Green pepper, also known as capsicum, is a profitable vegetable grown by many Ugandan farmers due to its high demand in local markets. However, its success heavily depends on disease management.
When not properly handled, diseases can destroy an entire garden, leading to heavy losses. Knowing how to identify, prevent, and treat common diseases is key for any serious green pepper farmer.
Ronald Kisekka, a vegetable farmer from Ndese village in Mukono district, says one of the major challenges he faced in his early days of farming was bacterial wilt.
“The plants would suddenly droop, and within days, they had died off completely,” he recalls.
He later learned that poor crop rotation and contaminated soil were the main causes.
“Now, I always rotate with maize or beans and avoid planting in the same spot each season.”
Richard Kisa, an agronomist, explains that green pepper is vulnerable to several diseases, including anthracnose, powdery mildew, and damping-off.
“Most of these diseases are caused by fungi and bacteria that thrive in poorly drained soils, excessive moisture, and overcrowded gardens,” he says.
Kisa recommends using certified seeds, maintaining proper spacing, and removing infected plants immediately to prevent spread.
Carol Balyejusa, a vendor at Kawempe market, says farmers who supply her usually use organic sprays made from neem and garlic to control early infections.
“They say it works, especially in the rainy seasons when fungal diseases are common,” she says.
Experts also advise practising good field hygiene, using mulch to reduce splashing, and watering early in the morning to allow the plants to dry during the day.
With timely action and proper care, green pepper farmers can fight diseases and ensure a healthy, productive garden.
