Abstract

The hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a vital agricultural product that increases export earnings and is a major cash crop for Ethiopians, especially smallholder farmers in the West Hararghe zone. However, the crop’s yield was less than the country’s overall yield. This low production is due to the major pest, which has limited the hot peppers’ ability to grow and yield in the area. The main objective of the study was to assess the major pests of hot peppers and the associated factors that affect hot pepper production in the study area. The study was conducted in Daro Labu and Boke districts, 2019–2020). All pertinent quantitative and qualitative data was collected to count and categorize the different weed species. The study results revealed that 40 different weed species from 16 families were discovered in the farm fields. Asteraceae and Poaceae, the two most common groups and counted at 27.5 and 25%, respectively. The two weed species, Verbesina encelioides and Parthenium hystrophorus, were the most common predominated weeds in the fields. In both districts, the most significant diseases were observed, including Fusarium wilt, Cercospora leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. Of these, Fusarium wilt had the highest prevalence, incidence, and severity, which was the most common disease there. For insect invasion, fruit borer was observed on all farms in the study area. In light of the low adoption rate of improved cultural practices by farmers, the study signifies the necessity of increased training and awareness, further advocating for a comprehensive, integrated approach to pest management in the region