Green Pepper Rot & Zucchini Stem Borers: Diagnosis & Organic Control

Green peppers rotting on sides (not blossom end). Zucchini stems have white worms killing plants. Asks for ID and control.

Pepper Rot: Likely Viral or Bacterial

• Side rot (not blossom end) = often viral (e.g., tobacco mosaic, cucumber mosaic) or bacterial soft rot.
• Viruses: spread by aphids, tools, hands. No cure. Remove affected fruit; control aphids.
• Bacterial: enters through wounds. Avoid overhead watering; improve air flow.

Zucchini Worms: Squash Vine Borer (Melittia cucurbitae)

• Larvae bore into stems, frass (sawdust) at entry holes.
• Plant wilts, dies.

Organic Controls

1. Row covers until female flowers appear (then remove for pollination).
2. Surgery: Slit stem lengthwise at frass, remove larva, bury stem node to root.
3. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) injected into stem or sprayed at base weekly.
4. Diatomaceous earth around base.
5. Rotate crops yearly; destroy crop residues.

Pepper Virus Prevention

• Control aphids (soap, neem, beneficials).
• Sanitize tools (10% bleach).
• Resistant varieties (e.g., 'Ace', 'Aristotle').
• Remove infected plants promptly.

Accurate ID leads to targeted action—borers need stem treatment; viruses need vector control.