Only six years ago, powdery mildew on chile was considered uncommon in New Mexico, she said. But favorable conditions for the disease and an overwintering population of the fungus have made it an annual problem for chile growers.
Powdery mildew is a fungal leaf disease that attacks chile plants of all ages and varieties.
A severe infection can prematurely defoliate chile plants, reducing yield and quality. As the infection progresses, the leaves curl up and expose the powdery fungus. Eventually, leaves fall from plants, exposing developing fruit to direct sunlight. Sunburned fruit can be a secondary problem. The disease problem also is likely to be more devastating earlier in the growing season when favorable conditions occur.