OnlyPeppers 2023

Grass Snake · Jun 6, 2023

CaneDog said:
Some nice pods on that one.

I really hope mites don't take this plant out, I'd like to make some jerk seasoning with these pods.

Grass Snake · Jun 7, 2023

was just looking at some others peppers in the main garden and I don't know what to think. Either I have a major infestation affecting all my peppers, or there is something else going on. All the peppers seem to have at least some curled and deformed leaves.

CaneDog · Jun 7, 2023

I find that a few curled or deformed leaves can pretty common when the weather's hot and it's hard not to let the plants get too dry from time to time. The little leaves just forming when the plant gets too dry will lack water at that critical time and not develop uniformly. I'd seen plenty of situations people think it's calcium deficiency or some other issue - possibly minor mite infestations - when I suspect it's only this. Perhaps that's what's happening with some of them. To my eyes, the elongated petiole look I saw in your pictures is one of the things that makes me think it could be mites in your pictures of the baccatum and rocoto. Also when the leaves continue to get progressively smaller and more deformed as each set comes in rather than some good leaves and some deformed leaves more alternating.

Man, I really hope you don't have any major issues as your grow seems in great shape to really take off, otherwise.

ahayastani · Jun 7, 2023

Grass Snake said:
The infected plants in quarantine and the red Hab that probably needs to be quarantined as well.

Show no mercy, spray and spray again a week and two weeks later.

Downriver · Jun 7, 2023

Your plants look good to me. After looking at pics on the 'web, I don't think I see broad mite damage. Is over-fertilization a possibility?

Anyway, I have read several articles that say broad mites don't like heat. If that's true, I think your problem will naturally be solved shortly, based on where you live, ha. Also, they describe a "hot water dunk".

"Broad mites are very sensitive to heat. If you suspect broad mites on your potted plants, first remove the infected leaves. Then, submerge your plant, including their pots, in hot water (110 degrees F water) for 30 minutes. This temperature should be hot enough to kill the mites but not hot enough to harm the plants. This treatment is not suitable for all plant species, so do additional research in advance of using this method."

ARTICLE

...another

"Cyclamen mites and broad mites are very sensitive to heat. They seem to be more difficult to control in winter than in summer probably due to cooler temperatures. Lowering infested plants into water held at 111°F for 15 minutes will destroy these mites without damaging the plants. Broad mites are also susceptible to horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps as well as to various various pyrethroid insecticides that are labeled for mite suppression. If chemical control is desired, spray or dip the plant thoroughly following the directions on the label. Pyrethroid insecticides are available in the garden section of big box stores and in garden centers. Keep treated plants out of the sun until whatever pesticide dries."

ARTICLE

Anyway, some other options to consider. YMMV.

Grass Snake · Jun 7, 2023

Downriver said:
Your plants look good to me. After looking at pics on the 'web, I don't think I see broad mite damage. Is over-fertilization a possibility?

yes that’s very possible. I hit them with full strength MG when they were young once and I didn’t notice any ill affects to any plants except for the Pure Florida Datils which all 4 showed discoloration, it was weird. The other Datils from different sources were fine. Then later I applied osmacote slow release fert which isn’t suppose to burn plants, even if you put double the recommended amount which I did so maybe there lies the issue.

Grass Snake · Jun 7, 2023

Downriver said:
Anyway, I have read several articles that say broad mites don't like heat. If that's true, I think your problem will naturally be solved shortly, based on where you live, ha. Also, they describe a "hot water dunk".

.

I hope so it’s suppose to reach 100 degrees next week. If the bugs don’t kill the plants the heat will lol.

Think I’ll try that hot water dip on one of the plant to see what happen. Thanks for your input!

Grass Snake · Jun 7, 2023

Peppers are really kicking into gear in this heat. Broad mites, if they are present won’t stop this train. Join me on a picture journey of my pepper garden

Let's start with @CaneDog 's favorite, the almighty Bell pepper the California Wonder.

The Terroir seed jalapeno. "Improved sausage shaped, blunt-ended chiles have thick walls"

Seeds of Change Heirloom Jalapeno

XL Antep Aci Dolma - Downriver hooked it up

Pecos Jalapeno another from Downriver

Prairie Spice (Downriver) is so nice. My wife picked one early thinking it was a jalapeno and said "those are weird".

The one and only Torres Cattywampus de Arbol from DR again

Jalapeno Gigantica another from our hero DR

This is a cool one to watch, the Peruvian Cerezo

Black Cobra- Look at all that fuzz

Serranos that I had to put a tomato cage on to keep them up.

Jalapeno Zapotec (DR)

Shout out to @Downriver for hooking me up with the seeds for most of these.

Tinkerbelle · Jun 8, 2023

Wowzer GS, nice looking pods :lol:

And you have a cattywumpus - any whiskers showing yet?

Grass Snake · Jun 8, 2023

Tinkerbelle said:
Wowzer GS, nice looking pods
And you have a cattywumpus - any whiskers showing yet?

Not yet, should be coming in any day now

Grass Snake · Jul 15, 2023

Prairie Spice did not disappoint. The pods are huge and the plant is strong. This one grew from a cinder block and still performed well. There are 3 more good sized pods still on the plant. I’ll definitely be growing this one out again and give it some more space next time.

LHornR · Jul 19, 2023

Nice! Love that deep red!

That is sun scald on the pic of Jalapeno Zapotec (DR) above right? I have some Marconi Red's with that. Only other time my peps turned black was last fall when the temps dropped.

Marturo · Aug 4, 2023

ahayastani said:
Show no mercy, spray and spray again a week and two weeks later.

Have you tried this for the mites?

Earth's Ally® 3-in-1 Plant Spray

This organic spray uses a carefully considered combination of botanical oils (thyme, rosemary, clove and peppermint) to create a formula that effectively controls soft-bodied insects and common plant diseases. Earth's Ally 3-in-1 Plant Spray is a contact insecticide, fungicide and miticide that...

www.arbico-organics.com

ahayastani · Aug 4, 2023

Marturo said:
Have you tried this for the mites?

Earth's Ally® 3-in-1 Plant Spray

This organic spray uses a carefully considered combination of botanical oils (thyme, rosemary, clove and peppermint) to create a formula that effectively controls soft-bodied insects and common plant diseases. Earth's Ally 3-in-1 Plant Spray is a contact insecticide, fungicide and miticide that...

www.arbico-organics.com

These are pests in a temperate climate that are calling for war:

These are pests in a tropical climate, taking a break:

Natural predators are the only alternative to keep pest populations under control, but it's usually too late by the time they arrive in sufficient numbers. Neem oil is somewhat effective, but I have to apply once or twice a week.

Marturo · Aug 4, 2023

ahayastani said:
These are pests in a temperate climate that are calling for war:

These are pests in a tropical climate, taking a break:

Natural predators are the only alternative to keep pest populations under control, but it's usually too late by the time they arrive in sufficient numbers. Neem oil is somewhat effective, but I have to apply once or twice a week.

I know. I grew up in Panama & know very well about jungle bugs. :flamethrower:

Grass Snake · Aug 5, 2023

LHornR said:
Nice! Love that deep red!

That is sun scald on the pic of Jalapeno Zapotec (DR) above right?

It's a suntan and it's normal.

Grass Snake · Aug 5, 2023

I'll take bugs over this scorching heat right now

Garden is in survival mode and very little is happening. Peri Peri appears to be handling this heat the best, even better than chiltepin.

Marturo · Aug 5, 2023

Grass Snake said:
I'll take bugs over this scorching heat right now Garden is in survival mode and very little is happening. Peri Peri appears to be handling this heat the best, even better than chiltepin.

I know we are in NC, however many past seasons temps soared into the mid & high 90s
This product we have used for protecting transplants has help us save our plant & trees during
high stress temperatures.

Surround

Surround® shades crops from sunburn and heat stress, improving yields and plant health. SURROUND suppresses certain insect pests, further protecting crops.

www.novasource.com

One pepper garden temps in the 90s & no rain for weeks, even the melons & squash did not wilt.

Grass Snake · Aug 5, 2023

Marturo said:
I know we are in NC, however many past seasons temps soared into the mid & high 90s
This product we have used for protecting transplants has help us save our plant & trees during
high stress temperatures.

Surround

Surround® shades crops from sunburn and heat stress, improving yields and plant health. SURROUND suppresses certain insect pests, further protecting crops.

www.novasource.com

One pepper garden temps in the 90s & no rain for weeks, even the melons & squash did not wilt.

I didn't know such a product existed. Is it the product making everything appear bluish-green? I'll check it out, sounds easier than using a shade cloth.

Marturo · Aug 5, 2023

Grass Snake said:
I didn't know such a product existed. Is it the product making everything appear bluish-green? I'll check it out, sounds easier than using a shade cloth.

We have been using it for about 25 years for seedings at outdoor transplanting. Organic Apple growers started using it about
40 years ago for fruit & tree protection. It works great to fool Japanese beetles when used on grapes & fruit trees.

I did not see any stunting or less fruit production when we used the surround. Other growers in my area who did not use surround
are said to have had more plant stress & fruit scald.

Anytime we have hot dry weather, this has been a real plant saver.

OnlyPeppers 2023

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