Key
Focal Points to Reduce
Bell Pepper Decay
Avoid excessive N fertilization and
over-irrigation
Do not pick while foliage is wet
Sanitize picking containers to prevent cross contamination
Clean and sanitize postharvest equipment to prevent cross contamination
Use sanitizing chemicals approved for direct contact with vegetables to reduce decay inoculum
Dry fruit prior to packing
Promptly refrigerate packed fruit
(do not store below 45°F)
Bell Pepper Decay
Avoid excessive N fertilization and
over-irrigation
Do not pick while foliage is wet
Sanitize picking containers to prevent cross contamination
Clean and sanitize postharvest equipment to prevent cross contamination
Use sanitizing chemicals approved for direct contact with vegetables to reduce decay inoculum
Dry fruit prior to packing
Promptly refrigerate packed fruit
(do not store below 45°F)
Postharvest Decay of Bell Pepper: Bacterial
Soft Rot
Bell peppers are susceptible to a number of diseases while growing in the field, and some of these diseases can occur after harvest. The information on this page provides key steps that should be taken to avoid postharvest losses due to decay. This bulletin focuses primarily on bacterial soft rot, the primary postharvest decay associated with pepper fruit.
Bell peppers are susceptible to a number of diseases while growing in the field, and some of these diseases can occur after harvest. The information on this page provides key steps that should be taken to avoid postharvest losses due to decay. This bulletin focuses primarily on bacterial soft rot, the primary postharvest decay associated with pepper fruit.
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| fig.1 Tissue damage and water soaked lesion surrounding the stem resulting from bacterial soft rot infection | fig.2 Water soaked soft rot lesion on the outer flesh of bell pepper |
