Fruit rot is a different phase of crown and root rot, all caused by Phytophthora capsici and other Phytophthora spp. The symptoms are initially large water soaked lesions which develop a white dense growth on the fruit. The disease can spread rapidly and fruit collapse. This continues after harvest. Secondary infections then occur.
Infection can also occur in fall pickles following a spring crop which was under standing water.
Water management is critical to reducing damage from this disease. Avoid planting susceptible crops in low lying areas where standing water is common. Plant on raised beds and subsoil between crops to avoid layers that are impervious to water. A three year rotation is important. August 29 - September 4 .