What's going wrong with my peppers?

[Michael]

My pepper plants don't seem to be doing too well this year. I have been on the hunt for pests at night, but haven't found anything. Any suggestions?

 

[zigs]

Welcome to Gardening Forums

Looks like they've picked up a virus

 

[Beth_B]

No clue - where in the US are you located?
Could be a virus, as @zigs suggests. Or a fungal disease.

 

[CanadianLori]

Welcome!

Looks like disease.

Yes, please do add your state, zone so that more people can try to help.

 

[Chuck]

Could be a fungal or virus disease but I wouldn't rule out large temperature fluctuations either

 

[Michael]

Thanks for the replies so far. I am located in zone 9B, just slightly north of Santa Cruz, CA.

What is my remedy if things do not improve soon? I'm guessing simply removing the plants?

 

[Beth_B]

Wow, back in the 1980s I lived in Scotts Valley, then Santa Cruz. Gorgeous area!
Honestly, your best bet is to go to your local (NOT big box) nursery or greenhouse with a sample leaf and ask them. Local, knowleagable advice is best. Some fungal diseases are easily treated with commercial sprays or Neem oil or even vinegar; some are in the soil and require more work. But some of these things can be highly localized, which is why getting local expert advice is best. I am sure you have a Master Gardener extension office there. Why, yes, you do:
http://cesantacruz.ucanr.edu/Monterey_Bay_Master_Gardener_Information/

THAT's who you need to talk to. Good luck, and let us know what you find out!

 

[Michael]

Thanks very much Beth_B, I think that's probably the best possible answer I could get. Scotts Valley is where I live - a fantastic climate for vegetables. Unfortunately my available sun is hindered by fences and trees.

 

[Beth_B]

I hear you Michael, my property now is very wooded and shaded so I have limited space for veggies. I make it work but it's a challenge.

I lived on Scotts Valley Drive, behind what used to be Leo's Liquors, on three acres with tons of poppies. I imagine that's all built up now but back in the day it was just fields. I had free range chickens and a giant oak tree and between oak mulch and chicken poop I had an amazing garden.