Doug asks: My latest crop of small peppers doesn’t look good. Many of them are misshapen and deformed. What could be the problem and how can I prevent this from happening in the future?
Doug asks: My latest crop of small peppers doesn’t look good. Many of them are misshapen and deformed. What could be the problem and how can I prevent this from happening in the future?
Tropical Gardener answer: Deformed fruit can be caused by several factors. See which ones fit your situation and address them appropriately.
Poor pollination can cause fruit deformation. Proper pollination may not occur during heavy rains. If more than a few peppers are misshapen, it could be a response to temperature changes. Hot days in the 80s and cold nights in the 50s can shock the developing fruit and cause deformation. Though not attractive, your fruit is probably still edible. If you find white wiggly pepper weevil larvae inside, however, don’t eat it. These can only be controlled by killing the adults before they lay their eggs in the fruit. Yellow sticky traps or contact with a pyrethrin insecticide, like Pyganic, that is approved for veggies, is the best way to control them.
The recent drought conditions could also cause deformed fruit. Plants need adequate water to fully develop fruit. When it is hot and dry, do a deep 15-minute watering once or twice a week. The plant will need watering when the top of the soil is completely dry and you cannot feel dampness finger deep. Avoid soggy soil, however, as that can cause a whole new set of problems. You can also improve your soil, increase its water holding capacity and reduce weeds by mulching.
Another possible cause for deformation could be a nutrient deficiency, which you can discover by doing soil and tissue testing and remedy by fertilizing according to the recommendations. The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources has free publications on its website describing how to take samples for testing. If you are fertilizing, use a product that contains micronutrients like calcium.
In the photos submitted, I see some whitefly symptoms on the leaves. Insect attacks can weaken the plant and cause misshapen fruit. Spray the whitefly with a mix of safer soap and neem oil in water. If you do all the recommended practices that apply to your situation, your next crop of peppers should look better.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
NB: I need to clarify my report on the black pepper plant that stated that sometimes black pepper is mixed with pink or red pepper which in some cases is the Hawaiian Christmas berry (Schinus terebinthifolius). Though the berries are not poisonous some people have allergic reactions to them. The small amount in a pepper mix or a recipe is usually not a problem unless the person is highly sensitive or very allergic. Since the berries are used in Hawaiian chocolate and in recipes at high-end restaurants, they are likely not considered toxic. I would advise however that they should not be consumed excessively,
Since some confusion exists because common names are not always accurate identification of a botanical species. You should not eat anything unless you can positively identify it by its botanical name and know that it is edible and that you are not allergic to it.
For more discussion on this topic, visit: https://www.tastinghawaii.com/2012/12/the-toxic-hawaiian-christmas-berry.html
Some questions that appear here were originally directed to Kona’s Certified Master Gardeners.
You may contact them with questions at konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Gardening Events
Saturday: “Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the garden visitor center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring brown bag lunch. Water and light refreshments offered. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: Hooulu Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-2 p,m. at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Sunset Farmers Market, 2 p.m.-sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon at Keauhou Shopping Center.
Kamuela Farmer’s Market, 7 a.m.-noon at Pukalani Stables.
Sunday: South Kona Green Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook.
Monday-Saturday: U-Pick greens and produce, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Tropical Edibles Nursery in Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu at 322-4892.
Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 9 a.m.-noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu.