nutrient uptake. (not dried)
• The general guideline for the application of These materials add organic matter to the soil
the macro nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus which is beneficial to soil structure and also
and potassium (NPK) in soil applications support the growth of soil micro-flora and
is 403 – 605 kg/ha of a fertiliser with an fauna which help in the uptake of nutrients
NPK formulation in the proportion of by plants from inorganic fertilisers. Only well
4:1:3. This broad guideline should be aged or composted manure should be used to
refined in accordance with the results of reduce the risk of crop problems with viable
the soil analysis weed seeds and harmful pathogens which can
be transmitted by uncured compost or manure.
• For fertilisation by fertigation, the
general recommendation for hot pepper • Pepper plants are chlorophobic meaning
production per hectare is 230 kg N, that they are sensitive to the element
90 kg P2O5 400 kg K2O, 56 kg MgO chlorine and its derivatives, therefore, the
and 146 kg CaO. At these rates and less chlorine a fertiliser contains the better
at a planting density of 91 cm x 91 cm the yields and the quality of the crop.
the crop will produce about 45,000 kg/
ha of marketable hot pepper fruits. The • The fertilisers used for fertigation should
recommended sources of nutrients to use be high quality fertilisers designed for use
for the fertigation system are prilled urea in fertigation systems. The saline content
46-0-0 (nitrogen), ammonium phosphate of these materials should be as low as
(12-61-0) (nitrogen, phosphorus), possible to avoid the breakdown of soil
potassium nitrate (13-0 – 44) for structure. Peppers are also moderately
nitrogen and potassium and Epsom salt sensitive to elevated saline levels as the
(10% magnesium and 13% sulphur) for sodium cations compete with potassium
magnesium. The calcium is supplied by cations for plant uptake and the chloride
the pre-plant liming operations and any ions interfere with the uptake of nitrogen.
supplemental liming can be supplied by
fertigation with a fast acting calcium • In areas where the soil pH is acid,
nitrate formulation. calcium nitrate, a non-acidifying
nitrogenous fertiliser should be used
• Apply farmyard manure or compost. If the as the main nitrogen nutrient source as
soil analysis shows medium to low levels

13
To convert kilograms per 100 sq meters to pounds per 1000 sq feet multiply by 2.048

32
 Box 7: About leaf tissue analysis
Leaf tissue analysis may be done to get a more accurate indication of satisfactory plant nutrient
status. This type of analysis is not a do-it-yourself test and must be done by a qualified laboratory.
For leaf analysis, most laboratories require 30-40 leaves from a group of plants in one area of
the field. Only leaves that are newly matured and show no signs of stress or damage should be
selected for the sample. If possible, take the leaves from the upper part of the plant. Follow all
instructions issued by the laboratory with regard to sample collection and packing The laboratory
will analyze the nutrient content in the samples and compare the readings with ‘sufficiency’
data specific for each crop that show the normal range of nutrients required in the tissues for
optimal growth of that species. Based on that comparison, recommendations are made for the
fertilisation programme. Suggested sufficiency levels of macro-nutrients in pepper leaves are N,
4 – 6%; P, 0.35 – 1.00%; K, 4 – 6%; Ca, 1 – 2.5%; Mg, 0.3 – 1.00%.

other nitrogenous fertilisers such as urea, lightly. Repeat at 4 and 8 weeks.

sulphate of ammonia and diammonium
phosphate tend to increase soil acidity • Liquid feed plants weekly for the first 6
over time. weeks with 20-20-20 NPK at 7.5 g/L water.
Apply 230 – 300 ml to each plant.
The critical periods for nutrients in peppers are
as follows: • At 50% flowering, give each plant 20 g
NPK at a ratio of 12-11-18 and repeat at
• 1 - 2 weeks after transplanting to boost monthly intervals during production.
early growth and development of leaves.
• It is advisable to foliar feed plants during
• At flowering and early fruit formation for fruit production with potassium nitrate (13.2
improved fruit set. -0-44) and calcium nitrate alternatively (15-
0-0) at a rate of 3 g/1 L water to each plant
• After the first and every harvest to at weekly intervals.
compensate for nutrients removed with
the harvested berries and to provide Fertiliser management under plastic mulch
nutrients for subsequent production.
Apply any needed lime 2 to 3 months ahead of
• At fortnightly intervals after each picking plastic mulch installation.
through fertigation or side dressing.
On beds with double-row cropping, a pre-plant
Basic fertilisation regimen for hot peppers fertiliser application should be made for all the
phosphorus and micronutrient requirements.
For hot pepper production in the Caribbean, a These fertilisers should be incorporated as
basic fertilisation regime is described below: part of the final tillage operations before the
installation of the plastic mulch.
• Pre-plant – 200 kg/ha mixed fertiliser (NPK)
grade 12-36-12 or 12-24-12 incorporated If fertigation will not be used it is advised
into planting rows or beds. to apply the entire nitrogen and potassium
requirement in a pre-plant incorporation.
• Two weeks after transplanting apply NPK
However if smaller, single row beds are used,
15-15-15 at 20 g per plant in a 10 cm
pre plant application of all the needed fertiliser
diameter circle around plants and cover
33
may cause fertiliser salt toxicity. Therefore, a iv. Monitoring the problem to determine
side-dressing will be required either by a liquid when the level of damage becomes
injection wheel or a banded application outside unacceptable and some treatment or
the tucked portion of the bed. other intervention should be applied
(the action threshold).
When fertigation systems will be used all
the phosphorus and micronutrients and ⅓ to v. Using the least toxic option first.
½ of the nitrogen and potassium requirement
should be incorporated into the bed before the
plastic is laid. Apply the remaining nitrogen
and potassium through weekly fertigation Weed management
applications beginning just after transplant Weed management in hot pepper production is
establishment. The rate of these applications desirable because:
will change with the stage of the crop.
• The presence of weeds makes land
preparation more time consuming and
expensive.
Crop protection: the IPM approach
• Several weed species act as hosts for
Crop protection describes the crop management
plant diseases and insect pest vectors thus
practices aimed at minimising loss in crop
adversely affecting yields and the quality
productivity due to damage by weeds, pests,
of the harvested crop.
diseases and disorders due to physiological and
environmental conditions. • Weeds compete with the crop for space,
light, moisture, nutrients, and other
To reduce the introduction of pests and diseases
inputs.
from employees’ gardens and other off-farm
areas, workers should be required to have (or The most critical period for weed control
be provided with) dedicated farm clothing, in hot peppers is the first 40 – 70 days after
boots and tools. transplanting, when hot pepper plants are
weak competitors against weeds (Smith and
An integrated pest management (IPM) approach
Le Strange 2008). After that time, if optimal
to crop protection is recommended. The basic
crop population densities are employed, the
steps are outlined below:
crop canopy should shade the ground enough
i. Correctly identifying what is causing to reduce rampant weed growth.
the observed problem(s).
Good management of weeds in the field is based
ii. Anticipating what are the likely pests on an appropriate integrated weed management
and diseases so that appropriate strategy that includes:
preventative and cultural practices
• Preventative practices. Examples of such
may be implemented and required crop
practices are washing tillage equipment
protection inputs procured for timely
(especially those from contracted services
interventions.
that work on other farmers’ lands because
iii. Reducing crop stress so that the plants soil may contain weed seeds); proper
can naturally suppress or withstand seedbed preparation inclusive of the stale
some level of attack without severely seedbed techniques (see Box 8 for the
reducing crop productivity. steps in stale seedbed preparation); soil

34
 solarisation which uses the heat of the sun to increase the crop’s competitive ability in
steam-kill weed seeds and therefore reduces the early stages of establishment; applying
weed emergence; weed management of fertilisers close to the crop row to increase
drainage systems and the removal or burial the chance of capture of the nutrients by the
of crop residues to reduce on-field weed crop instead of uptake by weeds; the use of
infestations. higher density crop populations to shade
out weeds; the use of appropriate tools for
• Cultural practices such as: crop rotation weeding and tillage.
to vary cultivation practices within the
production area and to maximise disruption • Chemical options, which involve the use of
of weed ecological cycles which reduces the approved herbicides in the correct manner
chance of any one weed type dominating; and rates. Chemical weed management
proper primary tillage that buries weed cover includes: procuring and maintaining
deep enough to reduce weed emergence appropriate weed control equipment
from weed seed or vegetative propagules; e.g. broad swath nozzles for herbicide
timely shallow cultivation to remove weeds application; dedicated herbicide application
especially in the critical stages of the crop; spray cans; the proper calibration of
prevention of weed seed set by the timely spraying equipment and the use of
control of weeds before they flower or set appropriate spreader stickers and uptake
viable seed; applying pre-plant nitrogen to enhancers.

Box 8: Stale seedbed preparation

Six weeks before crop establishment, the fields are ploughed and harrowed and or rotavated.
After the final tillage operation, the fields are irrigated to encourage the weed seeds in the soil
to germinate. When the weed cover is still young but fairly well established (with the growing
weeds being about 7.6 – 10 cm in height), the weeds are killed by an operation that does not
disturb the soil. This is usually accomplished by applying a contact or preferably a systemic
herbicide such as glyphosate (e.g. Roundup). Mowing or other non-chemical options such as
flaming may also be used. The key is not to disturb the soil which will result in viable weed seed
from the lower soil layers being brought to the surface where they can germinate. If time and
finances allow, the cycle of rotavating, weed growth and weed kill operation may be repeated
several times.
The seedlings are then planted into the dead or dying weed residue with minimal soil disturbance.
With this method, weed growth tends to be limited to a small area around the site of placement
of the transplant where the soil was disturbed.
Stale seedbed preparation operations facilitate rapid crop cover as there is little weed pressure
during the early and most vulnerable stages of crop establishment. This gives crop plants a
competitive advantage in accessing all available water, light and nutrients which together with
optimal plant spacing allows the crop canopy to quickly shade the soil which works to further
suppress weed growth.

35
Weed control can be a significant cost in hot • If the dominant weeds are grasses (that
pepper production as the crop has a fairly is, of the plant family Gramineae) then
long growing and harvesting cycle and a selective grass-killing herbicide, such
therefore can be subject to several flushes of as fluazifop-p-butyl (Fusilade) can be
weed infestations. Best practices for weed applied. Fusilade kills the true grasses
management in hot pepper production include: and does not harm the hot pepper crop.
• Proper land clearing and tillage operations • Weeds in drainage ditches and in areas
at the land clearing and bed preparation adjacent to the fields must also be
stage. Wherever possible, the ‘stale seed controlled since they can harbour pests
bed” technique should be applied before and diseases and shed weed seeds onto the
the seedlings are transplanted. crop fields.
• In unmulched fields, a pre-emergent • Mulching systems using plastic or organic
herbicide such as Dacthal or Devrinol mulches are strongly recommended to
should be applied to the soil before reduce weed pressure. Plastic mulch
transplanting following label instructions. is very appropriate and cost effective
Only robust transplants should be used in for weed management in hot pepper
herbicide treated soils and the transplants production. Grass and other organic
should receive optimal crop care to reduce mulches can also be used but these tend
plant stress as stressed transplants may not to breakdown rapidly under hot humid
tolerate the herbicide and crop loss may tropical conditions and may reduce the
occur. amount of soil nitrogen available to the
crop when they begin to decompose.
• Manual cultivation operations around the Plastic mulch gives comparatively much
plants need to be shallow to prevent root better protection through the entire crop
damage to the hot pepper crop. cycle. Weed control operations will be
required along the sides of the mulch
• Weed control operations should be
where the ends have been covered with
done before weeds flower and set viable
soil.
seed; many weed species produce large
quantities of seed which are often very • Avoid re-planting the fields with hot
long-lived and resistant. peppers, other Solanaceous crops or crops
which require similar crop care practices
• Post-plant herbicide applications should
and nutritional needs for increased weed
be done with a shield to minimise drift
control in the subsequent growing season.
onto the crop.
• High plant population densities, more
than 19,000 plants/ha should be used to
help to smother weeds as at this density Pest management
the canopy closes over quickly before In the Caribbean, hot peppers are commonly
major weed growth. Some hand weeding attacked by a number of pests; several are
or mechanised cultivator (e.g. a Mantis vectors of serious viral diseases. The major
tiller) may be used before the canopy hot pepper pests of the region are whiteflies,
closes over. mites, thrips, cucumber beetles and aphids.

36
Even though less common, pepper weevils and • Good field sanitation. Weeds and crop
gall midges can also cause severe crop losses. residues which may serve to harbour pests
Best practices in pest management are based on and diseases should be removed.
an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy
that includes cultural practices and physical • Use of barrier crops which are also subjected
and chemical control methods. to crop protection measures. For example,
barrier crops of corn are useful to prevent
Cultural practices utilised for pest management transmission of viruses by aphids but should
include: be inspected and treated for corn earworm
and other insects which may also attack hot
• Use of resistant varieties and/or avoidance of pepper plants.
highly susceptible varieties.
• Weekly crop inspections. Visual inspections
• Use of pest-free seedlings to ensure young should be done to detect early infestations.
plants are not already under pest attack when
transplanted in the fields. Newly transplanted • Pest identification. Once damage is observed
seedlings can be expected to undergo some the cause needs to be identified so that the
level of stress and transplant shock which most effective and safest methods can be
makes them even more vulnerable to employed. (Table 6).
succumbing to existing nursery-based pest
infestations and/or new attacks originating in • Use of traps for monitoring the levels of
the fields. dangerous pests (Plate 15). Consult the local
agri-extension office for advice and training
• Selecting an appropriate time of cropping on traps and monitoring.
cycle. Very humid or very hot conditions
should be avoided. • Employ cultural techniques that create or
maintain unfavourable conditions for the
• Proper plant care to promote robust growth pests e.g. crop rotation, (do not plant hot
and plant health. Provide proper spacing, peppers on fields where other Solanaceous
correct planting procedures, timely and crops have grown for 2 years).
adequate irrigation, balanced fertilisation
and adequate crop protection. • Management of beneficial organisms.
Avoid widespread use of broad spectrum
insecticides to protect the natural predators
of mites, aphids, caterpillars and other pests;
spray when bees are not active.
• Early control of pest vectors of viruses and
host plants of vectors and pathogens.
• The keeping of proper records that include
cropping history and occurrence of pest
problems. This will facilitate planning for
expected pest (and disease) problems in
Plate 15: Yellow sticky traps can be used to subsequent cropping.
monitor the presence of many insect pests like Best practices in the selection and use pesticides
aphids and white flies are governed by the following guidelines:
(Source – CARDI)
37
• Judicious use of all pesticides even those • Due care when applying pesticide treatments
considered ‘environmentally friendly’. to flowers and young fruits to avoid
unacceptable residues in the harvested
• Ensuring all protective measures are employed product. Attention should be paid to the
to safeguard human and environmental required time that must be allowed between
health. pesticide application and harvest; this is
stated on the pesticide label.
• Using the more benign pesticides as the
first option for chemical control e.g. neem
extracts, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki
(BTK) formulations, insecticidal soaps and Identifying hot pepper pests and treatment
oils. options
• Avoiding insecticide use when bee activity is With regard to pest caused problems most
high. likely to be observed in hot peppers grown in
the Caribbean, Table 6 lists a description of
• Strict adherence to label instructions on type damage, the probable pests likely to cause such
of crop, rates and restrictions. damage and treatment options.

Table 6: Damage description, pests and treatment options

Description of damage Cause Treatment

Bronze, dry areas along the Thrips, Thrips palmi (Plate 16) Early control is required as Thrips
mid-rib and on both surfaces palmi is a vector of several viruses
of the leaf; leaves curl with that affect hot pepper. Use approved
margins inwards and become insecticides.
distorted or misshapen. Damage caused by the feeding of
adults and nymphs and also by Drought stress increases the
symptoms of virus. susceptibility of peppers to thrips
damage so provide adequate irrigation
Flea-sized silver adults; nymphs are throughout the growing season to
light yellowish orange brown with two minimise damage.
brown stripes down their backs.
Use reflective mulches to deter thrips.
Yellowed (chlorotic) spots on Whiteflies, Bemisia tabacii (Plate 17) Vector of viruses, especially Geminivirus
leaves; defoliation; poor growth so early management is advised.
of plants and reduced yields;
berries may become striped or Cultural control includes scouting to
malformed. detect early infestations, weed host
control, and protection of predatory
Tiny ‘white’ insects fly straight The adult whitefly is a tiny leaf sucking mites that prey on whiteflies.
up when plants are disturbed. insect with two pairs of prominent
white waxy wings and a yellow body. Rotate approved insecticides to minimise
insect resistance.

38
Table 6 cont’d

Description of damage Cause Treatment

Brown rough spots, which may Mites IPM approach including good field
later become dry, cracked and sanitation, isolation from other host
brittle, on areas between the Mites are very small and can crops, plant rouging or selective pruning
veins of the leaves or on fruits; barely be seen. The Broad Mite, of mite infested material.
leaf curling, bronzing of leaves, Polyphagotarsonemus latus is a very
leaf shedding; young leaves serious threat to hot pepper cultivation Chemical control - use approved
narrower than normal; flower in the Caribbean. miticides. Mites are arachnids (related
drop; cracked, scarred and to spiders) and will not be controlled by
deformed fruits; stunting of standard insecticides.
plants.
Leaves curled, wrinkled or cup- Aphids (Plate 18) Aphids are capable of transmitting some
shaped; soft bodied insects seen viruses so early control is advised.
on undersides; sticky areas on There are two main species of aphids
leaves (honeydew) which may that cause problems in the Caribbean: Susceptible to most insecticides but
be covered by black sooty mold. Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii. coverage must include underside of
The nymphs of M. persicae are reddish leaves. For mild infestations, consider
while the colour of the adults varies low impact oils and insecticidal soaps as
from green to yellowish green. A. first chemical control options.
gossypii adults range in color from
light or dark green to black but may be Use corn as a barrier crop and or
yellow to white on older leaves. intercrop reduces virus transmission by
aphids.
Fruit drop of flower buds and Pepper Weevil, Anthonomus eugenii IPM strategy – weekly monitoring of
immature berries (Plate 21); (Plate 19) pepper weevil populations before the
dark specks on fruits (puncture start of flowering through the use of
marks); core of fruit is brown The Pepper Weevil is a serious pest in yellow sticky traps placed 10 - 60 cm
and moldy yellow stems; several areas of the Caribbean. The above the soil. Start treatments when
premature ripening of fruits. adults feed on berries and leaf buds and one adult weevil is seen in 200 plants
lay eggs on flowers, buds and berries. or 5% of damaged terminal buds are
Newly emerged adults are light brown seen (Riley and Sparks, 1995 and OAS,
and darken to a grayish-black in 2 - 3 Pepper Weevil Factsheet undated).
days. The shape of the weevil is oval
and the body strongly arched and with Collect and destroy all dropped and
a long, stout beak. damaged flower buds and fruit.

Note - only adults can be effectively

controlled by pesticides. The eggs and
larvae are well protected inside the buds
and berries.

39
Table 6 cont’d
Description of damage Cause Treatment
Stems of mature green and Gall Midge, Prodiplosis longifila, Cultural controls include the proper
ripening berries become dry Contarinia lycopersici spacing of plants and good field
and develop irregular blackened sanitation. Remove all green mature and
patches (Plate 22); small The Gall Midge is a small fly resembling ripe fruit at each harvest. Remove and
maggot-like organism feeding a mosquito. It is difficult to see but its destroy all fruits with blackened stems
under the skin of the stem. damage is obvious in bearing pepper and infested crop residues.
fields. These tiny insects lay their eggs
in the stems of maturing pepper berries. Chemical control – soil application of
insecticides against the larvae that are
ready to pupate.

The insecticide, imidacloprid is effective

against the midges when applied to the
soil at planting.

Apply contact insecticides during the

late afternoon when adults are most
active.
Holes in leaves (Plate 23) green Cucumber Beetle, Diabrotica balteata Apply approved pesticides.
and yellow beetles seen. (Plate 20)

Both the larva and adults feed on plants.

The green, yellow banded Cucumber
Beetle can be a serious problem in the
early stages of the pepper crop.
Leaves with large holes; large Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta Approved pesticides.
areas eaten in leaves but main
veins may be left intact; fresh The caterpillar of a moth; when fully Easily controlled by handpicking in
green droppings (darkening to developed, the hornworm is a large small plots.
brown or black) on leaves; large caterpillar. It is green in colour, with
caterpillar with spine at rear slanted white bands along its sides. Bacillus thuringiensis formulations such
(hides during the day). There is a spiny structure resembling as Dipel, Thuricide and Xenatari are
a horn at its rear – hence the name very effective.
hornworm.

Plate 16: Thrip Plate 17: Whitefly Plate 18: Aphids on underside of leaf
(Source – BAHA) (Source – BAHA) (Source – BAHA)

40
 Plate 19: Pepper weevil
Plate 22: Pedicels of hot pepper with black
(Source – BAHA) scars, a symptom of gall midge infestation
(Source – CARDI)

Plate 20: Adult cucumber beetle

Plate 23: Round bullet holes caused by adult
(Source – CARDI) cucumber beetles
(Source – CARDI)

Plate 21: Fruit drop (seen in drains) caused

by pepper weevils
(Source – BAHA)
41
Disease management 2. Proper handling protocols. Disease
pathogens can be transmitted from infected
In the Caribbean, the hot pepper is vulnerable areas to clean areas by using unsanitised
to a number of diseases. Some of the more tools and equipment. Pathogens can also
important diseases are viruses, Anthracnose, be dispersed within the crop through
Bacterial Spot, Fusarium Wilt, Phytopthora contact with workers’ hands, shoes and
Wilt, Cercopora Leaf Spot and Southern Blight. clothing. Diseases can also be carried
Successful disease management is based on an from the nursery into the field on the
integrated disease management programme roots of seedlings. Best practices for crop
which includes the following best practices: husbandry include avoiding working on
plants when they are wet, attending to the
• Cultural practices – use of clean seed,
youngest plants and disease -free areas first,
resistant varieties, crop rotation, proper
maintaining a no smoking zone for crop
plant spacing, balanced fertilisation,
fields and implementing high standards for
adequate irrigation, appropriate planting
handling crops.
dates and production schedules, proper field
sanitation and worker handling protocols. 3. Crop rotation and control of solanaceous
Additional cultural disease management weeds. For the management of soil borne
practices are improved drainage, the use disease, avoid planting hot peppers where
of wider spacing in the rainy season and peppers or other Solanaceous crops such as
scheduling overhead irrigation carefully to tomatoes or eggplants have grown within
avoid extended periods of leaf wetness. the last 2 years. During the rotation period
when peppers are not planted, solanaceous
• Appropriate use of approved biological and
weeds such as Jimson weed (Datura
chemical options.
stramonium), Wild Tobacco (Nicotiana
Four basic disease management practices: spp), Chinese lanterns (Physalis spp),
Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and
1. Use of clean seed. For the management Susumber (Solanum torvum) should be
of several diseases, such as Southern controlled in the fields and adjacent areas.
Blight, Damping Off and viruses that
may be seed borne it is important to use 4. Removal of infected material. Crop
clean, pathogen-free seed. Seeds should be residues from infected fields should be burnt
sourced from reputable dealers; farm-saved and not ploughed under. Infected fruits and
seeds, from uninfected fields. Suspect prunings need to be removed from the field
seeds should be subjected to one of the and should not be composted. Do not use
following treatments: hot water (52 0C un-composted farmyard manure.
for 30 minutes), 25% bleach solution (a 2
Descriptions of the kind of damage associated
minute soak) or approved sterilants such as
with the major diseases in hot pepper observed
trisodium phosphate, TSP14. Seed treatment
in the region and the recommended treatment
involves a series of precise methods and it
options are listed in Table 7.
is generally best to purchase seed treated by
a seed company.

14
The transmission of many viruses may be eliminated or reduced by treating seeds with trisodium phosphate (TSP). Dissolve 450
g TSP in 4 L water. Soak pepper seeds for 30 minutes. Rinse in clean water, air dry then treat with a protective seed fungicide
such as Captan.

42
Table 7: Hot pepper diseases: description of damage, identification of probable causal
agent and recommended treatment options

Damage Cause Treatment

Water-soaked spots on leaves Anthracnose (fungus) The fungus is spread by wind and water
that turn black as the disease splashing from the ground and other
progresses; fruit appear water Colletotrichum spp. At least surfaces. The disease is also seed borne.
soaked with dark sunken lesions; three species are reported to
in humid conditions sometimes a cause anthracnose on pepper: Use clean seeds to produce seedlings.
waxy pinkish substance is seen (the C.piperatum, C. capsici and C.
spores). coccodes. It is especially prevalent Practice crop rotation.
in the rainy season.
Burn crop residue from infected fields.

Use approved fungicides.

Black lesions on stem just above Phytopthora Blight (fungus) Reliable control is difficult
the soil line; wilting of plants.
Phytophthora capsici. Management of the disease include
Phytophthora blight is one of cultural techniques, field sanitation and
the most destructive hot pepper fungicide applications.
diseases in the Caribbean. Heavy
rainfall and flooding can lead to
severe outbreaks of the disease and
in some cases result in complete
crop loss.
Water-soaked, small, green to Bacterial Leaf Spot The disease is wind and water borne and
dark- brown spots on leaves the causal organism is also spread by the
(Plate 24); These spots have a The disease caused by a bacterium, movement of people through the fields.
central depression on the upper Xanthomonas vesicatoria or
leaf surface and slightly raised X. campestris. The disease can A major control method is the use of
brown areas centrally on the lower become serious under hot and clean, fungicide-treated seed from
surface. Affected leaves eventually humid conditions. healthy plants.
turn yellow and heavy leaf drop is
possible if infection is high. Rotate crops especially with cucurbits
such as pumpkin which are not affected.
Keep good drainage. Keep fields free of
weeds.
On the fruits, irregular brown spots
develop that are typically warty Spray copper based fungicides.
(raised) in appearance with distinct
holes Burn all crop residues from infected
fields.
Circular spots appear with a light Frogeye Leaf Spot The fungus is carried on seed.
grey centre and reddish-brown
margin. Spots later become tan Frogeye leaf spot is caused by Use Captan 50WP to protect and treat the
with a dark ring and a yellowish Cercospora capsici. disease.
halo around the ring resulting in a
“frog-eye” appearance. Remove affected plants.

Infected leaves fall off early. Spots . Keep proper plant spacing in the field to
also develop on stems and petioles allow for good air circulation.
but they are oblong rather than
circular. The fruits are not affected.

43
Table 7 cont’d
Damage Cause Treatment
Water-soaked spots on leaves Anthracnose (fungus) The fungus is spread by wind and water
that turn black as the disease splashing from the ground and other
progresses; fruit appear water Colletotrichum spp. At least surfaces. The disease is also seed borne.
soaked with dark sunken lesions; three species are reported to
in humid conditions sometimes a cause anthracnose on pepper: Use clean seeds to produce seedlings.
waxy pinkish substance is seen (the C.piperatum, C. capsici and C.
spores). coccodes. It is especially prevalent Practice crop rotation.
in the rainy season.
Burn crop residue from infected fields.

Use approved fungicides.

Infected plants become weak and Fusarium Wilt The disease organism is spread by water
show a yellowing of the leaves; and wind.
leaves wilt; falling of lower leaves; This is a soil borne disease caused
sunken-like lesion on stem surface. by a fungus, Fusarium oxysporum. Fusarium wilt cannot be adequately
The disease organisms develop controlled by the application of
rapidly in high soil temperatures. fungicides. The main management
Fusarium wilt is confirmed when practices are good husbandry and cultural
the tissue under the bark of the practices.
stem appears reddish-brown.
Sudden wilting; with the section Southern Blight or Sclerotium A difficult disease to control as the spores
nearest to the ground becoming Wilt are very resistant.
brown while the stem tissue above
this area appears normal. (This is The disease caused by a fungus, Avoid planting in infected areas.
not so with Fusarium Wilt). Sclerotium rolfsii that lives in the
soil, and affects a wide range of Maintain soil at pH 6.5.
vegetables and other crops. The
fungus can remain dormant in the Deep plough to bury spores below 30 cm,
As the disease progresses, a white soil for many years. away from any plant roots – spores die
fungal growth is seen with small within 45 days.
brown, seed-like bodies on the
plant stem near ground level as Practice soil sterilisation if possible.
well as on the soil surface.
For localised infections, when plants die
from this wilt, the whole plant and soil
around the root area should be carefully
removed and burned outside of the field.

Practice long crop rotations (3 – 5 years)

using less susceptible crops such as corn,
sorghum and other vegetables that do not
belong to Solanaceae family.
Stripping and mottling (mosaic) or Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), See section on viral diseases (Page 45)
patches of lighter areas developing Mosaic Virus, the Potato Virus
in leaves; cupping and distortion of Y (PVY), the Tobacco Etch Virus
leaves,; stunting of plants; reduced (TEV) and the Geminiviruses.
yields. These diseases can attack the plants
alone or may appear together as a
virus complex.

44
 • At the earliest signs of virus attack in the
nursery or fields, rogue all plants showing
symptoms and burn the refuse. Wash hands
thoroughly with detergent before handling
other plants.
• Control insect vectors such as whitefly,
aphids and thrips in the seedling nursery
and in the crop fields with the judicious
use of effective insecticides. Surround
fields with windbreak crops such as corn
facing the direction of more prevalent high
Plate 24: Bacterial leaf spot on pepper leaves winds; intersperse sticky traps within the
field; allow beneficial insects (parasites
(Source – BAHA) and predators) to populate field and use
reflective mulches to deter these vectors.
• Rotate hot pepper production with corn,
Viral diseases sorghum, and pigeon pea.
There are several viral diseases that affect • Maintain surroundings clean of weeds and
hot pepper crops. The general symptoms are insect vectors.
mosaic (or colour brakes) on leaves (Plate 25),
deformation of leaves (cupping and crinkling) • Avoid planting in areas with a heavy
and retarded and stunted plants. Viral diseases presence of disease or insect vectors; avoid
can drastically reduce yields and kill plants. planting downwind of existing hot pepper,
These viruses can be transmitted by the sweet pepper, tomato, eggplant (members
whitefly, Bemisia tabaci or aphids, or thrips of the Solanaceae family) and other crops
depending on the type of virus. that are attacked by similar insect vectors,
such as cotton.
Management of viral disease. There is no cure
for plant viral disease. However, the following • Keep tobacco products out of the field15
measures should be taken to minimise the risk and anyone handling them should wash
of infection: hands thoroughly before handling the
hot pepper plants. Post no-smoking signs
• Plant tolerant varieties around field.
• Use only virus-free seeds. These seeds • Another option is to plant hot pepper under
have been produced from disease free insect-proof tunnel houses to exclude the
crops, specially grown and kept free insect vectors of viruses.
from diseased plants and insect vectors
and carefully extracted from only healthy
berries and washed with disinfectants.

15
The tobacco mosaic virus, TMV, a serious disease of peppers and tomatoes can be transmitted through contact with tobacco
smoke. Smoking should not be allowed within the fields and all workers should be required to wash their hands with detergent
before handling plants, including seedlings.

45
 and quite possibly for the crop to be saved.
Close examination of the plant damage will
reveal several distinguishing features of both
problems. The major differences are that mite
attack tends to cause a bronzing of the leaves,
leaf fall, strapping of the leaves near the terminal
bud but no prolific wrinkling of leaves. Severe
mite attack may cause distortion or changes of
the expected shape of the plant. On the other
hand, a virus problem characteristically causes
colour breaks in a banding or blotching pattern
(called mosaic) but leaf fall does not occur.
There is no strapping of the leaves near the
terminal bud but there can be prolific wrinkling
Plate 25: Close up of hot pepper plant and malformation of leaves; however, even
showing mosaic colour breaks and puckering when these symptoms are severe, the general
in leaves under viral attack plant structure is not changed. Pesticides
formulated to kill mites or miticides effect
(Source – CARDI) some abatement of mite caused symptoms but
while pesticide control of insect vectors will
help protect the plants from being infected,
once the plant shows viral symptoms there are
no pesticides that can change the course of a
viral attack and plant removal is recommended.

Physiological disorders
Crop productivity can be reduced by problems
other than pests and disease pathogens.
Physiological disorders have various non-
pathological causes including adverse
Plate 26: Prolific curling of hot pepper environmental conditions, nutrient imbalances
and toxicities during the cropping season. In
(Source – CARDI) hot peppers the main physiological disorders
and the best management options are described
Differences between mite and virus attack below.

The damage caused by mite and virus attack can Blossom drop and reduced fruit set
present very similar symptoms at first glance
Blossom drop in pepper is primarily associated
such as leaf distortion and stunting of plants.
with high temperatures, particularly when night
Correctly identifying the cause of the problem
temperatures are above 210 C16 which can be
allows for the proper management option to
common in the Caribbean. Day temperatures
be implemented so that damage is minimised

Periods of low night temperatures 210 C and below at the time of flowering also reduce yields by delaying flowering, inducing
16

blossom drop, affecting pollen viability and affecting fruit morphology and size.
46
above 290 C or below 150 C may also result in Blossom-end Rot
flowers dropping without setting fruit.
Blossom-end Rot is a physiological disorder
Some loss of flowers without fruit set can seen in several vegetables including squash,
be expected even from healthy plants under tomato, pepper and watermelon. It is
optimal temperatures conditions. Most characterised as a dark brown to black necrotic
varieties of C. chinense are adapted to hot region on the blossom end of developing fruit
conditions and do not show severely reduced which may be subject to secondary attack by
yields. If this problem is experienced with fungal or bacterial organisms. Blossom-end
the selected variety the grower should time Rot is associated with calcium deficiency in
plantings so the blossoming occurs during the the fruit but the development of this disorder
months of the year with consistently cooler has more to do with water relations which
night temperatures, usually the earlier months affect the movement of calcium within the
of the year. plant to the tissues of the developing fruit.
Fruit loss can vary from negligible to very
Blossom drop and (inadequate) moisture severe. The disorder appears to be triggered by
and/or plant nutrients and a heavy fruit load sudden changes in the levels of soil moisture
and is also more likely under conditions that
Water stress at the critical stage of flowering
severely limit or disrupt water uptake by plant
contributes to blossom drop. A heavy fruit load
roots such as periods of excessively dry soils
may also trigger this condition. As fruits are
or waterlogging and after carelessly done
set on a plant, additional flowers may drop or
moulding operations resulting in significant
abort because the plant does not have sufficient
root damage. The symptoms of Blossom-end
resources to continue setting fruit.
Rot usually start to occur on fruit that are ⅓ to
This condition is managed by using proper ⅔ mature. The severity of BER depends on:
plant spacing so that each plant has sufficient
• Variety - some varieties are more
soil space for nutrient uptake and providing
susceptible than others.
adequate and timely fertilisation.
• Weather - long dry spells followed by
Reduced growth and berry production
sudden rains or irrigation tends to trigger
caused by problems at early stages of plant
onset.
development
• Culture - crop practices such as moulding
Early plant growth is important in pepper
up and pruning (which affects roots and
production. Use of seedlings that are root-
shoots respectively) disrupts the pattern
bound before setting out into the field may
of water and nutrient uptake, both factors
result in plants that never develop a proper
known to trigger Blossom-end Rot.
root system. Also, plants that experience a
severe check in growth and have not reached • Soil type - soils low in calcium may result
sufficient size before flowering will produce in calcium deficient cell sap if calcium
fewer and smaller peppers. The grower should supplementation is not done. Calcium
ensure that throughout all stages of early crop deficient plants have weakened cell walls
development there is adequate water, light and which breakdown easily under the stress
nutrients to support achieving the genetic yield conditions associated with Blossom-end
potential of the varieties planted. Rot.
Preventing Blossom-end Rot usually involves
ensuring that adequate calcium is available to
47
the plant, ensuring that manual weed control Flowering and fruit production
close to the root zone is shallow, but, more
importantly, maintaining uniformly moist soil Flowering in hot pepper generally begins at
conditions throughout the growing season. about 6 weeks after transplanting and it takes a
further 6 – 7 weeks for the production of mature
Sunscald berries. Therefore, the first flush of mature
Damaged areas caused by sunscald in fruits berries can be harvested about 3 months after
exposed to direct sunlight are first seen as transplanting. The plants produce flowers in a
whitened areas in the fruit wall that are found series of flushes once every 3 weeks therefore
only on the side that is exposed to the sun. fruit production is not constant. Regular pickings
Sunscald occurs when ripening fruits are not can be carried out over a period of 8 months or
adequately shaded by leaf cover and therefore longer if good crop care is practiced, especially
management of this problem involves selecting the management of pests and diseases and
varieties that produce sufficient leaf canopy, fertilisation to replace the nutrients lost with
preventing diseases and insects that defoliate the harvest. Weekly or fortnightly pickings are
the plant and maintaining adequate fertility, usually carried out. Harvesting should cease
particularly after fruit set. when yields and quality drop to where the costs
Toxicities and nutrient disorders of harvesting, handling and transport exceed
expected revenue.
Plant and fruit disorders can occur as a result
of nutrient deficiency and or toxicity. These
problems are best confirmed by soil testing or Harvesting
leaf tissue analysis. A common nutrient related
disorder is magnesium deficiency which may be Maturity indices
caused by a low soil pH (under 5). Acidic soils
may also have toxic levels of aluminium. When Hot pepper berries may be harvested once the
signs of nutrient based problems are seen as fruit is physiologically mature and anytime
disorders in the plant or fruit, some loss of crop after this stage during the ripening process. The
productivity can be expected even if corrective hot pepper is mature enough for picking when
action is immediately taken. Herbicide drift the berry has reached its maximum size and
may cause puckering and deformations which the pericarp is still green but feels firm to the
may at first be difficult to distinguish from touch. At this stage it is described as ‘mature-
pathogenic disorders especially if the damage green’. Commercially, in addition to 1) ‘mature
is caused by low rates of the active ingredient. -green’, the market may demand, 2) fruits at
Heavy metal toxicities can also occur with first colour break, 3) fruit with the majority of
the application of certain fungicides, such as full ripe colour and 4) fruit with full colour.
copper based materials.
• Peppers sold directly to processors can be
Nutrient disorders can be prevented or picked fully ripe (red or yellow) without the
controlled by proper fertilisation and adjusting pedicel or fruit stalk. These berries should
the soil pH as close as possible to 6.5. To prevent be delivered to the processor as quickly as
heavy metal residue on the berries or build up possible as de-stalked berries have a shorter
in the soil, the application of fungicides and shelf life.
other heavy metal based materials should be
in strict compliance with label instructions. • Peppers for the domestic fresh berry market
The application of herbicides should always are commonly picked fully developed (at
be done using spray equipment dedicated to the mature – green stage) and at any time
such use and a shield should always be used to onwards during the ripening process. The
prevent drift onto crop plants. pedicel is left intact on the fruit.
48
 • Peppers for export are usually picked fully • Irrigate within 4 – 6 hours of the harvest to
developed but still green (mature-green increase the turgidity of the berries; turgid
stage) or slightly showing colour. The fruits detached more easily, maintain their
pedicel or fruit stalk is left intact on the quality longer and weigh more (increasing
fruit. revenue per unit weight).

Harvesting techniques • Wash harvesting containers with detergent

then sanitise with a 10% bleach solution
When the hot pepper berry is mature enough before each use.
for picking there is a developed abscission
layer where the pedicel is joined to the plant. • Harvest during the cooler times of the day,
Picking a mature hot pepper berry from the early mornings (just after any dew on the
plant is achieved by grasping the fruit stalk (or plants has dried but before it gets too hot)
pedicel) at the point of abscission layer between or evenings.
the thumb and forefinger and pulling upwards; • Be careful to avoid the breaking of branches
the ease of detachment is a good indicator of of the plants during the picking process.
fruit maturity. The pedicel breaks off cleanly
at its base when the berry is physiologically • Harvest only under dry conditions as wet
mature. This method of harvesting leaves berries as very susceptible to post harvest
the pedicel on the berry, a requirement by rots.
the export market and a distinct preference
observed on the domestic market. The pedicels • Do not pull the peppers roughly off the
of berries removed from the plant by this plant.
method are sealed by abscission tissue and
the calyces17 are intact which makes them less • Do not pull a group of peppers from the
susceptible to decay. Poor harvesting technique plant. Remove berries individually.
will result in damaged berries, torn calyces and • Do not harvest immature berries. Immature
pedicels; damaged areas provide an entry point fruits are very light green in colour. There is
for bacterial and fungal organisms which can a tendency when market demands are high
cause severe rotting of berries during storage. for immature fruits to be harvested. This
The damage from poor harvesting techniques practice should be avoided as immature
also extends to the plant from which the berries berries have a shortened shelf life.
were removed as broken branches and torn
pedicels leave ruptured tissues that are easily Harvesting containers
invaded by disease pathogens which may affect
future yields and spraying with fungicides at The containers that are used for collecting
this time may disrupt harvesting schedules. the harvested berries from the field should
preferably be made of a firm plastic that can
• Harvest hot pepper berries during the cooler withstand repeated washing and sanitation.
times of the day such as early mornings The containers should be shallow and have
or late in the evening. High temperatures good ventilation to allow the field heat18 to
cause the berries and pedicels to lose dissipate quickly thereby keeping the berries as
turgidity or firmness, making detachment cool as possible, which prolongs shelf life. The
more difficult.
17
Calyces are the persistent sepals of the flower which remain attached to the end of the fruit stalk when pollination occurs.
18
Field heat, also known as respiration heat, is a product of respiration after commodities have been harvested. It is exacerbated
by elevated daytime temperatures. Removal of field heat is the process of reducing the temperature of the commodity without
affecting quality in an effort to extend shelf-life.
49
contours of the interior of the containers should
not bruise the fruits.
The preferred harvesting and storage container
for hot peppers is a ventilated harvesting crate
(Plate 27). This container should preferably be
made out of rigid plastic such as high density
polyethylene (HDPE) but wooden crates may
also be used.
There are several benefits in using HDPE
harvesting crates
Plate 27. HDPE stackable packing crates
• The crates support the weight of the peppers
as opposed to feed bags where the peppers Source - CARDI
themselves provide the support
• They can be easily sanitised. See Box 9 farm to the pack house or buyer. These bags are
for the steps involved in sanitising harvest inappropriate and can lead to extensive damage
crates. to the peppers for several reasons.

• The ventilation slots prevent temperature • The peppers are tightly contained resulting
build up. in compression and mechanical damage;
the netted nature of the bags can severely
• They are much easier to transport and are bruise the berries which are in direct contact
better able to maintain the integrity of the with the fabric.
berries.
• The bags are stacked on top of each other
• Bruising, compression and friction are kept during transportation resulting in further
to a minimum. damage to the peppers.

• Light coloured ventilation crates reflect • The temperature in plastic bags can get to as
light which further reduces heat build up high as 500 C which leads to rapid moisture
thus resulting in good storage conditions. loss, shrivelling and tissue deterioration.

The use of large woven plastic bags, especially • Used polypropylene bags may compromise
polypropylene bags known as “feed bags” or food safety since they cannot be sanitised
“onion bags” is a popular choice with many and are often stored under unsanitary
farmers in the Caribbean to move peppers from conditions before being procured as harvest
containers.

Box 9: Sanitising harvesting crates

1. Wash crates with running tap water.

2. Scrub with detergent.
3. Triple rinse with clean water.
4. Dip in bleach (commercial bleach, 5.2% sodium hypochlorite) at a rate of 60 ml/4 L water
5. Store in a clean sheltered place to dry away from dust.

50
PART 3 – POST HARVEST

51
Post harvest handling in the transfer of disease pathogens to
sound fruits.
Post harvest handling is the manner in which
fresh produce is treated during all operations • Do not wash hot pepper berries as water
between harvest and consumption. An integrated on the surface will accelerate tissue
post harvest management programme addresses breakdown.
all intrinsic and external factors that can impact
negatively on the quality of the produce with • The berries are always carefully handled
the aim of maintaining optimal quality until the because every site of damage on the
produce reaches the final buyer. berries is a potential site for decay.
• The crates are covered with a light
Proper in-field handling coloured tarpaulin or other covering
How the hot pepper berries are handled during during transport to reduce heat build up.
the picking process and through all required on- Reducing damage during transport
farm processes before disposal (at the market
place, wholesaler or processor) impacts on The transport process used for the movement
shelf life. Best practices for field handling of of produce off farm is often overlooked as a
hot pepper berries should ensure the following: factor of the post harvest handling that must
be managed to safeguard the shelf life of the
berries. During transport the hot peppers should
• Harvesters wash their hands with soap be covered to prevent scorching and elevated
and water and wear sanitary gloves. temperatures from the impact of sunlight on
• Diseased, damaged, deformed and over- the berries. The vehicles used to transport
ripe berries are separated in the field and the produce should be well maintained with
not placed in the containers destined for particular attention paid to the tyres and
storage. suspension system so as to minimise bruising
of the product. The vehicle trays should be
• The harvested fruits are taken from the clean and free from any material that may
field and placed in a shaded ‘cooling contaminate the berries and pose a hazard to
area’ immediately after harvest to lose human health.
field heat. The ideal cooling area is fitted
with fans that force cool air through the
peppers.
Post harvest crop loss
• Hot peppers which are too ripe are placed
in a separate container as these can be Major causes of post harvest crop loss
sold for processing.
Crop loss at the post harvest stage can occur due
• Other fruits which do not meet the to mechanical damage particularly if berries
requirements of the buyer are culled are transported in sacks or bags. Mechanically
and sorted before leaving the field. This damaged peppers may show cracks, splits
prevents having to transport them to the and punctures; peppers showing such damage
buyer or pack-house where they will be will deteriorate rapidly. Physical factors such
rejected in any case. as contact with water from rain may elicit
rotting and exposure to excessive heat or direct
• Decaying fruits are never placed in the sunlight will cause tissue damage. Infection
harvesting crates since they will result from micro-organisms is the main pathological
52
factor involved in post harvest crop loss. This signs of mechanical damage, insects or disease
generally occurs as a secondary infection after should be rejected. Peppers that attain the
the fruit has begun to deteriorate due to over- minimum size specifications are selected.
ripening and softening. The size specifications of hot pepper berries
for export are larger than 3.3 cm in width and
equal to or longer than 4.3 cm in length. A size
grader is very useful for grading. This device
Preparing the berries for sale may be as simple as a circular hole of a given
Post harvest activities involved with preparing diameter cut in a piece of cardboard or any
the harvested berries for sale are mainly other material. For hot peppers, the hole should
inspection for defects, grading and packing. be 3.3 cm in diameter. On another part of the
Hot pepper should not be washed. Any debris cardboard a straight line of 4.3 cm should be
or soil adhering to the berries is removed by drawn. Berries which do not pass through the
gentle rubbing. No post-harvest treatments are 3.3 cm hole and those equal to or longer than
used. the 4.3 cm line are selected for export.

Inspection for defects (especially for export) Hot peppers are packed into cartons according
to importer requirements. The fruits are loose
The berries should be examined and the packed with no separate size grading, assuming
following fruits should be rejected at this that all peppers meet the minimum size
point: specifications. Net weights of the containers
are dependent on the market and the importer,
• Damaged, diseased and undersized. varying from 3 - 8 kg. It is recommended to use
fibreboard boxes of specifications as requested
• Berries with damaged, discoloured or
by the importer. The opportunity should be
broken pedicels (fruit stalks).
taken to properly promote the exporting brand
• Berries with signs of scale insects, stem through the use of colourful, attractive company
borer larvae, gall midges or any other logos and catchy slogans on the packaging.
insects or organisms.
The following information is usually mandated
to be contained on the packaging:

Grading and packing fresh hot pepper • Country of origin.

berries (especially for export)
• Name and address of exporters.
Hot pepper berries are generally graded based
on size, colour and degree of ripeness. Size • Name and address of importer.
grading can be carried out during harvest or in
• Description of the product e.g. grade,
a pack-house. At a pack-house hot peppers are
variety.
graded by hand either on a moving conveyor
or a standard grading table. Again, the berries • Net weight.
should be examined and all berries showing

53
PART 4 – PRODUCTIVITY

54
Yield fertiliser programme, soil type, scale of
production, location and micro-environment
The yields of hot peppers vary greatly, largely conditions. Overhead costs will also vary from
depending on the level of management, crop farm to farm depending on the infrastructure in
density, input use and varietal yield potential. place. An actual example of a price-cost margin
In the Caribbean yields of standard spacing 90 generated by the production of 0.4 ha of hot
cm x 60 – 90 cm typically range from 10,000 peppers on a farm in Belize in 2011 is presented
– 20,000 kg/ha. The yields of highly intensive in Table 10. See Appendix 1 for more detailed
systems range from 45,000 – 78,000 kg/ha. information on this example.
Table 10. Price-cost margin of hot pepper
production on 0.4 ha (1 acre) when planted
Price cost margin
with 17,290 plants/ha (7,000 plants/acre)
The commercial profitability of the production using plastic mulch in Belize
of any output, including a hot pepper crop is
largely determined by the price-cost margin. Total production cost (EC$) 20,487.81
This is defined by the amount by which the Total marketable yield, TMY (kg) 11,363.64
price of a product exceeds its cost. For a price- Cost of production (EC$ / kg) 1.80
cost margin analysis it is very important to Wholesale selling price, SP (EC$ / kg) 2.95
capture all costs of production. There are many Total revenue (TMY x SP) ( EC$) 33,500.01
variables affecting the cost of production of Net profit (EC$) 13,012.20
hot pepper inclusive of variety, costs of inputs, USD 1.00 = EC$ 2.70
water management, level of mechanisation,

55
References and bibliography Sciences. <http://www.caes.uga.edu/publications/
pubDetail.cfm?pk_id=7461>

Iton, A. and Mohammad, A. 2006. Marketing of Trinidad

Adams, H., Umaharan, P., Brathwaite, R. and and Tobago’s hot pepper. CARDI PSC# HQ/001/06. St
Mohammad, K. 2007 Hot pepper production manual Augustine , Trinidad and Tobago: Caribbean Agricultural
for Trinidad and Tobago CARDI PSC# TT/001/06. St Research and Development Institute.
Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago: Caribbean Agricultural
Research and Development Institute Kelly, W. T. Pepper production using plastic mulch.
Commercial Pepper Production Handbook CAES
Adams, H., Ramtahal, N. and Seebaran, P. 2011. How to Publications. The University of Georgia College of
choose hot pepper varieties. Factsheet. PSC# TT/002/10. Agricultural Extension & Environmental Sciences.
St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago: Caribbean http://www.caes.uga.edu/publications/pubDetail.
Agricultural Research and Development Institute cfm?pk_id=7461

Bahr, R. and Davenport, R. 1982 Eat Better, Live MacNab, A. A., Sherf, A.F. and Springers, J. K. 1983.
Better: a commonsense guide to nutrition and good Identifying diseases of vegetables. Pennsylvania:
health Gardner J. L (ed) Reader’s Digest Association Pennsylvania State University College of Agriculture.

Boyhan, G. and Kelley, W. T. Physiological problems. Mohammed, A. Undated. Postharvest issues in hot
Commercial pepper production handbook. CAES pepper production. http://www.postharvestquality.com/
Publications The University of Georgia College of handlingsystems/HotPepperProduction.pdf
Agricultural Extension & Environmental Sciences.
<http://www.caes.uga.edu/publications/pubDetail. OAS pepper weevil factsheet (undated) Organization of
cfm?pk_id=7461> American States in cooperation with the Mayan Reserve
Foundation. http://www.tsdfbelize.org/OAS%20website/
Bradley, F. M. (ed). 1995 Rodale’s garden answers: pics%20z_oasfactsheet/0103PepperWeevil.pdf
vegetables, fruits and herbs, at- a -glance solutions for
every gardening problem. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Purseglove, W. 1974. Tropical crops: dicotyledons.
Rodale Press London: Longmans English Language Book Society.

Carr, A., Smith, M., Gilkeson, L. A., Smillie, J. and Riley, D. G. and Sparks, Jr., A. N. 1995 The pepper
Wolk, B. 1991. Rodale’s chemical-free yard and garden. weevil and its management. Texas Agricultural Extension
Bradeley, F.M. (ed). Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Service Publication.
Press.
Singh, R. H, Seepersad, G. and Rankin, L. B. 2007.
FAO CD Rom Soil consistency http://ftp.fao.org/fi/ The hot pepper industry in CARICOM: competitiveness
CDrom/FAO_Training/FAO_Training/General/x6706e/ & industry development strategies. The CARICOM
x6706e08.htm) Regional Transformation Programme for Agriculture.
Guyana: Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
GSM grand solution manual civil engineering notes Secretariat.
and lectures crop water requirement table <http://www.
aboutcivil.com/water-requirements-of-crops.html > Smith, R. F. and Le Strange, M. 2008 Weed control
studies in transplanted bell peppers with pre-emergence
Harrison, K. Irrigation. Commercial pepper production herbicides (undated) California: University of California
handbook. CAES Publications The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Monterey and Tulare Counties.
College of Agricultural Extension & Environmental <http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/filelibrary/2326/25692.
pdf>

56
APPENDIX 1 - Cost of production of 1 acre (0.4 ha) of hot pepper when planted with 7,000
plants/acre (17,290 plants/ha) using plastic mulch in Belize BZ$ 1.00 = EC$ 1.34 = US$
0.49
Unit Quantity Unit Cost EC$ Total Cost 1 Total (EC$)
acre (0.4ha)
1. Land preparation
1.1 Ploughing hr 1.5 $60.30 $90.45
1.2 Harrowing and rotovating hr 1 $53.60 $53.60
1.3 Cambering hr 1 $53.60 $53.60
Sub-total $197.65
2. Nursery management
2.1 Materials
2.1.1 Seedling trays – 50 holes no 161 $4.53 $729.20
(amortised) 50%
2.1.2 Seeds oz 1.75 $60.30 $105.53
2.1.3 Germinating mix Bale, 4 4 $120.60 $482.40
cu ft
Sub-total $1,317.13
2.2 Fertilisers and pesticides
2.2.1 Polyfeed 12-43-12 lb 2 $3.66 $7.32
2.2.2 Rotaprid 72 WG pk 1.15 $40.20 $46.23
Sub-total $53.55
2.3 Labour cost
2.3.1 Preparing mix and sowing seed hr 9 $5.36 $48.24
2.3.2 Irrigation (foliar, insect control, hr 42 $5.36 $225.12
watering)
Sub-total $273.36
3. Field management
3.1 Fertilisers
3.1.1 Manure lb 3500 $0.20 $703.50
3.1.1 14-36-12 lb 440 $0.91 $400.93
3.1.2 18-18-18 lb 440 $0.84 $371.45
3.1.3 Polyfeed Vegetative (12-43-12) lb 32 $3.66 $117.06
3.1.4 Polyfeed Flowering (19-19-19) lb 42 $3.16 $132.82
3.1.5 Polyfeed Fruiting (20-5-30) lb 40 $3.78 $151.15
3.1.6 K-Mag (0-0-22-11Mg-22S) lb 440 $0.52 $229.94
Sub-total $2,106.86
3.2 Herbicides
3.2.1 Lubaflua L 0.5 $46.90 $23.45
Sub-total $23.45
3.3 Insecticides
3.3.1 Indicate 5 L 1.25 $27.81 $34.76
3.3.2 Adherent L 1.25 $20.77 $25.96

57
APPENDIX 1 - cont’d

3.3.3 Regent L 0.45 $696.80 $313.56

3.3.4 Pegasus L 0.4 $273.36 $109.34
3.3.5 Acaramik 1.8 EC L 1.5 $268.00 $402.00
3.3.6 Actara g 340 $1.23 $419.15
3.3.7 Rotaprid 70 WG g 250 $0.78 $194.30
Sub-total $1,499.07
3.4 Fungicides
3.4.1 Phyton L 1.5 $167.50 $251.25
3.4.2 Glider L 3 $38.53 $115.58
3.4.3 Diligent g 1800 $0.07 $120.60
3.4.4 Antracol g 2250 $0.05 $120.60
Sub-total $608.03
3.5 Labour cost
3.5.1 Transplanting and fertilisation hr 100 $5.36 $536.00
(14-36-12)
3.5.2 Granular fertiliser application hr 35 $5.36 $187.60
(18-18-18 + K-Mag)
3.5.3 Foliar fertilisation+insecticide hr 100 $5.36 $536.00
+fungicide applications
3.5.4 Manual weeding hr 10 $5.36 $53.60
3.5.5 Herbicide applications hr 30 $5.36 $160.80
3.5.6 Irrigation system set up hr 15 $5.36 $80.40
3.5.7 Irrigation operations hr 20 $5.36 $107.20
3.5.8 Plastic mulch spreading hr 10 $5.36 $53.60
3.5.9 Harvesting hr 500 $5.36 $2,680.00
3.5.10 Fruit cleaning (pedicels hr 20 $5.36 $107.20
debris, etc)
Sub-total $4,502.40
4. Barrier crop (corn) 3 rows
4.1 Corn seed (1600 plants) lb 5 $1.34 $6.70
4.2 Fertiliser 14-36-12 lb 200 $0.91 $182.24
4.3 Insecticide (Sevin) L 1 $53.60 $53.60
4.4 Labour – planting hr 6 $5.36 $32.16
4.5 Labour – fertilising hr 6 $5.36 $32.16
Sub-total $306.86
5. Materials and equipment
5.1 Irrigation system $4,020.00
5.2 Knapsack sprayer (amortised) 4 $43.55 $174.20
5.3 Harvesting crates (amortised) 30 $1.88 $56.28
5.4 Sticky traps 33 $8.04 $265.32

58
APPENDIX 1 - cont’d

5.5 Plastic sheeting for mulch Rolls 3 $402.00 $1,206.00

5.6 Nursery $280.74
Sub-total $6,002.54
6. Transportation
6.1 Fuel gallon 60 $15.41 $924.60
Sub-total $924.60
TOTAL $17,815.49

7. Contingency % 15 $2,672.32

TOTAL COST OF $20,487.81

PRODUCTION

LINE ITEM UNIT TOTALS

Total production cost/0.4 ha (1 EC$ $20,487.81
acre)
Total marketable yield (TMY) /0.4 kg 11,363.64
ha (1 acre)
Cost of production/kg EC$ 1.80
Selling price (SP) (wholesale)/kg EC$ 2.95
Total revenue (SP*TMY) EC$ 33,500.01
Net profit (loss) $13,012.20

59
Appendix 2 - Conversion factors for metric and imperial units
To convert imperial
To convert metric unit into
Metric unit Imperial unit unit into metric
imperial unit multiply by:
unit multiply by:
Length
1.094 meter, m yard, yd 0.914
3.281 meter, m foot, ft 0.305
0.0328 centimetre, cm foot, ft 30.480
0.394 centimetre, cm inch, in 2.540
0.0394 millimetre, mm inch, in 25.400
Area
2.471 hectare, ha acre 0.405
0.000247 square metre, m2 acre 0.00405
0.836 square metre, m2 square yard, yd2 1.196
10.764 square metre, m2 square foot, ft2 0.0929
Volume
0.88 litre, L imperial quart, qt 1.136
2.11 litre, L US pint, pt 0.473
1.75 litre, L imperial pint, pt 0.570
0.265 litre, L US gallon, gal 3.785
0.220 litre, L imperial gallon, gal 4.546
33.78 litre, L US fluid ounce, fl oz 0.0296
0.0352 millilitre, mL imperial fluid ounce, fl oz 28.4
Mass
0.00220 gram, g pound, lb 454
0.0352 gram, g ounce, oz 28.4
2.205 kilogram, kg pound, lb 0.454
0.0011 kilogram, kg short ton (2000 lb), ton 907.
0.001 kilogram, kg long ton (2240 lb), ton 1016
0.0197 kilogram, kg hundredweight, cwt 50.8
1.102 tonne, t short (US) ton 0.907
Yield and rate
0.893 Kilogram per hectare, Pound per acre, lb/acre 1.121
kg/ha
0.446 tonne per hectare, t/ha short ton per acre, ton/acre 2.240
0.398 tonne per hectare, t/ha long ton per acre, ton/acre 2.516
0.107 litre per hectare, L/ha US gallon per acre, gal/acre 9.350
0.089 litre per hectare, L/ha imp. Gallon per acre, gal/acre 11.23
Temperature
9/5 0C + 32 Celsius, 0C Fahrenheit, 0F 5/9 ( 0F – 32)

60
ISBN 978-92-5-106966-0

9 7 8 9 2 5 1 0 6 9 6 6 0
BA0045E/1/08.11