Rotting Peppers

[trebellangeminired]

Some of my peppers are rotting rather than ripening. Any ideas folks?

[daylily]

It could be a lot of things this time of year, slug and other bug injury points are often the start of rot, with rain and soil contact points being a close second.

And also have to think of possible chill injury to the fruits.

[trebellangeminired]

Hi Daylily,

As they're in the the greenhouse it's not rain damage.The peppers in question are clear of the soil so it looks most likely to be slug or bug damage. They don't have huge holes or other obvious damage but apart from slugs we have had aphids, thrips, scale insects, caterpillars and possibly spider mites. I realise slugs cause problems but which of the other insects is likely to cause rot?

In terms of temperature, my min/max thermometer has recorded a low of 6 degrees centigrade. Since then we have had the frost heater set at 10 degrees centigrade. Would that be cold enough to cause damage?

Thank you,

[SarzWix]

Sounds like it could be botrytis TGR, it likes moist/humid conditions, and often seems to take hold in slightly damaged bits of plant/fruit, where something like condensation drips or splashed water is.
This is a good link for an explanation of it and how to prevent it & deal with it, although it's American & might mention sprays we don't have here.
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactS...tis_blight.htm

[trebellangeminired]

Hi Sarzwix,

Will check this out.

Thank you,

[daylily]

Botrytis is indeed very common, you can easily tell it apart from the grey fluffy mould developing on the fruit.


All injury sites, including blossom end rot will provide easy entry for any bacteria or fungi.

Most peppers are prone to chilling injury under 7-10C though it will greatly depend on the length of exposure and the variety.

[trebellangeminired]

Hi Daylily,

No grey fluffy mould but temperatures went under 7C so that sounds favourite.

Thank you

[pigletwillie]

I have had a bit of this as well. I found that it was caused either by water splash or watering directly onto the plants. I now just water around the base and dont have the problem any more.

[daylily]

Just a thought Trebell, before bacterial rots, etc. Are you sure that they are rottening? Because some varieties will show a worrying manky brown/black colour as a normal part of the ripening process.

[Demeter]

Just a thought Trebell, before bacterial rots, etc. Are you sure that they are rottening? Because some varieties will show a worrying manky brown/black colour as a normal part of the ripening process.

See, I think of that colour as a "glossy chocolate brown"...

[daylily]

See, I think of that colour as a "glossy chocolate brown"...

Isn't it just?

Good way of thinking.

[beckybee]

I've had a similar problem - four plants kept outside. Three have much paler leaves than normal and the fruits have gone brown then soft while still quite small. The fourth has normal colour leaves and the fruits are ripening nicely (now indoors due to evening temps being a bit chilly). I have no idea what's causing it but have put it down to the rubbish weather - at least one plant is providing a few fruits, I cant wait for a greenhouse!

[BrideXIII]

I must admit, i have never grown my peppers outside per se.
i cold frame, then move them indoors and windowsill them or greenhouse them, underwatering is more of a problem for me than over, but i do get yellow leaves at the end of the 'season' whilst the last are ripening off, and i think this IS due to overwatering in an attempt to ensure the fruit is getting enough for the small pots they are in........I am a heartless gardener, if this happens, so what, plenty more in the pipeline

I always plant too many in the eventuality that they won't all grow, they always do leaving me with far too many so the loss of some never worries me. the weather the last year or so has been far to precarious though to risk my chilies and peppers in a true 'outside' enviroment

for those of you that enjoy seed or plant swaps, you will be able to rely on me for all sorts, i never seem to manage to grow on just enough, more like enough for an entire nation, never waste a seed i say