| What is causing the black spots on my jalepeno peppers? The spots are usually on the side that receives direct sunlight. |
| There are several different possibilities. . . If the spots are thin, wrinkled tan areas that receive direct sunlight and they become white and papery, it could be sun scald. Might be the result of pruning the plant in a way that exposed the fruit, or of defoliation by disease or insect attack. If the spots are large, sunken, tan water soaked spots on the blossom end of the fruit, and the spot turns black and maybe even moldy, it could be blossom end rot which is caused by a calcium deficiency and uneven watering. Apply calcium (gypsum) and mulch. If the spots are dark brown, sunken and on the leaves as well as the fruit it may be a fungal or bacterial disease. You may want to bring a sample into the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office, 4341 E. Broadway road for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. To prevent spread of disease remove infected fruit and leaves. Splashing rains spread the organism from diseased to healthy plants. |
