SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
DISEASE CYCLE & EPIDEMIOLOGY:
FIELD SIGNATURE:
Figure 1. Silvery whiskers grow out of infected areas,
topped with black spore masses. Courtesy of: AVRDC.
Figure 2. Most of the time, it seems to start in
senescing flower petals. Once established, entire
flowers are overgrown, resulting in a brown to black
mass of soft tissue. Flower stalks, buds, and leaves may
subsequently be invaded. Photograph by: UF/IFAS.
Figure 3. Close-up of sporulating fungus on leaf
surface. Photograph by: UF/IFAS.
Prepared by: Dr. Pam Roberts
PHOTOS:
• ‘Whiskers’ of the fungus, which are fungal strands,
with dark-colored, knobby sporangiola, can be seen
with a hand lens.
• Morning is the best time to look for the fungus.
• Symptoms may be confused with Phytophthora
blight (Phytophthora capsici).
• This disease is not common on pepper plants in
Florida.
• The fungus has a wide host range such as yellow
squash and some common weeds.
• Outbreaks of this disease occur during extended rainy
periods and high temperatures.
• Water soaked lesions appear on the leaves and the
margins and leaf tips are blighted.
• Older lesions turn necrotic and appear dried out.
• The entire plant may wilt.
• Flowers and flower buds turn dark and wilt.
• Young fruit can be infected