At the same time, the fungus begins to grow on the undersides of the leaves in areas corresponding to the pale upper surface areas. The growth is olive green to greyish purple and velvety. The mold is more deeply colored in the center of the areas. As the disease progresses, the leaf spots turn yellowish brown. The leaves curl, wither and drop prematurely.
Defoliation starts at the bottom of the plant and works up.
Occasionally, flowers may be killed. The green or ripe fruit may have a black, leathery stem-end rot. The fruit may develop a lop-sided shape and the small side may ripen slower than the fully expanded side. Identification of Disease. Fungal growth is seen on undersides of leaves only.