Doctor of Plant Science Series, Himasita and LPA2I at IPB University Provide an In-Depth Analysis of Pests and Diseases Affecting Chili Peppers

Chili peppers are often the commodity most likely to trigger price volatility in the market. However, despite their high economic value, chili pepper farmers also face serious challenges in the form of pest and disease outbreaks that can significantly reduce crop yields. 

In response to this issue, the Plant Protection Student Association (Himasita) collaborated with the Division of Farmer and Fisherman Development, the Institute for Agromaritime Development and Innopreneurship Acceleration (LPA2I) at IPB University, to initiate an educational webinar titled “A Comprehensive Look at Chili Plant Pests and Diseases.”

This event, part of the Plant Doctor Series, discussed various plant pests and diseases (OPT) that commonly attack chili peppers, such as aphids, thrips, fruit flies, mites, as well as Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, leaf spot, and viral infections.

During the event, it was revealed that symptoms of pest and disease attacks on chili plants can be identified through various visual changes. Characteristics include yellowing and curling leaves, necrotic spots on the leaf surface, rotting fruit, sudden wilting of plants, and stunted plant growth. 

In some cases, symptoms of diseases and pest infestations often show similarities. Therefore, careful diagnosis is required to ensure that control measures are targeted effectively.

Prof Widodo, an Expert in Plant Pathology and Mycology at IPB University, cited the example of leaf blight caused by the pathogen Phytophthora.

“Phytophthora in chili plants is a soil-borne fungus. Therefore, soil health must be maintained by controlling infected plants. They cannot be discarded in the soil but must be burned,” he explained.

To enhance the quality of the discussion, Prof Widodo, along with Bonjok Istiaji, SP, MSi an expert in agricultural pests and biological control at IPB University discussed sustainable approaches to managing pests and diseases in chili plants from a field perspective.

This forum also covered scientific aspects related to chili plant pests and diseases, the identification of comparative symptoms, as well as appropriate, science-based control principles. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)