Chilies do not demand much from the gardener in cultivation. Unfortunately, diseases and pests always cause displeasure. If the symptoms are familiar, a whole arsenal of means of combating them is available for immediate resistance.

The main diseases - diagnosis and control

powdery mildew

The ascomycete preferably uses leaf injuries caused by aphids as access to the plant. In the bed, in the greenhouse and in the room, a mealy coating appears on the upper sides of the leaves.

  • Ventilate rooms sufficiently
  • remove infected plant parts
  • spray with a milk-water-alcohol solution

Wrong mildew

The fungal spores penetrate deep into the plants. They cause a greyish coating on the underside 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 fungi are up to mischief at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. The sap flow is stopped, the parts of the plant wither and die.

  • pay attention to a warm, air-flushed location
  • Avoid drought stress by watering regularly
  • do not fertilize with a high nitrogen content

Aphids - the main actors among the pests

Lice are considered the biggest nuisance in the hobby garden. First and foremost the ubiquitous aphids. They pierce tissue and suck the life out of chillies. To make matters worse, they are capable of virgin birth. The result is explosive proliferation.

Negligence in care paves the way for lice. If the location is poorly ventilated, too cold and dark, this promotes the spread. In addition, lice feel very comfortable on permanently moist leaves. If an inadequate water and nutrient supply is added, disaster is inevitable.
Since chemical preparations have no place on crops, proven home remedies are in demand:

  • soft soap solution
  • milk-water mixture
  • nettle broth

The use of primary rock flour is recommended. Applied to the dewy leaves with a powder sprayer, the spook is usually over after a few weeks.

The most common pests - diagnosis and defense

spider mites

Mites also suck the plant sap. The chili is severely weakened and dies.

  • repeated spraying with stinging nettle manure provides relief
  • Release beneficial insects such as lacewing larvae, ladybugs or hoverflies
  • use neem preparations or rapeseed oil remedies behind glass

fungus 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
  • combat heavy nematode infestations

snails

They lurk in droves outdoors and on balconies. Ravenous slugs devour the leaves and rob the plants of their vitality.

  • collect the frozen animals early in the morning
  • create moving barriers in the bed
  • put a ring of ground coffee around the bucket

tips and tricks

In biological crop protection, there is often talk of an effective soft soap solution that puts an end to numerous diseases and pests. How to make the mix: Mix 1 liter of water, 15 ml of pure curd soap and 15 ml of spirit and use repeatedly until the plague is over. Always treat the underside of the leaves as well.

Category:

Vegetable garden