1988b). Direct seeding using the "plug mix" method is considered most effective. The "plug

mix" is a mixture of seed, water, and soil placed in the ground by a planter machine. The

planter can be used for both mulched and nonmulched bed type production systems (Rose,

1974).

 The bed shapes are similar in size and contour as is found in eggplant and tomato

production, however two or three rows of peppers may be grown on one bed. Stakes are usually

placed every two or three plants and are one-half the length of those used for tomato production.

Baling twine is used to wrap stake-to-stake to provide a support for pepper plants between the

stakes. Clorox and water can be used to sterilize stakes when required, however usually after

use and prior to storage, removal of dirt from stakes has been found to be adequate for control

of harboring pests that may remain on the stakes. Once the final harvest is complete, plants are

killed with herbicides, such as Paraquat or Roundup. Mowing may be used to remove excess

plant debris. A machine may then be used to pull up plastics and roll it into bales for disposal.


Diseases

 Methyl bromide is used as a method of control for several diseases found in pepper

production such as damping-off and southern blight.

 Damping-offcan be caused by Pythium sp. and Rhizoctonia sp. Symptoms are exhibited

by rotting at or below the ground level leading to the death of the seedling. Cultural practices

used to control damping-off include planting in well drained soils and planting in areas

containing reduced amount of decomposed plant debris. The use of fungicide treated seed can

also be an effective method of control. Table 4.7 lists chemicals that can be used to control

damping-off.