Causes and Solution of Yellow Spots on Pepper Leaves

Many gardeners enjoy to grow peppers in their garden. But when pepper plant leaves turn yellow, it can be caused gardeners scratching their heads. If pepper plant leaves turn yellow it’s called chlorosis. As a result, the leaves aren’t able to make proper chlorophyll – the substance that keeps them a uniform green color. Yellow leaves results in fruits, stunted plants or even plant death. There are many reasons that can lead to pepper leaves turning yellow. So, let’s know the reasons and solutions of yellowing pepper plants.

Causes of Yellow Spots

Lack of nitrogen in the soil is the main reason pepper plant leaves yellow. Discoloration starts from the bottom of the plants and spreads upwards. Many types of plants get older, yellowing leaves naturally. But this is not the case with pepper plants. Irregulation of giving water is another major cause of yellowing leaves. Pepper plants grow best in soil that drains well and is kept consistently moist.

Oversaturated soil affects the entire plant causing root damage and rusty foliage. Insects like aphids, mealybugs, spider, leafhoppers and stink bugs feed on sap in pepper leaves and cause foliage to turn yellow, dry up and fall off the plant. These pests quickly multiply into infestations that can damage the whole plant if not controlled.

Solution

The solution with the fastest results is to spray the leaves with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as fish emulsion. The fertilizers such as NPK 10-10-10 are effective. Prevention is the most effective cure for overwatering and underwatering plants so you need to know when and how much to water. For the first sign of pest, apply neem or horticultural oil. Invite predators of these pests into your garden by providing nectar or pollen-producing flowers and herbs.

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