I would focus on getting rid of the aphids. Looks like your mix is very wet, those look like root nodules that are forming because of the damp conditions.

Thanks for the reply.

The aphids are in the soil, and they are not on or around the plant,they are small white things that jump.

I've sprayed the soil With pesticide well, is that sufficient? It's not quite an infestation, yet!

probably not aphids then. aphids can be almost any translucent pastel color and most typically will be found on the leaves. I doubt they are aphids.

Why is the stem tied to that stake? Is it weak? If so, you are probably dealing with damping off fungus from too much watering. I think you have more problems than a couple bugs. But probably nothing catastrophic.

And you might have fungus gnats in the soil. Another problem brought on by over watering.

Fungus gnats or thrips both bad but you need to get rid of. Depends on what you treated the soil with it may or may not get rid of the bugs. Identify them first then treat the problem/pest.

The stem is loosely tied to a supporting stick, it isnt putting pressure on the stem, although it looks like it on the picture. I only water every fourth day and only a little, my mate gave me the cayenne and they already had the root nodules.

But now my scotch bonnet, habenero and carolina reaper all have these little white gnats.

I treated the soil With bug clear.

OK, so WHY is the plant tied to the stake?

So it doesn't flop.

Thanks

That ks for your advice, I've already repotted, the root systems were quite well defined so it's was difficult to pull soil off, I didn't see any obvious larvae at this point.

I've just bought some hydrogen peroxide and will treat the plants as advised, every four days.

Is there still hope for the cayenne with such weak stems?

The rest of the plant looks very healthy.

Yes, re-pot the cayenne deeper into the soil so the soil line is about 1" above the weak part in the stem.

weak stems are fine at this stage... even greenhouse plants get tied off. is more common with annuum and baccatum varieties which grow tall and flop around before getting strong. (reference video)

that stuff at the base of your stem looks wierd. like a zit lol...

small bumps at the bottom of stems are where roots want to grow. they are fine called adventitious roots if u wana google it.