Chili pepper, chilli and rocoto

Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens e Capsicum pubescens

1. Identification and origin

Chilli peppers, chilli and rocoto belong to the genus Capsicum (Solanaceae family), which includes several species domesticated in the Americas. The most cultivated species are Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum frutescens L. and Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pav..

• C. annuum is the most widespread species, native to Mexico and Central America, ranging from sweet peppers to hot chilli peppers.
• C. frutescens originates from Central America and the Caribbean, including varieties such as tabasco and extremely pungent chilli peppers.
• C. pubescens, known as rocoto, is native to the high-altitude Andean regions (Peru, Bolivia), distinguished by its thick fruits and black seeds.

The domestication of the genus Capsicum dates back more than 6,000 years, with broad cultural and culinary diversification.

2. Economic importance

Chilli peppers are widely used in world cuisine, fresh, dried, in sauces, pastes, condiments and preserves. Capsaicin, responsible for the pungency, has applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agrochemical industries.
The main producers include China, India, Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia and Peru. International trade covers fresh and dried fruits, powders, sauces and extracts. The rocoto has a growing niche market owing to its characteristic flavour and pungency.

3. Botanical characterisation

Herbaceous or subshrubby plants, short-lived perennials in tropical climates and annuals in temperate climates.

• C. annuum: variable habit (0.5–1.5 m), ovate leaves, solitary white flowers, fruits of diverse shapes and colours.
• C. frutescens: more branched plants, small greenish flowers, erect and very pungent fruits.
• C. pubescens: pubescent leaves, purple flowers, thick fruits and black seeds — unique characteristics within the genus.

The root system is deep and sensitive to waterlogging.

4. Soil and climate requirements

The Capsicum species prefer warm climates, with temperatures between 20–30 °C.

• C. annuum and C. frutescens are more tolerant of heat.
• C. pubescens adapts better to cool high-altitude climates (15–22 °C).

They require fertile, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They are sensitive to waterlogging, strong winds and temperatures below 10 °C. Watering should be regular, avoiding water fluctuations that favour rots and flower drop.

5. Main pests

• Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum): Honeydew, sooty mould and transmission of viruses.
• Aphids (Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii): Sap-sucking and transmission of viruses.
• Thrips (Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis): Damage to leaves and flowers, vector of TSWV.
• Mites (Tetranychus urticae): Chlorosis and fine webbing under dry conditions.
• Borers and caterpillars (Noctuidae): Perforations in leaves and fruits.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp.): Root galls and decline in vigour.

6. Main diseases

• Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.): Sunken lesions on fruits, post-harvest losses.
• Wilt caused by Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum): Yellowing and death of plants.
• Root rots (Phytophthora capsici): One of the most serious diseases, causing sudden wilting.
• Powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica): White coating and reduction of photosynthesis.
• Viruses (TSWV, CMV, PVY): Mosaics, deformities and drop in production.
• Bacterial spot (Xanthomonas euvesicatoria): Leaf lesions and necrosis on fruits.

7. General crop management

This includes choosing cultivars adapted to the local climate, sowing in well-drained soils, crop rotation to reduce the pressure of diseases and nematodes, weed control, regular watering without waterlogging and monitoring of pests such as whitefly, thrips and mites. Staking improves ventilation and reduces diseases. Harvesting should be carried out according to the commercial destination (green or ripe), ensuring adequate quality and pungency.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Capsicum spp. – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens, C. pubescens – datasheets.
• Bosland, P. W., & Votava, E. J. (2012). Peppers: Vegetable and Spice Capsicums. CABI.
• Russo, V. M. (2012). Peppers: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI.
• Heiser, C. B. (1999). Peppers. Smithsonian Institution Press.