Scotch Bonnet Diagnosis Required!

[MrLAH]

Oh wise and wonderful forum!

I put my scotch bonnets out in the sun the other day, they got left out in full sun for most of the day. Just for information I also sprayed them with a washing up liquid mixture for the first time the other day and subsequently they have developed a problem.

I must mention there is no sign of pests, nothing on the leaves/underside of leaves and no sign of aphids, etc in my blow away greenhouse where they're stored.

For the time being have separated the 4 offending Scotch Bonnets from the rest of my plants (Jalapenos seem completely unaffected despite the same treatment as the SB's).

Any assistance on the problem (I fear they may need to be 'disposed of') would be greatly appreciated.

[Scarlet]

They look healthy to me, they look like they've got a little sun scorched. Did you get water on the leaves?

[SarzWix]

Why did you spray them with a washing-up liquid mixture if there was no sign of pests? Even though it is a 'home-made remedy', it can still stress the plants somewhat, and so should only be a last resort the same as any other artificial/chemical/insecticide.

Looking at your picture, however, it doesn't look like anything terminal to me, more like a bit of scorch which won't affect the plant's growth or fruiting capacity. Just make sure not to get water on the leaves, and it won't happen to newer leaves.

[chilli_grower]

I have had this on lots of my plants, and just ignored it.

And they are all doing fine.

[MrLAH]

Thanks for the information!

In response Sarz, primarily did it as precautionary measure and didn't particularly realise it could be harmful, I am relatively new to this ha!

It is entirely possible I got water on the leaves so I'll make sure that doesnt happen again.

[AkionTotocha]

Or just water after the height of the sun has passed, late afternoon when it's cooler. The clear water droplets act like magnifying glasses and burn the leaves underneath. It's easily done, so don't worry about it too much

[rustylady]

In response Sarz, primarily did it as precautionary measure and didn't particularly realise it could be harmful, I am relatively new to this ha!

Not a good idea. Washing up liquid is very harsh. Soft soap is recommended as a dilute spray for aphid infestation, but spraying with anything as a precautionary measure is a waste of time.

[Veggiefirsttimer]

I have the same problem, aphids all Over chilli plants, squirted with washing up liquid solution and they look the same as yours, the aphids have now gone. I havent seen any ladybirds :-( my other option was to find some and pop them on the plant to eat the aphids.

What mild soap would you recommend?

Thank you

[horticultural_hobbit]

Ecover or something similar....i think. And diluted.

[chilli_grower]

I found this website a few months back for natural pest killers:

Defenders - Safe Effective Natural Biologist Pest Control for Gardeners

[leonmc0708]

Looks like scorch that to me too. Often happens on mine when I get someone else to water if I am away with work a day or two !!!

As for the precautionary spraying - swerve that. You wouldnt give them epsom salts in case they needed it or feed for incase they flower.

[rustylady]

Ecover or something similar....i think. And diluted.

Very well diluted.