Recognizing and Controlling Phytophthora Blight in Peppers

摘要

Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is one of the most destructive pepper diseases in the eastern United States. The disease usually starts on plants in low, poorly drained areas of the field especially after excessive rains. The pathogen can be dispersed in soil, with surface water following drainage patterns, and via splash dispersal from soil to foliage or from plant to plant. During heavy rain and high wind, the pathogen can be distributed over entire fields and cause extensive losses within a few days.