What's eating my poblano pepper?

Poblano Pepper shares the pest profile of sweet and mild chiles. Aphids are the most common and serious threat, spreading viruses that stunt plants and ruin yields. Hornworms can defoliate plants in warm climates, and spider mites strike in hot, dry summers. Slugs damage fruit resting on the soil in wet conditions.

Stunted, curled shoot tips; honeydew; persistent virus transmission causing mosaic patterns on leaves Reflective silver mulch; insecticidal soap or neem oil; never plant near virus-infected solanums

Rapid defoliation; large caterpillars consume leaves and sometimes fruit walls Hand-pick; Bt spray; draw parasitic wasps with dill or fennel nearby

Pale stippling and bronzing of leaves; webbing under leaves in hot, dry spells Overhead misting; neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen

Holes chewed into peppers at soil level, especially in wet summers Copper tape around beds; iron phosphate pellets; evening patrols