Higher rates of nitrogen and adequate phosphorus and potash reduce bacterial leaf spot. Highly fertilized plants grow well and set fruit before viruses and leaf spots become a problem. Using calcium-containing fertilizers aid in reducing blossom end rot in soils low in available calcium. Destroy Weeds and Control Insects. Keep all weeds cut around the edge of pepper fields, and remove all weeds growing within the field.
Many weeds carry viruses that can be transferred to pepper plants.
Destroy Virus-Infected Plants. As soon as you notice virus-infected plants, pull them up and burn them. If infected plants remain in the field, the virus can be spread to healthy plants. Infected plants have a bushy, distorted appearance. Observe all directions, restrictions, and precautions on pesticide labels.