What is the correct method for pruning and removing shoots from pepper plants?

1. Timing should be appropriate. To reduce disease incidence, prune on a clear, warm morning. Do not prune on cloudy days or in the evening, so that the wounds after shoot removal cannot heal in time and become infected with pathogens, causing disease.

2. Timing should be appropriate. Do not remove shoots too early. Use the side branches to encourage root expansion and enlarge the root mass. Begin removing shoots when the side branches grow to 10-15 cm long.

3. Position should be appropriate. Cut off the side branch from about 1 cm away from its base, leaving a short stub to protect the main stem. Do not remove the side branch right against the main stem, to avoid the wound becoming infected and then directly infecting the main stem. At the same time, this also avoids leaving a large scar on the main stem.

4. Tools should be appropriate. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut or slice the side branch off the main stem. Do not bend or split it by force, to avoid making the wound too large or tearing the epidermis of the stem.

5. Do not damage the stems and leaves. When removing shoots, move gently. Do not pull branches off, and do not break branches or damage leaves by bumping them.

6. Remove shoots in time, and do not miss any. The side branches of pepper plants grow quickly, so remove shoots frequently, generally about once every 3 days.

7. Combine this with disease prevention. After removing shoots, finally spray the leaves once with a pesticide, such as 500-fold dufulin or mancozeb, to protect the wounds from pathogen infection.