Manky chilli leaves - diseased, or just dying back for winter?

[sandspider]

Hi all.

One quick question really - several of my chilli plants are starting to look a bit unhealthy. (See pics below). Is this just them dying back over winter, or this some form of chilli mosaic virus? It's not on all my plants, but it does seem to be spreading in a leisurely way, and they've all been living in close proximity since I planted the seeds. Some of them are still fruiting.





If this is a virus or disease, would anyone like to guess what it is, and what I can do about it?!

Many thanks.

Giles

[Cutecumber]

It looks like red spider mite damage to me. Only had it in the greenhouse in the summer, on cucumbers and aubergines. The plants gradually get weaker then die.

You can get a biological control for it, but that involves little insects which you are not going to like if the plants are in your house or conservatory.

You could look up chemical controls on the internet perhaps.

[sandspider]

Thanks cutecumber, you seem to be right. When I look closer, I can see little webs and little mitey creatures. Bugger!

Just for everyone's interest, apparently iced water is a good way to shift the beasts - they don't like the cold, so spray all leaves on both sides three or four times every five days or so. (To chase away new hatchlings I suppose). Will let you know if it works...