Capsicum or Bell Peppers are group of annual or perennial plants grown for its edible fruits.

Capsicum originated in Central and South America.

Major Capsicum growing countries in the world are China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela.

In India Capsicum growing states are Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Orissa and Punjab.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Solanales
• Family: Solanaceae
• Genus: Capsicum
• Species: annum

• Fruit is the most economically important part of Capsicum.

Capsicum is a cool season crop, but it can be grown round the year using protected structures.

This crop requires day temperature of 25°-30°C and night temperature of 18°-20°C with relative humidity of 50-60%.

If temperature exceeds 35°C or falls below 12°C, fruit setting is affected.

It grows best in well-drained soils that are consistently and evenly moist.

Capsicum is not sensitive to soil acidity, and can tolerate soil pH as low as 5.5.

It thrive best when soil pH ranges between 6.0 and 6.8.

Capsicum are warm-season crops and grow best at temperatures between 18°C and 30°C.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Thrips, Mites, Aphids, Fruit Borer and Armyworms.
  • Major Diseases: Damping Off, Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew and Wilt.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Blossom end rot
  • Chlorosis
  • Stunted growth