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Damaged bell peppers #840736

Asked July 14, 2023, 4:57 PM EDT

My bell peppers are turning brown and wilting at the bottom. I thought it was from the sun but some peppers that are mostly shaded are turning brown, too. Any help is greatly appreciated. Regards, Tina Rains

Mesa County Colorado

Expert Response

It can be hard to tell what is going on from photos. A likely culprit is sunscald, but blossom end rot is another possibility - especially if the damage is at the bottom of the pepper, which it looks like it is in two of the photos. This source from Utah State University Extension has some good information on blossom end rot and how to prevent it: https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/notes_ag/veg-blossom-end-rot

Some information on sunscald: https://pestadvisories.usu.edu/2017/08/31/sunburnsunscald-in-vegetables-squash-diseases-spider-mites-sap-beetles-corn-earworm-new-fact-sheet-and-upcoming-events/

If you have further questions, please contact the master gardener desk<personal data hidden>. you can bring in a sample for us to look at. We're located within the Mesa County Fairgrounds and are open 8am-5pm.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2023, 5:56 PM EDT

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