Justification. Capsicum spp. fruits are widely recognized and marketed worldwide due to their relevance in gastronomy and the pharmaceutical industry. The five most important species are C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens and C. pubescens; however, more than 43 wild species have been reported to date. Pepper plants and fruits are susceptible to diseases caused by phyopathogenic bacteria and fungi which are routinely controlled with synthetic products. These compounds generate serious side effects for both the environment and human health. Similarly, their use promotes increased microbial resistance and more severe diseases in crops. For this reason, the present review addresses the main diseases affecting pepper crops as well agroecological alternatives for controlling using antagonistic microorganisms and plant-based bioproducts to reduce the incidence and severity of diseases. Theoretical and Experimental framework. An updated literature review was conduced regarding the diseases affecting different Capsicum species, as well as the agroecological alternatives available for their management. Conclusions and Perspectives. Pepper production faces challenges due to diseases and the excessive use of agrochemicals which promote microbial resistance and environmental damage. Antagonistic microorganisms, plant extracts and essential oils offer a viable agroecological alternative to control phytopathogens without negative impacts. Although these strategies provide medium- and long-term benefits further research is required to control viral diseases and achieve sustainable production.
Coyotl‐Pérez et al. (Wed,) studied this question.