BLS – Bacterial Leaf Spot
Scientific Name: Xanthomonas campestris
Type: Bacterium
Bacterial Leaf Spot is a disease that affects the growth of peppers. It is one of most destructive diseases that affects peppers in the Eastern part of the United States. Symptoms may first develop on older plant leaves. Initially brown spots appear on the leaves. The leaves turn yellow and eventually die off. Heavy infestations may cause complete defoliation and cause sun scald. Scab like spots may develop on peppers and are unmarketable. It can cause significant yield loss and even total crops losses. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. It is spread by seeds, weeds, by splashing rain, and by gardeners working with wet infected plants. Increase space between the plants to maximize air flow and drying of the leaves. The disease is favorable in areas with hot summers and frequent rainfall. Plan on using a 1 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year, as the disease can survive in the soil and infected plant debris. Proper tillage practices may be helpful in managing the disease. Cover the soil with black plastic mulch or black landscape fabric. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses and avoid overhead watering. Copper fungicides can help manage the disease. The best option is to use disease-free and disease resistant varieties.
PMV – Pepper Mottle Virus
Type: Virus - Potyvirus
Pepper Mottle Virus is a disease that affects the growth of peppers. The disease is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, including Florida. Symptoms include crinkled leaves, light and dark patches on the foliage that give the plant a mottled appearance, and dark green vein banding. The peppers are usually small and deformed. There may be severe stunting of the plants. The virus can cause substantial crop loss. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. The virus is transmitted by aphids and is not transmitted by seeds. It is spread by aphids to nearby weeds, which act as future reservoirs for the virus, so it is important to keep the fields weed free. Insecticides for aphids can control the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.
PVY – Potato Virus Y
Type: Virus - Potyvirus
Potato Virus Y is a disease that affects the growth of peppers. Symptoms include green mosaic on leaves, leaf malformation, and leaf mottling. There may be severe stunting of the plants, and sometimes death of plants. The virus can cause substantial crop loss. The virus is transmitted by aphids. The virus survives for long periods in infected weeds. Mild winter temperatures favor survival of the virus, thus the disease can be greater the following spring. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. Plan on using a 3 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year. Insecticides for aphids early in the season can control the disease. Keep the fields weed free. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.