Bell Pepper Disease Identification

Wilts

• Like potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants, bell peppers are susceptible to both Fusarium and Verticillium fungal wilts. The two diseases present similar symptoms: the leaves droop, then turn yellow and die. Sometimes the entire plant is infected, but other times only one side of the plant is involved. If you cut the main stem, you'll see dark streaks running lengthwise through the stem tissue. To control, rotate all members of the pepper family into different garden spots over a four- to six-year cycle, since the disease spores live in the soil for several years. Discard infected plants and clean up all fallen leaves and fruit. Keep the garden weed-free, as many common weeds are also susceptible and carry the diseases. The best defense is to keep your peppers healthy and growing vigorously, so water and fertilize regularly.

Tobacco Mosaic Virus

• Tobacco mosaic virus causes a mottling discoloration on pepper leaves and fruit. This disease rarely kills the plant but does stunt its growth and affect the quality of the fruit. There are no effective chemical controls for the disease so prevention is key. Never smoke near your garden, and if you handle tobacco products at all, always wash your hands thoroughly before working in the garden. Remove and destroy any plant showing symptoms of tobacco mosaic virus, then clean your hands and tools before touching other plants.

Black Mold

• Black mold on plant leaves occurs as a result of an aphid infestation. When aphids feed on plant tissue, they secrete a honeydew-like substance that supports the growth of black mold. Control aphids with a strong stream of water or an insecticide, and you won't have a problem with black mold.

Blights

• Early and late blights are two related fungal diseases that affect peppers, although infection is uncommon. Brown spots appear on older leaves near the bottom of plants, then spread upward. Chlorotic, yellow areas develop around the spots. The spots or lesions also appear on the stems, and the peppers develop dark, leathery areas, sometimes covered in black spores. Decrease plant susceptibility to blights by watering in the morning so the plant leaves dry off quickly. Remove and discard infected plant material; don't add it to your compost pile. If necessary, treat with a fungicide approved for use against blights. Ensure that the product you use is suitable for use on food crops.