Peppers: Sunscald

Problem
An area on the pepper fruit becomes soft, wrinkled, and light in color. Later, this area dries and becomes slightly sunken, with a white, paperlike appearance. An entire side of the fruit may be affected. Black mold may grow in the affected areas.

Analysis
Pepper fruit exposed directly to sunlight may be burned by the heat of the sun. The fruit may be exposed to the sun as a result of leaf diseases that cause leaf drop. Early fruits on small plants without enough protective foliage may be burned. Also, some varieties do not produce enough foliage to shade the fruit. Rot organisms sometimes enter the fruit through the damaged area, making the fruit unappetizing or inedible. Sunscalded fruit without these molds is still edible if the discolored tissue is removed.

Solution
Control leaf diseases that may defoliate the plants. Fertilize according to the guidelines in Peppers to keep plants healthy with lush foliage. Select pepper varieties that form a protective canopy of leaves.