How to Troubleshoot Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are available in red, yellow and green varieties. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and are the most widely used pepper in the United States, according to the University of Illinois Extension website. Growing bell peppers is not difficult if you know how to troubleshoot potential problems. The sweet bell peppers are eaten raw in salads or cooked in relishes, pickled vegetables, soups, stews or stuffed with ground beef, rice and tomatoes.

Plastic spray bottle
Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Measuring cup
Household rubbing alcohol
Liquid soap

Instructions

- 1
  Look for dry, black, sunken-in depressions near the stem of the bell pepper. This indicates blossom rot. It is best to throw away the affected fruit to prevent the disease from spreading. The causes are drought, inconsistent moisture and improper cultivation that harms the roots.
- 2
  Check the bell pepper plant for yellow, curly or misshapen leaves. This indicates the presence of aphids. Treat the pests by blasting them with a spray of cold water. Often, this is all that is necessary. Spraying them with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap is also effective.
- 3
  Look for multiple small holes on the leaves of young bell pepper plants. This signals a flea beetle problem. Mix in a spray bottle, 2 parts household rubbing alcohol and 1 tbsp. liquid soap. Add 5 parts of water to the bottle and spray on the young plants.

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