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Pests inside the peppers

17 years ago

I grow 5 kinds of peppers. 2 of them were infested by worms. I've never seen peppers that have worms in them. The ones that were infested are Cherry Bomb, and Early Jalepenos. I just pulled out the Cherry Bomb, I'm sad because it was Very productive.

Any idea what causes that? i'm growing all my vegies in raised beds.

Bass

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Comments (3)

woof
17 years ago
Pepper maggots. Had them last year and went through what you are now. Cherrys are their favorite. They did leave my sheppards and bananas alone though. The flies that laid the eggs are now gone, the buggers are in the peppers. Now you have to worry about them getting into the soil when they are mature. It's up to you what you use but definitely do something. Your nearest environment ministry should have dates and controls. I know it's frustrating and you have my sympathy.
bonsaist
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks Woof,
They do look like maggots, I looked up the discribtion of Corn borer that also affects peppers, but it doesn't seem like it. I had to pull out the Cherry Bomb plant. Now I see it on the green peppers also. I'll have to contact the local extension.
Thanks.
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pepperhead212
17 years ago
Bass,

I had the pepper maggots this year, and posted another topic inquiring about possible organic cures. You might want to check the thread on the pests and diseases forum. There isn't much you can do, but if you notice it soon, when the flies are have layed the eggs, and are finished, pull all the peppers on the varieties affected and throw them in the trash, to get rid of them. Usually, the plants will re-flower quickly, and you will get another crop. I have a good crop on all the types that were infested, and the dong xungs you wouldn't believe lost half their peppers 3 weeks ago, they are so loaded! I have only found 2 infected peppers since I threw out those 4 gallons, probably ones I missed in the thick brush! The good thing is, the plant isn't killed, just the individual peppers, and the flies are only out 2-3 weeks, so it is a brief problem, compared to most!

Dave

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