Mold on Bell Pepper Seeds

Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot

• Pytophthora and pythium rot is an aggressive disease that affects bell peppers. Caused by the fungal pathogens Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora nicotinae var. parasitica, the fungi are both seed- and soil-borne, so infection often begins in these contaminated areas. Visible symptoms include the wilting and death of your bell peppers while stems and roots appear saturated with liquid and may discolor before dying. The growth and collection of spores may also result in a white hued mold development, according to the Ontario Crop Integrated Pest Management. For control, fungicides with the active ingredient fluopicolide or mefenoxam are effective, according to the University of California Integrated Pest Management Online.

Anthracnose

• Anthracnose is a fungal infection that attacks pepper plants. Caused by different Colletotrichum species, the fungal pathogens are aggressive and lead to fruit loss, infecting plants during any stage of growth. The fungus Colletotrichum acutatum, for example, infests seeds through which infection is commonly spread. As the disease progresses, lesions appear on fruit in circular form, often forming depressions on plant tissue. Mold-like growths form as black spots on lesions as well as in the form of orange to pink collections of spores, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Due to the rapid onset and development of this disease, entire crop loss is common. For control, home gardeners employing overhead irrigation should do so early in the day to allow enough daylight hours to dry water as a means of avoiding the encouragement of fungal growth. Soaking seeds at a temperature of 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit is advised for a duration of 30 minutes to remove pathogens, though growers should complete this task under the assistance of a professional.

Cercospora Leaf Spot

• Cercospora leaf spot is a disease of bell pepper plants and seeds. The fungal pathogen Cercospora capsici lives on and within seeds as well as on debris and in soil. As the disease infects foliage, round gray spots with red borders appear on plant surfaces with a diameter of up to 0.4 inches. These spots change in color, taking on a light brown central hue with a yellow border. Particularly during moist conditions, a mold-like substance develops as black fungal growth within spots. Damage typically includes leaf wilt and drop as well as subsequent sun scald of pepper fruit due to increased sun exposure. For control, follow the same hot water treatment as suggested for anthracnose. Remove and destroy infected plants and those nearby that are still asymptomatic as a means of preventing further disease spread.