Weeds should be controlled because they compete with the pepper plants for light, water, and nutrients. Sometimes weeds host damaging insects and diseases.

Mulches can be used to suppress weed growth in the beds. If mulch is not available or does not provide adequate control, several herbicides are available, such as alachlor, butralin, and metolachlor.

At AVRDC, we spray alachlor around the base of plants 2-3 days after transplanting, and then spray glyphosate to control weeds in the furrows. Care must be taken to prevent glyphosate drifting onto the pepper plants. Check recommendations in your country when selecting a chemical.