Capsicum and chillies 

Queensland's capsicum and chilli industry

Queensland is the main producer of fresh market capsicums and chillies in Australia and supplies the Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne markets, with smaller quantities going to Adelaide, Perth and other minor markets. These crops are also sometimes referred to as peppers. In the year ending 30 June 2005, Queensland produced around 42,156 tonnes of capsicums, chillies and peppers worth about $69.5 million. This is about 89% of the Australian production and 87% of its value, and was grown on 1,973 hectares (Source: ABS estimates). Capsicums and chillies are also grown for processing on a smaller scale. 

Because of the high capital costs involved and buyer's desire for a regular supply from a limited number of providers, there is an increasing trend towards fewer growers producing on a larger scale. Because chillies are very labour intensive at harvest time they are often also grown as a small family enterprise. 

The main production regions are around Bowen (April to early November) and Bundaberg (April to July and November to early January). The Lockyer Valley (November to May) and Granite Belt (January to April) supply small quantities through summer.

Under cover (plastic, glass house) production occurs on a small scale. Capital costs are very high for this method of production, however crops can be harvested for much longer (up to 6 months) and produce much higher yields per plant. Crop damage and losses from environmental factors, e.g. rain, are reduced. These crops are grown hydroponically, thus reducing water use.

In 2002-03 Australia exported 687 t worth $1.844 million, with more than 82% going to New Zealand and the rest going to Asian and Pacific island countries (Source: ABS).

Research and development information

Current and recent R&D projects managed by DPI&F include breeding fresh market varieties with greater disease tolerance. This work has identified genetic resistance to capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV). This has been transferred to good quality breeding lines which will be commercialised during 2007. Research has also identified specific weed hosts which may spread the virus in commercial crops. More information on management of CaCV can be obtained in the report Capsicum Breeding for Tospovirus Resistance (VG02035) available from Horticulture Australia.

Other R&D projects include the 'Western flower thrips technology transfer project'. One output of this project is a booklet, 'Thrips and Tospovirus a Management Guide', available from Denis Persley.

Crop information

About chilli peppers
This DPI&F Note discusses what chillies are, how heat is measured, how many different types of chillies there are, where chillies can best be grown, yields, pests and diseases and links for further information.

Enterprise management
This page contains business information, including buying a farm, producing vegetables for market, and chemical use and drought information. 

Growing capsicum and chilli: Before you start
This DPI&F Note is a checklist of the things you need to know before you start. It will help you make the right decision about growing capsicums and chillies.

Growing capsicum and chilli: Common questions
This DPI&F Note contains the most commonly asked questions about growing capsicums and chillies. 

Pests & diseases

Bacterial spot of capsicums: What to expect from resistant varieties
Bacterial spot is the most destructive leaf disease of capsicum. Few fruit, if any, can be expected from severely diseased plants. What can be expected from resistant varieties?

Broad mite in rare fruit
This page contains a description and the management and control methods of broad mite in rare fruit. Broad mite can cause damage to capsicum plants similar to hormone herbicide damage and also cause fruit scarring. 

Integrated weed management components in vegetable crops
This Note discusses a range of weed management options in vegetable crops, including capsicums.

Melon thrips
Melon thrips (Thrips palmi) is also a pest of fruit and vegetables in south east Asia, Japan, Florida and the Caribbean. It can cause stunting of susceptible plants and deformation of fruit when its normal biological control is disturbed.

Queensland fruit fly in rare fruit
This Note contains a description, and management and control methods of Queensland fruit fly.

The Silverleaf whitefly in Queensland web page provides information about silverleaf whitefly and Project VG05050, as well as a guide to silverleaf whitefly management in vegetables and links to newsletters and project results as they become available.

Spiraling whitefly
Spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus dispersus) is a serious pest of many horticultural crops, and also of an extensive range of ornamentals and shade trees. 

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus 
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) was found in tomato crops in early 2006 in areas south of Brisbane and around Bundaberg. Capsicums are also a host of TYLCV.

Tomato root knot nematodes: Biology and control
This Note discusses root knot nematodes, their life cycle, monitoring and management. Root knot nematodes can also attack capsicums and chillies.

Industry links

The horticulture sector is represented by many industry groups. Visit our industry links page for links to many of their websites.

External references

The following web sites are external to the DPI&F site but contain information that could be of interest to Queensland growers.

The CSIRO entomology page Silverleaf whitefly provides information about SLW, an important pest of many crops including capsicums and chillies.

The University of Florida's site Production of greenhouse-grown peppers in Florida contains useful information on growing capsicums under cover.

Western flower thrips (WFT) ( External PDF, 31 kB) is a major pest of capsicums and chillies and spreads tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a tospovirus. An Insecticide resistance management plan has been developed.

DPI&F information and services

Last updated 27 August 2007