Black spots on peppers indicate that the plants are infected with a fungus or bacteria. When the fruit turns black, chemical agents should be immediately applied and top dressing should be introduced.
Why does pepper turn black?
In most cases, pepper turns black due to diseases. Less commonly - due to exposure to insects or temperature changes. Dark spots may also appear on the leaves. It is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the pathology.
With alternariosis, the pathogenic fungus begins to multiply after heat and heavy rains. Leaves and fruits turn black. Necrosis is transferred to the skin of the fruit in the region of the stalk, and the stem is also affected. In advanced situations, the pepper may die.
Phytophthora is a group of fungi-like organisms that cause infection in peppers and other nightshades. The causative agent can move from tomatoes or potatoes.
The main features are:
- black spots on stems, leaves and fruit skins;
- dark brown or black with a light border, sometimes a whitish coating.
Most often, the defeat occurs from July to September.
Phytophthora can appear due to a sharp decrease in temperature, high humidity, and the use of too cold water for irrigation.
With Fusarium wilt, deterioration occurs when the plant can no longer be saved. As a rule, the disease begins at fruit set.
Several stages of the disease:
- the upper leaves turn yellow and wither, despite sufficient watering;
- sluggish leaves eventually become light brown or light green in color;
- the region of the stalk is covered with black dents;
- a fluffy pink coating may appear.
Blossom end rot is a viral disease caused by a lack of calcium and an excess of nitrogen. The disease appears with irregular watering. First, translucent areas form on the skin. Over time, they become coarse and dry, becoming a dark brown color.
Also, blackening can be with black rot, sclerotinia and bacterial pepper cancer.
The harmful effects of low temperatures and pests
Peppers do not like sudden changes in temperature and cold. With a cold snap, the plant ceases to receive nutrients from the earth.
Blackening of leaves and fruits often provokes a spider mite. It actively develops at high humidity, closeness and heat.
If a spider mite appears, then:
- there are dots on the leaves and fruits, which will eventually merge into a large spot;
- darkened areas acquire a dark brown color;
- stems and leaves become tangled;
- shoots that are intertwined dry and die.
How to deal with pathology?
Bacterial diseases are practically not treated. Diseased plants must be quickly dug up, and the seedlings destroyed.
But in some cases, chemicals help. So, with alternariosis, necrotic processes can be stopped if the bushes are sprayed with fungicides several times a season:
- "Cumulus"
- Thiovit Jet.
With late blight, the beds need to be treated with Fitosporin-M and Gamair. With top rot, top dressing is carried out with calcium chloride and calcium nitrate.
Agrotechnical ways to get rid of pathology
To stop the infection, you should:
- reduce the amount of watering;
- completely remove infected shoots;
- steam the soil;
- loosen the ground around the bushes;
- sprinkle the earth with activated carbon, ash or sand with excessive moisture;
- ventilate the greenhouse.
If the seedlings of peppers have died, then you can not plant the pepper again on the same soil. Pathogenic microorganisms remain in the ground, which will destroy new plants.
Read also: The leaves of sweet pepper are all in holes. Reasons and solution
Another related article: Gymnospermous pumpkin: description. My recommendations for growing and further care of the plant
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and leave a LIKE if the article is useful!
#pepper#leaf blackening#garden