Pepper Sunscald: Complete Treatment Guide

Pepper Sunscald

What is Pepper Sunscald?

Symptoms

  • White or tan blistered areas on fruits
  • Papery, bleached patches on peppers
  • Affected areas may become sunken
  • Secondary rot may develop in damaged areas
  • More common on exposed fruits
  • Can affect green or ripening peppers

What Causes Pepper Sunscald?

  • Direct sun exposure on fruits
  • Sudden loss of leaf cover
  • Excessive pruning
  • Disease or pest damage to leaves
  • High temperatures
  • Insufficient plant foliage
  • Poor plant spacing

How to Treat Pepper Sunscald

Organic Treatments

  • Provide temporary shade cloth
  • Apply kaolin clay spray
  • Use organic foliar sprays
  • Add seaweed extract for stress relief
  • Apply compost tea to promote leaf growth

Chemical Treatments

  • Use sunscreen sprays for plants
  • Apply calcium spray to strengthen cell walls
  • Use balanced fertilizer to promote leaf growth

Cultural Controls

  • Maintain healthy leaf coverage
  • Avoid excessive pruning
  • Provide afternoon shade
  • Support plants to maintain leaf cover
  • Control pests and diseases that damage leaves
  • Train plants for better fruit protection

How to Prevent Pepper Sunscald

  • Plant proper spacing for good leaf cover
  • Choose varieties with good leaf coverage
  • Avoid over-pruning
  • Use shade cloth in hot climates
  • Maintain plant health
  • Control insects that damage leaves
  • Plant companion crops for shade

Recommended Fertilizers for Pepper Sunscald