Cultivation and Chemical Weed Control Shallow mechanical cultivation and hand hoeing are needed to control weeds. Pruning roots with cultivating equipment slows plant development, reduces yield and promotes blossom end rot. Several preemergence herbicides are available that will control germinating weeds and grasses in transplanted peppers if used properly. Consult the most recent revision of OSU Extension Facts F-6008 or the latest edition of the Extension Agents Handbook. Insects Early in the season, cutworms are the most damaging pests of both seeded and transplanted peppers.
Seeded peppers are also subject to attack by flea beetles when the cotyledon emerge.
Green peach aphids can become numerous at any time but are probably more prevalent during the summer. Besides the stress created by aphids feeding on plant sap, their honeydew gets on the fruit and leaves. Honeydew is difficult to remove from the fruit and can render the fruit unmarketable. Its presence on the leaves, if heavy enough, can decrease photosynthesis due to the growth of sooty mold. Hornworms and blister beetles, if present in large numbers, may warrant treatments.