Sunscald of peppers occurs on parts of the fruit exposed to direct sunlight. The first evidence of the problem is a light-colored, soft, wrinkled area on the fruit. As the injured area dries, it becomes sunken and has a white, paper-like appearance. In many cases, secondary organisms enter through these areas. Anthracnose , caused by a fungus, is one of the two most common rots found on pepper fruit.
Diseased areas develop as dark, round, sunken spots that often reach an inch in diameter.
The disease is more severe during rainy weather because the spores are washed or splashed to other fruit. The application of a recommended fungicide controls anthracnose. Ripe Rot , caused by a fungus, is a serious problem on pimento pepper. Infection can occur any time after petal fall, but there is no sign of the disease until the fruit turns red. The fungus can penetrate the seed cavity and infect the seed.