WikiPepper.org Writing and Citation Style Guide

Adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style for Use on WikiPepper.org

1. Writing Purpose and Tone

– Write clearly, factually, and concisely. Assume the reader is an informed grower or collector, not a casual reader.
– Avoid filler, condescension, or over-explanation.
– Favor active voice: “Growers use this species,” not “This species is used.”
– Avoid humor unless subtle or dry; avoid opinion unless well-founded and clearly framed.
– Present facts with attribution, especially for disputed classifications or traits.

2. Formatting Scientific Names and Cultivars

– Genus and species names: italicize, capitalize genus, lowercase species (e.g., Capsicum chinense).
– Subspecies and varieties: italicize and follow standard form (e.g., Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum).
– Cultivar names: not italicized, placed in single quotes, first letter of each word capitalized (e.g., Capsicum annuum ‘Black Hunga

rian’).
– Hybrids: use “×” or “x” if confirmed, or state clearly (e.g., C. chinense × C. frutescens or ‘Bhut x Scorpion hybrid’).

3. Titles and Section Headings

– Capitalize all major words, including verbs and prepositions of four or more letters.
– Do not use ALL CAPS for any section or title.
– Avoid colons in titles unless separating a main title from a subtitle.
– Use consistent hierarchy: H1 for article title, H2 for major sections, H3 for subsections if needed.

4. Common Content Types and Structure

– Pepper variety entries should include:
  1. Common name(s)
  2. Species and taxonomic background
  3. Physical traits (plant height, fruit shape, color)
  4. Heat level and flavor profile
  5. Growth requirements and adaptations
  6. Cultivation and overwintering notes
  7. History, origin, and cultural notes
  8. Known synonyms, hybrids, and naming issues
  9. Citations and references (see Section 6)

5. Handling Alternative Names and Synonyms

– Include all widely used names for a pepper, separated by commas.
– Indicate regional or linguistic variants (e.g., ‘piri piri’ [Portuguese] vs. ‘peri peri’ [Anglicized]).
– If the name is used inconsistently across species (e.g., ‘piquin’), add a clarification note.
– For landraces or traditional names, list source region and name variants with context.

6. Citation Style (Chicago Author-Date)

– Use author-date citation style.
– Inline: (Bosland and Votava 2012) or (Smith 2021, 45)
– Include full reference list at end of article, alphabetized by author.
– Book example:
  Bosland, Paul W., and Eric J. Votava. 2012. Peppers: Vegetable and Spice Capsicums. 2nd ed. Wallingford, UK: CABI.
– Website example:
  Eshbaugh, W. Hardy. 2020. “Capsicum Diversity and Domestication.” Chili Pepper Database. Accessed March 2, 2025. https://www.pepperdata.org/capsicum-overview.
– Journal example:
  Carrizo García, Carolina. 2011. “Molecular Phylogeny of Capsicum.” Plant Systematics and Evolution 291 (1–2): 1–13.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Do not capitalize species names.
– Do not confuse ‘variety’ (botanical form) with ‘cultivar’ (bred type).
– Avoid listing unconfirmed hybrids as facts.
– Don’t quote flavor notes without attribution or sensory basis.
– Avoid citing seed vendors as scientific sources unless noting market variation.

8. Contributor Attribution and Metadata

– Articles should include a byline or contributor alias.
– Update date and source revision log at the bottom of the page.
– Use footnotes sparingly; favor in-text parenthetical citations with a reference section.

9. Visual and Format Notes

– Images should be captioned with cultivar name, source, and species.
– Italics should be reserved for Latin names, not emphasis.
– Bullet lists should use consistent punctuation (periods for full sentences, none for fragments).
– Avoid excessive bolding or underlining in body text.

10. Final Note

Write like a grower who knows their audience: careful, precise, honest, and useful.
Don’t guess when facts matter. Attribute, cite, clarify. This is a permanent resource.