Damage symptoms

Fruit wall rapidly dehydrates, forming a papery, bleached lesion on the side exposed to the sun. Secondary fungi and bacteria may cause further discoloration.


Conditions for development

Sunscald is caused by direct exposure of the fruit to bright sunlight. Such exposure is typically caused by limb breakage due to wind, cultivation, or harvesting operations. Mature green fruit are most susceptible.


Control

Pepper plants can be brittle. Be careful not to damage their limbs while cultivating and harvesting. Use cultivars with good foliage coverage.