Causes and Control Methods of Pepper Sunscald

Pepper sunscald is a physiological disease. This disease is a common fruit disease during midsummer. When pepper fruits are exposed to intense direct sunlight, the temperature of the fruit skin rises. Because of water evaporation, the local temperature on the fruit surface increases and causes sunscald. The affected part is often infected by anthracnose pathogens or other fungi and grows mold, and some fruits even rot.

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After this disease occurs, not only is the rate of marketable fruit reduced, but transportation and other aspects are also adversely affected, and it easily causes varying degrees of loss to farmers. So how should sunscald be controlled? First, reasonable close planting. In the hot summer, this can increase the pepper leaf area and encourage the leaves to shade one another to prevent sunscald.

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Second, use shade nets for covering in overwintering cultivation to lower soil temperature and air temperature, which can reduce disease occurrence. Third, control pests and diseases, and promptly prevent early defoliation caused by pests and diseases such as anthracnose. Fourth, strengthen field fertilizer and water management. During the flowering and fruiting period, water promptly and evenly, keep the ground moist, and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote fruit development.

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