The effects of plant age, fungus isolate, zoospore concentration and inoculation method on the resistance of pepper (Capsicum annuum) to blight (Phytophthora capsici) were studied under controlled conditions. Each of the factors studied produced differing responses in the pepper lines tested hut line CNPH 286 proved to be a reliable source of resistance and is now being used in a breeding programme. An inoculation method for screening pepper lines for blight resistance is proposed, using a standardized zoospore suspension applied to the base of plants 45 days from sowing.