Investigating the Efficacy of Chilli Pepper Extract in Controlling Pest and Promoting Sustainable Spinach Production

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chilli pepper extract (Capsicum spp.) as a botanical pesticide in managing pest populations and enhancing the sustainability of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cultivation. Three treatment levels of chilli extract concentrations were selected based on previous studies and empirical evidence from integrated pest management (IPM) research. The concentrations used were 5% and 10% chilli extract solutions, prepared by blending dried chilli powder with water and allowing the mixture to steep before filtration. Each treatment, along with a control (water spray), was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) under field conditions. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in pest incidence across all treatments when compared to the control. The 10% chilli extract treatment was most effective, leading to an average 72% reduction in aphid and leaf miner populations. The 5% treatment followed closely with a 61% reduction, while the control treatment recorded a 45% decrease. In terms of plant growth and yield, spinach plots treated with 10% and 5% chilli extract produced significantly higher biomass and marketable yield compared to the control. The 10% treatment led to the highest average fresh weight per plant, suggesting that pest control effectiveness translated to improved crop performance. The positive results underscore the role of locally available, plant-based solutions in promoting resilient and sustainable food systems, especially in smallholder and resource-limited agricultural settings.