Tiny black spots on peppers leaves - Ask Extension
I have something going on with my pepper plants. It started as small symmetrical dots (arrow pointing to one of the small dots) and has deteriorated q...
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Tiny black spots on peppers leaves #759412
Asked July 01, 2021, 2:37 AM EDT
I have something going on with my pepper plants. It started as small symmetrical dots (arrow pointing to one of the small dots) and has deteriorated quickly as you can see in the pics. I cannot find pics online that match. Closest I could find was black speck or black spot virus, but it’s not quite a match. Looking for diagnosis and treatment ideas. Thank you!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello, happy to help.
It appears to be the work of the fourlined plant bug. It's life cycle is about over at this time. Hopefully, there's not too much damage done but I recommend destroying all plant material at the end of the season either by burning or burying it not composting because the adults have laid eggs for next year's bugs in the stems of your pepper plants as well as nearby plants. By destroying the material, you'll ensure that there will be fewer bugs next spring. Here is more information about fourlined plant bugs that will help you understand how to manage them.
Good-luck!
