Can Sevin Dust on Pepper Plants Cause Wrinkled Leaves?

What Is Sevin Dust?

• Sevin is a line of powerful insecticide products produced by the GardenTech company. These products contain an ingredient called carbaryl, along with other ingredients noted for the efficient elimination of garden insect pests. Sevin products are available in liquids, sprays, granules and dust. This dust is sprinkled onto garden plants, such as peppers, to prevent insect infestations from aphids, mites, beetles, moths, flies and worms.

Pesticide Injury

• Sometimes when pesticides are applied to plants, the contact between the pesticide and the plant causes damage to the surface of the plant's leaves. Some pesticides, including Sevin dust, may cause the leaves to appear burned, discolored, misshapen, wrinkled or curled and may even cause the leaves to fall off. The best way to prevent this type of damage is to apply Sevin dust to the pepper plants exactly as the label directs, never deviating from those instructions. Apply only as often as is recommended, and if you see that your pepper plants are not adapting well to the pesticide, discontinue use.

Alternatives to Sevin

• Other pesticide methods are available that are not noted for their ability to cause damage to pepper plant leaves. Using diatomaceous earth as a dust in place of Sevin dust is one alternative. This product is natural, safe for use around humans and animals while effective at killing pests, and will not impart chemical residues to your peppers. Rather than poisoning the pests, the diatomaceous earth creates tiny cuts in the skin of pests, causing them to eventually dehydrate and die. Sprays made of soap, water and occasionally an oil, such as vegetable oil or garlic oil, kill and repel pests without damaging pepper leaves.

Other Causes of Wrinkled Leaves

• An important thing to consider when you observe wrinkled leaves on your peppers is disease. Pesticides may cause leaf wrinkling, however, a disease known as mottle virus may also be the culprit. Aphids carry this disease; when they feed on the plant, they damage the leaves and then the virus enters through those damaged spots. The best method for controlling mottle virus is an anti-viral treatment as soon as the disease is recognized. Treat with a product labeled safe for peppers and formulated specifically for mottle virus. Follow label instructions as closely as possible for the best chances of eliminating the virus completely.