PROBLEMS

Blossoms drop when temperatures rise above 90. Nighttime temperatures below 60 or above 75 will also cause blossom drop. Normally, peppers will set additional flowers when temperatures moderate. Moisture stress also causes blossom drop.

Blossom end rot is another water stress problem. It appears as a tan, leathery patch at the tip of the fruit as it starts to enlarge. It indicates a past water shortage, often due to fluctuating moisture levels. You may cut away the leathery patch and eat the rest of the fruit.

Water the soil regularly to a depth of 6 inches. Uneven watering causes moisture stress problems. If possible, don't use overhead sprinklers as splashing water can spread diseases from the soil to the plants or from leaf to leaf. Water at the base of the plants instead, or use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system.

White patches on the sides and stem end of the fruit may be signs of sunscald. It occurs when mature green fruit is suddenly exposed to sunlight. The white patch will never ripen. To avoid white patches, don't prune pepper foliage; try to keep leaves healthy so they don't drop on their own.

Aphids feed on new growth and can transmit cucumber mosaic virus. Confuse aphids by placing aluminum foil- covered squares of cardboard on the ground beneath young plants. The reflected light discourages aphids from landing on the plants. You can also wipe aphids off the plants by hand, wash them off with a garden hose or apply insecticidal soap according to directions on the bottle.

SOURCE: The University of Minnesota Extension (H210P)