Chilli Plants and Pesticides
Using Pesticides may be a quick and easy cure to a problem, but it does come with some severe side effects
It is my recommendation that you try natural alternatives to your problems first, and as this will most likely cure the insect issue there is no need to go down the chemical route
As an experiment I overdosed a plant with pesticide spray - common type found in any garden centre
The results are very surprising and a great example why natural is best - besides it is more fun to go ladybug hunting then pop down the garden centre and hand over your money!
Spaying the leaves three times in one week with standard pesticide has caused the following problems
Leaves become Leathery Not Waxy
Pods are deformed even weeks after the plant was sprayed
Pods are formed almost inside out
The Plant produces extra tissue, in effect plant cancer - taking a side cut from the picture on the right - the extra growth is just extra growth but in a very mutated way
For me the experiment was interesting to do, no fun at all when I threw the plant away (not even on the compost heap) but I felt sad for the way I treated this plant
So why would I use pesticides again
I wouldnt!
Especially when the plant will grow beautiful waxy green leaves and luscious colourful pods without it
There are plenty of sites now discussing Companion Growing where you grow certain plants next to the ones you want to help ward off certain insects
Plus, there are plenty of sites that discuss natural predator solutions where you can hunt for the insects of choice in your local area and bring them back to your garden to help with your problem
For me, as much as insects are annoying, there is under any circumstances no need to use chemicals on the plants, growing an ecosystem takes time, and patience, look at what is happening and look up info that will help, the produce you grow will be the cleanest, fullest flavour chilli
I will never use chemicals on mine as the consequence is plain to see!