Black spots inside peppers - Ask Extension
I've had bad spots on the outside of peppers many times but this year I have them inside an otherwise beautiful pepper. Both hot and sweet. It isn't r...
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Black spots inside peppers #730426
Asked October 13, 2020, 2:41 PM EDT
I've had bad spots on the outside of peppers many times but this year I have them inside an otherwise beautiful pepper. Both hot and sweet. It isn't rotten, just dark areas and they still taste great. Should I have used more Epson salt or what do you think I should do differently next year? Thanks
Jefferson County Kentucky
Expert Response
Disease or insect damage is very difficult to diagnose without the actual fruit or vegetable to send to the lab. From your description the dark spots are either insect damage or a fungal/bacterial spots. The spots will most likely be safe to eat but I would cut them away before using the vegetable. Spotting will make the shelf life of the vegetable very short so I would use or process in the fashion you want, being sure to remove the blemished areas.
This was one of the wettest summers on record for Metro Louisville so disease is most likely the cause of the spotting. Plant disease resistant varieties next year and watch for signs of disease on leaves first. If caught before bloom or fruit production a copper or Sulphur fungicide can be applied to halt the spread of fungal disease.
This was one of the wettest summers on record for Metro Louisville so disease is most likely the cause of the spotting. Plant disease resistant varieties next year and watch for signs of disease on leaves first. If caught before bloom or fruit production a copper or Sulphur fungicide can be applied to halt the spread of fungal disease.
Feel free to contact our office if you have other questions.
Let me know if I can help you further!
Carol Wilder
Horticulture Technician
Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
Email: <personal data hidden>
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4200 Gardiner View Avenue
