Question
I live in San Diego, CA and I'm growing two jalapeno and two red bell pepper plants in separate containers on my patio. After a recent cold and somewhat rainy spell the stems of all four of my pepper plants began to sport a blackish color where the stems branch out from the main stem. In addition one of the stems on my jalapenos has black streaks.

I wasn't too concerned at first but earlier this evening
I noticed a tiny white-beige worm, (larvae?)about 1/8 inch, in one of the stem joints of the bell pepper plant that has the biggest patch of black color and wondered if this larvae had anything to with the discoloration.

I have also noticed that the jalapeno plants look as if they are having a hard time blossoming out. They have buds but they are tiny and it seems it is taking them an extremely long time to open compared to the blossoms on the bell pepper plants.

In spite of the black discoloration and a bout with aphids and leaf puckering the blossoms on the bell pepper plants are opening and appear to be forming healthy peppers.

I have grown chilis and bell peppers for years, in a garden plot, in containers and in a greenhouse and only once have I noticed a black colorization on stem joints and stems. It didn't affect the plant nor the crop. Now I'm not so certain.

I have read up on Phytophthora stem rot and looked at photos of this virus but the description doesn't seem to match.

I read elsewhere on the net that that black streaks and patches in stem joints are normal since the stems of pepper plants are woody in nature. Is this true?  

Answer
Liz:

First you need to take care of the worms and aphids. Spray about every 7 days with Sevin. Try to keep the worms pulled off the plants.
Aphids normally attach to the bottom of the leaf and cause leaf curling. Make sure you spray the bottom half of the leaves.

With regard to the black spots, I can't tell you much about this. I have had an experience where the jalapano fruit would be premature and turn black. Have not found an answer for this yet.

With regard to blossom set, you might want to try spraying with a good plant hormone. I do know that the Aphids will cause a turning of color on the blossoms and they won't mature.

I don't think I gave you a lot of help but my best shot. If they continue to have problems, perhaps you could buy a couple of more plants but make sure you use fresh potting soil.

Best wishes and hope this helps.

Don Battles
Northern Thailand Pepper Grower.