Major Crops

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects pepper plants, causing white, powder-like spots on leaves and stems. It spreads rapidly under warm and humid conditions and can reduce plant growth and yield if not properly managed.

Causes

• Blossom End Rot: Appears as a sunken black area at the end of the fruit. It results from calcium deficiency and irregular irrigation.
• Sunscald: Affects fruits exposed to direct sunlight, causing dry, damaged patches.
• Poor Fruit Set (Buttoning): Occurs due to low temperatures during fruit formation.
• Longitudinal Cracking: Caused by calcium and boron deficiency; treated by spraying a calcium and boron solution.

Purpose / Impact
Powdery mildew weakens the plant, reduces photosynthesis, affects fruit quality, and may significantly decrease overall yield if left untreated.

Prevention

• Ensure proper plant spacing to improve air circulation.
• Avoid excessive humidity and over-irrigation.
• Apply balanced fertilization, especially calcium and essential micronutrients.
• Regularly inspect plants to detect infection early.
• Use disease-resistant varieties when possible.

Treatment

• Powdery Mildew: Treat with appropriate fungicides when white powdery spots appear on leaves and stems.
• Southern Blight: A fungal disease causing stem rot, plant wilting, and eventual death; requires soil treatment and crop rotation.
• Gray Mold: Appears as soft lesions covered with gray fungal growth on various plant parts; managed with proper ventilation and fungicides.
• Pepper Scab: Causes dark spots on leaves, stems, and fruits due to fungal infection; treated with recommended fungicides.
• Verticillium Wilt: A fungal disease that causes plant wilting; managed through crop rotation and resistant varieties.