Chilis don't require much from the gardener to grow. Unfortunately, diseases and pests often cause discontent. If the symptoms are common, a whole arsenal of countermeasures is available for immediate response.
What diseases and pests occur in chili plants and how do you combat them?
Common diseases and pests of chili plants include powdery mildew, downy mildew, verticillium wilt, aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats and snails. The fight can be carried out through preventive measures, household remedies such as soft soap solutions, milk-water mixture, nettle broth or the use of beneficial insects.
The most important diseases – diagnosis and control
Powdery mildew
The ascomycete prefers to use leaf injuries caused by lice as access to the plant. In the bed, in the greenhouse and in the room, a mealy coating appears on the tops of the leaves.
- ventilate rooms sufficiently
- remove infected plant parts
- spray with a milk-water-spirit solution
Downy mildew
The fungal spores penetrate deep into the plants. They cause a grayish coating on the undersides of the leaves. Yellow-brown spots spread and endanger the chili plant.
- Make sure there is sufficient planting distance
- never water overhead
- fertilize with copper lime
Verticillium wilt
These mushrooms cause mischief at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. The sap flow is stopped, the parts of the plant wilt and die.
- Make sure you have a warm, airy location
- Avoid drought stress by watering regularly
- do not fertilize with nitrogen emphasis
Aphids – the main pests
Lice are considered the biggest nuisance in hobby gardens. Above all, the ubiquitous aphids. They puncture the tissue and suck the life out of chilies. To make matters worse, they are capable of virginity. The result is an explosive proliferation.
Failures in care pave the way for lice. If the location is poorly ventilated, too cold and dark, this promotes spread. Lice also feel right at home on constantly moist leaves. If there is an inadequate water and nutrient supply, disaster is inevitable. Since chemical preparations have no place on crops, proven home remedies are in demand:
- Soap solution
- Milk-water mixture
- Nettle broth
It is recommended to use primary rock flour (€19.00 on Amazon). When applied to the dewy leaves with a powder spray, the ghost is usually over after a few weeks.
The most common pests – diagnosis and defense
Spider mites
Mites also suck out the plant sap. The chili is severely weakened and dies.
- repeated sprayings with nettle manure provide relief
- Apply beneficial insects, such as lacewing larvae, ladybirds or hoverflies
- use neem preparations or rapeseed oil remedies behind glass
Sad gnats
It is the 1-2 mm small larvae that cause damage to the plants. They prefer to eat tender roots and seedlings.
- Water the chili through the saucer if possible
- spray the soil with garlic water
- fight heavy nematode infestations
Snails
They lurk in droves outdoors and on balconies. Voracious slugs eat the leaves and rob the plants of their vitality.
- collect the animals that are frozen in the cold early in the morning
- create moving barriers in the bed
- put a ring of coffee grounds around the bucket
Tips & Tricks
In biological plant protection, there is often talk of an effective soft soap solution that puts an end to numerous diseases and pests. This is how you make the mix: Mix 1 liter of water, 15 ml of pure soap and 15 ml of spirit well and use repeatedly until the plague is over. Always treat the undersides of the leaves too.
