What Is Wrong With My Jalapenos?

Are the seedlings dying and the stems are girdled or rotted at soil line?

Does the plant wilts, leaves turning brown or pale yellow?

Does your plant suddenly wilts and dies?

Are there any small translucent spots on leaves, spots later turn black?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Do the leaves have light-colored tunnels?

Do the leaves have small holes?

Are there singular, or closely grouped circular to irregularly shaped holes in the foliage?

Did the fruit gain color prematurely?

Are the leaves rolled?

The most likely cause for these symptoms is a damping-off disease. Remove and destroy all infected plants. To prevent damping-off let the soil surface dry between waterings, thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding, and do not add nitrogen fertilizers until plants have developed leaves.

These symptoms are most likely caused by Fusarium wilt. There is no cure for Fusarium wilt, so the infected plants should be destroyed. Do not plant chickpeas or any susceptible plants to Fusarium wilt in the same spot for several years.

Southern blight and phytophthora blight are fungal diseases that can infect jalapenos. Phytophthora blight is caused by water splashing up onto plants, where southern blight is caused by overly-soggy soil. Ensure you water at the soil level with a soaker hose. Do not overwater.

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular translucent spots scattered over the leaf surface between the veins. These spots turn brownish-black and may spread to form large patches of dead tissue. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid working around wet plants. Remove and destroy affected parts. Spray Bordeaux mix on remaining plants.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Spider mites are known to cause problems for jalapenos. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

These symptoms are usually caused by Leafminers. These tiny pale green fly larvae feed between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. Prune off and destroy all infested leaves. Remove debris in fall because it might contain overwintering leafminers. Introducing parasitic wasps is a very effective method of controlling leafminers.

Small holes in leaves are caused by Flea beetles. These tiny beetles hop when disturbed. Larvae are small and white, feed mostly on the undersides of leaves. Prevent problems by covering young plants with row cover. Control severe infestations by spraying or dusting plants with pyrethrin.

Beet armyworm causes irregularly shaped holes in the foliage. Organic methods of controlling armyworms include biological control by natural enemies that parasitize the larvae and the application of BTK spray (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Corn earworms often attack peppers and cause the fruit to color prematurely. Small holes and sawdust-like material can be visible near stems. Once caterpillars are feeding in fruit, it is too late to control them by spraying. Pick and use or destroy infested fruit. Spray BTK it they haven't entered inside the fruit.

Rolled leaves are caused by canna leafrollers caterpillars. These green caterpillars with brown heads feed on the enclosed leaves and buds. If the infestation isn't severe, handpick the rolled leaves with caterpillars. For severe infestations, the use of insecticides is the only way of controlling.

If the leaves are mottled and covered in a distinctive mosaic pattern, your jalapenos suffered from cucumber mosaic virus. There is no treatment for this disease. Remove and destroy your plants. Control aphids to prevent infection.