of the year, it has limited availability, and is grown in Spain or Italy. Planting C. pubescens is genetically different and unique in Capsicum, as it is the only one to tolerate cooler temperatures. A clear temperature difference during the day (15 °C) and at night (8 °C) is preferred, which is similar to the mountainous regions of Peru and Bolivia. However, frost and high heat cause serious damage. Cultivation methods of C. pubescens include growing in a nursery for 1 to 1.5 months in early February, then planting in the field when there is no frost risk, generally around March. Potassium, magnesium and zinc are used after transplantation, or after branching or flowering, and are generally applied once every 2 months after harvesting began. Some farmers cultivate C. pubescens among tea trees, C. annuum, or other crops. Pests The plants resist pests in Europe. However, C. pubescens is the host plant of Anastrepha ludens (Mexican fruit fly). A. ludens is one of the most threatening pests of Anastrepha. It is considered an A1 quarantine pest by EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization). Thus, the importation of fresh C. pubescens is restricted by many countries, and only frozen and manufactured import food are authorized in European market. Pathogens The plants are resistant to several diseases, including the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici, a severe pathogen of pepper production over the world, causing more than $100 million in losses annually. C. pubescens has a thick waxy cuticle which becomes detached during the infection process, called pealing pealing disease in the areas around Oxapampa, Peru. Harvesting C. pubescens matures at least 3 months after flowering, with harvesting 3 to 8 months after transplantation into fields. Fruits were collected weekly every 2 weeks, and the harvesting is continued for 2-3 years, up to 5 years before the occurrence of diseases. Yields produce approximately 0.5 kg per plant per harvest, from up to 40 chilies for one meter tall. Gallery See also List of Capsicum cultivars Rocoto relleno, baked rocoto stuffed with mince References Further reading Charles M. Rick: "Capsicum pubescens, a little-known pungent pepper from Latin America". In: Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin, Band 36, 1950. pp. 36–42. Hugh Popenoe u. a.: Lost Crops of the Incas, Little-Known Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation.'' National Academy Press, Washington DC 1989. (Online) External links pubescens Chili peppers Crops originating from Mexico Crops