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Sweet red pepper leaves #802593

Asked July 23, 2022, 11:34 AM EDT

I saved the seed from red peppers grown on the west side of Michigan last summer. They were delicious and wanted to try germinating. Now that they are about 12” high, something is eating the leaves. They look very unhappy. I have not been able to see a insect/bug on any of the leaves. I wonder if you can recommend something safe to use, by looking at the leaves in the photo. Thank you.

Iosco County Michigan

Expert Response

any chance you could also attach a photo of the full plant?
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Here is a picture of the plant, as you can see it is not thriving.  I have 3 more plants that look about the same. Thank you.

The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2022, 11:48 AM EDT
I uploaded a plant photo to the file. Thank you.

On Jul 23, 2022, at 11:36 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2022, 12:01 PM EDT

I added a photo of some type of beetle? Found in soil around pepper, we’re actually about 7 all in same area.  An infestation of some sort? Would they be eating the leaves? Thank you for any help to get pepper plants healthier.

The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2022, 2:14 PM EDT

Beetles?

The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2022, 2:15 PM EDT

Hi Janice, thanks for the question.  

Visit your plants after dark, take a flashlight and you may see these critters chowing down on your plant.  This is the Asiatic Garden Beetle aka Maladera castanea/ Maladera formosae.  Although there are pesticides available, hand picking at night is suggested. Azadiractin or neem oil can help repel them. If you decide to use a chemical be sure to read the label and make sure it is listed for peppers (fruiting plants).  Getting rid of weeds can put a dent in their population. Check out the following links:

Asiatic Garden Beetle [fact sheet] | Extension (unh.edu)

Asiatic Garden Beetle (maine.gov)

Asiatic Garden Beetle - Purdue Landscape Report

Asiatic Garden Beetle | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2022, 3:55 PM EDT
Very helpful, thank you so much!

On Jul 24, 2022, at 3:55 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2022, 6:16 PM EDT

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