Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants were sprayed with salicylic acid (SA) and treated with ultraviolet radiation UV-A (320-390 nm), UV-B (312 nm), and UV-C (254 nm) of 6.1, 5.8, and 5.7 W m -2 , respectively. UV significantly reduced contents of chlorophyll (Chl) a and b, and carotenoids (Car). SA treatment moderated Chl and Car reduction in plants treated with UV-B and UV-C. The quantity of antocyanins, flavonoids, rutin, and UV-absorbing compounds in plants that were treated with UV-B, UV-C, and SA were significantly increased. Foliar spray of SA counteracted the UV effects on pepper.