Expert: Elyse Grau - 9/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: We have 2 red pepper plants that have been very disappointing this year - the plants are vibrant...but when the peppers begin to mature - they begin to shrivel.  Long before they are completely red...then they start to turn black - not just a few are affected...the entire crop - very frustrating.

We have used a drip water system...with a once a week deep watering...we also mulch....and fertilize monthly with a vegetable fertilizer.  We live in Sacramento CA and the summer has been relatively mild this year with limited days over 100 degrees.  Our nights cool down to the 50's and low 60's - while our highs regularly reach low to high 90's.  Haven't had a drop of rain since late may.  

Help?

Randy

ANSWER: Randy:
From the photo it looks like something is eating it, leaving it vulnerable to fungus, which is probably what is making it turn black. If you still have some good peppers on the plant, try covering it with garden cloth (e.g. Remay) and see if that helps. If you can identify the pest, that would help determine the best control.

Elyse

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We are watching it closely....there isn't any indication of anything eating it - it does look like it has some sort of fungus....what would cause a fungus...can a fungus cause damage from the inside?

Answer
Randy:
The fungus would be an external problem. Sunscald can sometimes cause the walls to thin, again allowing fungal spores to take hold. Insects can spread the disease, as can wind. It lives in the soil and on plant debris, and is made worse in damp conditions. You are drip watering, so you are avoiding one of the main causes. A sulfur spray, or Neem oil, can help kill the spores and prevent further spread, but it won't help the damaged fruits. Remove and destroy those, then spray once a week for the rest of the season.

Elyse