Rotting Chillis??

[mandyballantyne]

Hi All,

Wonder if you can help at all.

One of my Chilli plants in the greenhouse looks healthy and has lots of large chillis on it which are all green. I have just noticed that 3 of the chillis are starting to rot?? The chilli are all about 10-15cm long with no aparant insect problems and some are rotting from the middle and not the ends.

Any ideas to what is causing this and how to stop it, I have great plans for these

Thanks, Mandy

[rustylady]

Sounds like botrytis (grey mould). I have had real problems this year with tomatoes and chillies. It's not been helped by the horrid weather we've had. I've had to keep the greenhouse closed to keep up the temperature, but this has reduced the airflow, which has increased the risk of aforesaid botrytis. I really think it's a case of better luck next year. Cut off all damaged bits of your plants, bin them, increase ventilation and hope for the best for the rest of this year.

[Richard at GS]

Hi Mandy,
I think rustylady is right about the botrytis.
One thing to add; you often get some flower drop with peppers and chillies (especcially when plenty fruit has already set) and these will rot down and go mouldy. This acts as a source of infection and particularly when it lies against fruit will make them rot. Giving the plants a light shake occasionally to dislodge them and tidying up after will go some way to help prevent your problem. The damp weather is the main reason it is such a problem this year though.

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks Rusty Lady and Richard,

Think that could be the reason as peppers are suffering too!

I think I may have caused this problem myself

Whilst on holiday I had someone tend my greenhouse and they left a tray of water in there for humidity, I questioned this but was told that it was needed. This is my first year with a greenhouse so left it in.

I now assume that this is a bad idea and should be removed ASAP??

Thanks again and Welcome to the Vine Richard.

Mandy